Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) develops when a common bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, produce a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxin rapidly overwhelms the immune system, producing what appears to be flu-like symptoms. Major organs shut down – kidneys fail, lungs collapse and the heart stops.
It’s important to know that half of all known cases of Toxic Shock occur in women using TAMPONS.
Please take a moment and look over the following information about TSS and read about my own TSS experience.
Symptoms of TSS (initially often resemble the flu)
- Sore throat
- Aching muscles
- High temperature; over 102 degrees F
- Vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Red rash
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Very low blood pressure
It’s important to note that only one or two symptoms may occur. And, they do not necessarily occur all at once – and may not persist.
What You Should Do
- Remove the tampon (save it in a sandwich type bag if possible)
- Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention
- Inform the doctor that you have been using tampons
- Take TSS information leaflet with you (each tampon box contains one)
After Effects of TSS?
Survivors of Toxic Shock Syndrome may have suffered:
- Loss of fingers and toes due to gangrene
- Permanent kidney and liver damage
- Deafness and blindness
- Peeling skin, and loss of nails and hair
- Continual infections
- Short term memory loss
- No energy for months or even years
- Psychological and emotional distress
To Reduce the Risk of TSS
- If you use tampons, only use tampons made of organic cotton
- Use the lowest absorbency needed at each stage of your period
- Avoid using tampons continuously during a period. Alternate with sanitary pads at night so the toxins have time to dissipate.
- Use a pad at the end of your period or during light flow
- Change tampons every 2 to 4 hours
- Don’t use tampons if you’ve had any unusual discharge
- Wash your hands before and after use and handle the tampon as little as possible
- Consider leaving tampons entirely and embracing menstrual cups
- Alert your family and friends to the symptoms and emergency action required
- Read and keep this information or the leaflet inside the tampon packet
To read my entire TSS Story, please visit You ARE Loved.com
…You see me in the eyes of every girl, every woman you encounter – and every time you look in the mirror. I am every woman who has ever used a tampon and every one who will. I am a victim of TSS. …Tampons accompanied me everywhere…. Tampons ruled my periods. They were my life preservers in life’s FLOW. I always had one in my purse or in my pocket. And I recommended them to my friends, sharing with them if they started and had no protection. Tampons got me through high school, my first job, college and into marriage. And, then along came a request from a company – would I be willing to try Rely tampons? The request came with tantalizing promises – last longer, absorb more, less worry about leaks. And FREE. Would I? You bet I would. 21 years old, working full time, supporting hubby in college – I was ready for a break and Rely tampons promised to give me one from my period issues. …By the end of the second day of my period I noticed when I removed the Rely tampon, it hurt. The inside of my vagina felt raw. Inserting the next was painful. On the third day I woke vomiting, with fever and chills. My throat felt raw and swollen. I was so weak I could not rise from bed without assistance. Diarrhea soon followed. My chest hurt and I was dizzy. A call to the doctor assured me all was well…most likely the flu or a stomach bug. …My fever climbed and my back, muscles and joints ached. …By late afternoon I was in bad shape. I had developed a red rash on my arms and legs and my skin was flushed. My husband helped me into the bathroom and I almost fainted. As I sat on the toilet I remembered I’d not changed tampons since the night before and removed it. I placed a pad instead of another tampon. …The fever raged into the night, the pain caused me to moan in agony. I was unable to keep anything down. My kidneys stopped putting out urine…