Knowledge Base - Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Symptoms

TSS is caused by the toxins produced by some strains of the common bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which normally live harmlessly on the skin and in the vagina.

The infection, and its symptoms, may develop at any time. TSS may at first seem a bit like flu, and the symptoms include:

• High temperature
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash (diffuse and red a bit like sunburn)
• Dizziness and feeling faint
• Confusion

TSS can be easily treated with antibiotics which are usually successful especially in the early stages of the condition.

Reducing the risk

Because the exact reason for the cause of TSS is not clearly understood women must take upon themselves the responsibility for reducing their risk of getting this rare yet fatal disease.

Medical advice - ways to reduce your TSS risk:

• Avoid super absorbent tampons
• Always use the minimum absorbency possible
• Use tampons made from 100% cotton
• Change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours
• Alternate the use of tampons with pads
• Avoid using tampons at night time
• Avoid using tampons between periods
• Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome
• Never use tampons if you have ever had TSS

You can also remove the risk - by not using tampons.
Take a look at our mooncup section for a good alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes TSS?
The reasons are not fully understood, even by scientists, but research indicates that TSS is caused by toxins released into the bloodstream by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which is commonly found in the nose, skin or vagina and usually cause no problem.

Why is the risk of TSS linked to tampon use?
Using tampons, especially high absorbency ones, is thought to increase the risk of menstrual TSS when this bacterium is present. Tampons have not been found to cause TSS without this bacterium.

Who is at the highest risk?
Young women (under thirty) and teenage girls are at a higher risk of getting the type of TSS linked to tampon use - menstrual TSS - although TSS can occur in men, women and children.

The FDA suggests that these younger women are at a higher risk because they may not yet have antibodies to the toxin.

Tampon absorbency and TSS.
Research indicates a relationship between the development of TSS and the use of tampons, especially high-absorbency tampons, although the researches are not sure why. Therefore you should always use the lowest absorbency you can for your periods.

Is the risk less with 100% cotton tampons?
Using 100% cotton tampons is thought to reduce the risk of TSS but it still doesn't remove it. The only way to prevent TSS caused by tampons is not to use them.

How long can I leave a tampon inserted?
It is recommended that you change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours. Research also indicates that continuous use of tampons is a high risk factor and, therefore, it is recommended that you take a break at night when it's probably most convenient.

Alternatives

Two healthy and environmentally safe alternatives to tampons and pads are the menstrual cup and reusable menstrual cloths.

The Menstrual Cup - made from silicone, unlike tampons this non–allergic material does not interfere with the vagina’s essential self–cleansing functions. The Mooncup has never been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome.

For women with sensitive skin, allergies or thrush the Mooncup will not cause irritation or reaction.

Find out more information here, at pinkies 'mooncup' section

Washable Menstrual Cloths - you can find these available on the Internet, just put 'Washable Menstrual Cloths' into the search engine.