By Iolee Anagnostopoulou
If you use tampons, you’ve likely heard about the risks of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from your mum or friends. And if you haven’t, well, it’s a potentially severe complication that can lead to amputation or even death. Scary, right?
TSS gained notoriety in the late 1970s and early 1980s with the introduction of highly absorbent tampons. Specifically, the Rely tampon by Proctor & Gamble was said to absorb 20 times its weight in liquid thanks to compressed polymer technology. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed 890 reported TSS cases during that era, with 91% linked to menstruation. This prompted further investigation, followed by the product’s removal from the market and the issuance of relevant warnings.
Although this may sound incredibly alarming to young women who didn’t know what happened 40 years ago, there’s no need to trigger any panic buttons. Thankfully, only 1 in 100,000 people get TSS, and only half of the reported cases are linked to menstruation. But despite its rarity, TSS still occurs among tampon users and the US, in particular, has seen a sudden spike in cases since July 2022.
So, let’s dive into this rarely discussed but crucial topic of safe tampon use.
What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
TSS, in a nutshell, is a severe illness triggered by bacterial toxins commonly associated with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These toxins can be produced by bacteria flourishing in certain conditions, like tampons left in for too long or skin wounds. Upon eventual removal, a tampon might cause abrasions or breaks in the vaginal skin, creating a pathway for bacteria to enter your bloodstream and trigger TSS.
Now, let’s be clear—TSS is not your garden-variety ailment. It’s rare but potentially life-threatening if not addressed promptly. So, understanding what it is and how it happens is crucial.
Recognising TSS Symptoms
Common TSS symptoms to look out for are moderate to high fever, nausea, confusion, muscle pain, and low blood pressure. Another symptom that usually appears in later stages is skin peeling, generally affecting the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Without prompt treatment, this progression can quickly lead to a coma, multiple organ failure, and, ultimately, death.
Who’s At Risk?
Women using tampons, menstrual cups, and contraceptive diaphragms/caps are more susceptible to TSS. The risk is also higher after giving birth or having a caesarean section and after a miscarriage or abortion.
But here’s the catch—TSS doesn’t discriminate. While 50% of cases are associated with menstruation, this syndrome can also stem from infected wounds post-surgery, kitchen burns, or even cuts while working in the yard.
TSS Prevention Tips
Alright, let’s talk about prevention. TSS is generally rare, but there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of contracting or spreading a bacterial infection.
- Always wash your hands and follow the relevant instructions when inserting tampons, menstrual cups or contraceptive diaphragms, and don’t leave them in for longer than recommended.
- Change tampons every 4 to 6 hours to keep the germs away.
- Don’t leave a tampon in overnight.
- Keep cuts and burns clean, and stay vigilant for signs of infection, such as a rash, swelling, or pain.
- Wash your hands often.
And remember, if you’ve had TSS before, you’re at higher risk of getting it again. This means inserting and leaving things down there for a prolonged time isn’t a good idea.
Luckily, there are several alternative menstrual products to choose from, such as period panties and reusable cloth pads—eco-friendly, comfortable, and free from unexpected party crashers.
TSS Treatment Options
Now, suppose you suspect TSS has gatecrashed your body’s party. In that case, seeking immediate medical assistance in evicting uninvited bacterial guests is essential. Since there is no test to diagnose TSS, you should offer blood and urine samples to check for a staph or strep infection. Cell samples from your vagina, cervix, and throat may also be swabbed for lab analysis.
Considering that TSS can impact various organs, your doctor may recommend additional tests, like a CT scan, lumbar puncture, or chest X-ray, to evaluate the severity of your condition.
Treatment usually includes hospitalisation and receiving intravenous antibiotics, along with fluids to treat shock or dehydration and prevent organ damage. Additional medication may be given to stabilise blood pressure and supplemental oxygen to assist with breathing. People who develop kidney failure may need a programme of dialysis, while severe cases might require surgical deep-cleaning of the infected area.
In the grand scheme of health, toxic shock syndrome might seem like a minor character, but it’s one worth knowing. Responsible tampon use, good hygiene, and staying informed are your shields in safeguarding your well-being. So be proactive and don’t let rare conditions like TSS overshadow the dance of life.