What Is TSS (Or Toxic Shock Syndrome)?
Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare, but serious disease that is caused by toxin-producing strains of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium.
What Causes TSS?
The bacterium that causes Toxic Shock Syndrome is commonly found on the skin, in the nose, armpit, groin or vagina. In a very small number of people, certain strains of this organism produce a toxin that can cause TSS. Most people have antibodies in their bloodstream to protect them from these toxins.
Are Tampons Going To Give Me TSS?
Tampon research shows that the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome from tampons is associated with absorbency: the higher the absorbency the higher the risk; the lower the absorbency the lower the risk. Just make sure you’re using the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow. Also be sure to wear a pad from time to time during your period.
What Are The Symptoms Of TSS from tampons?
Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome can feel a lot like the flu. If you experience any symptoms of TSS from tampons, and start feeling sick, remove your tampon ASAP and make sure you get to a doctor and tell them you think you might have TSS.
Toxic Shock Syndrome symptoms are:
- Sudden high temperature (102 degrees F/38.9 degrees C or higher)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Sunburn-like rash
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Fainting or feeling faint when standing up
Can Anyone Get TSS?
Unfortunately, yes. Toxic Shock Syndrome can affect men, women, children, anyone. Sometimes TSS comes from infections following insect bites, burns or surgery. To give you an idea, Toxic Shock Syndrome from tampons accounts for only about half of TSS cases.
Is TSS Contagious?
Nope. You can’t catch Toxic Shock Syndrome from anyone else.
Is It Possible To Get TSS More Than Once?
Unfortunately, yes. And if you’ve had Toxic Shock Syndrome in the past, you should consult your doctor before trying tampons.
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