Toxic Shock Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but serious bacterial infection that has been associated with tampon use. Although TSS is serious, it’s very treatable – especially when treated early. In rare cases, it can be fatal. The incidence has been unchanged since 1980s: only 0.7 in 100,000 menstruating women in the UK are affected.

Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacteria, not tampons, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. In the 1980s, TSS became more well-known because it was associated with highly absorbent tampons (those highly absorbent tampons were quickly taken off the market). However, tampons aren’t required for TSS. You can get it while using pads or menstrual cups, or no period protection at all. Anyone can get TSS. Even men and children can get TSS, and only about half of TSS infections are related to menstruation. Some other ways people develop TSS include insect bites, skin infections, or surgery.

Fortunately, Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare. To put it into perspective, you are more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are from Toxic Shock Syndrome. There are also things you can do to prevent TSS. In a lightning storm, we take cover and get out of swimming pools. Similarly, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for TSS (keep reading to learn more!).

The Toxic Shock Information Service states that treatment may involve:

• Antibiotics to treat infection
• In some cases, pooled immunoglobin (purified antibodies taken out of donated blood from many people) may also be given to fight the infection
• Oxygen to help with breathing
• Fluids to help prevent dehydration and organ damage
• Medication to help control blood pressure
• Dialysis if the kidneys stop functioning
• In severe cases, surgery to remove any dead tissue - rarely, it may be necessary to amputate the affected area

With early diagnoses TSS can be treated with antibiotics to kill the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and other medicine which help counteract the symptoms. Most people will start to feel better within a few days, but it may be several weeks before they're well enough to leave hospital.

The Toxic Shock Information Service states that some of the signs and symptoms of TSS are much like severe “flu” and usually include all or some of the following:

• High temperature (fever) of 39C or above
• Vomiting
• Sunburn-like rash
• Diarrhoea
• Fainting or feeling faint
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Breathing difficulties

Sometimes you may also have a wound on your skin where the bacteria got into your body, but this isn't always the case and it may not look infected.

Consult your doctor at once if you, or anyone you know, has some of these symptoms and suspect TSS.

If a tampon is being worn it should be removed and the doctor should be told. Do not worry about being alarmist - it is important to rule out the possibility of having TSS and if necessary, your doctor will them be able to begin treatment early.

TSS can affect anyone, including men, women, and children. It can occur in a variety of situations, including after childbirth, surgical infections, insect bites, burns, barrier contraceptives and menstruation.

Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in the vagina, but also in other warm, moist body areas, such as the nose or armpits. Most people have antibodies in their blood, protecting them from the toxin, if it is produced.

TSS is rare, but you can prevent it and reduce your risk even more by following a few recommendations:

• Always use the lowest absorbency tampon that will manage your flow. If it hurts to remove after a few hours, go down a size.
• Know the symptoms of TSS mentioned above, and get immediate medical attention if you are worried you may have it.
• The risk of tampon-related TSS can also be reduced by interrupting tampon use with pads from time to time.

Choose the right Tampax tampon absorbency for your changing period flow.