Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare although serious infection caused by bacteria. Men, woman and children can all get TSS but it has been linked to tampon use. Tampons do not carry the bacteria which causes TSS but when left in the vagina for a long period of time (over 8 hours) bacteria can grow leading to TSS. TSS is very rare but can cause death.
To lower the risk of TSS you should change your tampon every 4-6 hours, 8 hours at the most and never sleep with a tampon in, never wear more than one tampon at a time and always remember to remove your last tampon at the end of your period, only use tampons on your period, use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary, wash your hands before and after inserting tampons and avoid as much contact with the tampon as possible. If you have recently given birth, had a caesarean, a miscarriage, an abortion ask or any operation on your reproductive system ask your doctor before using tampons.
Symptoms of TSS are:
♥ Feeling ill
♥ Headaches
♥ Muscular pains
♥ Sudden onset of a high fever (39C/102F or higher)
♥ Chills
♥ Vomiting
♥ Diarrhea
♥ Fainting
♥ Weakness
♥ Dizziness
♥ Confusion
♥ A sunburn-like rash
If you experience any of these symptoms during or soon after your period remove your tampon and see a doctor immediately as TSS can be fatal. Make sure to tell your doctor you have been using tampons and do not start using them again until you have discussed this with your doctor. Do not expect TSS to just go away, it won't unless it is treated by a doctor. No embarrassment is more important than your life.
To lower the risk of TSS you should change your tampon every 4-6 hours, 8 hours at the most and never sleep with a tampon in, never wear more than one tampon at a time and always remember to remove your last tampon at the end of your period, only use tampons on your period, use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary, wash your hands before and after inserting tampons and avoid as much contact with the tampon as possible. If you have recently given birth, had a caesarean, a miscarriage, an abortion ask or any operation on your reproductive system ask your doctor before using tampons.
Symptoms of TSS are:
♥ Feeling ill
♥ Headaches
♥ Muscular pains
♥ Sudden onset of a high fever (39C/102F or higher)
♥ Chills
♥ Vomiting
♥ Diarrhea
♥ Fainting
♥ Weakness
♥ Dizziness
♥ Confusion
♥ A sunburn-like rash
If you experience any of these symptoms during or soon after your period remove your tampon and see a doctor immediately as TSS can be fatal. Make sure to tell your doctor you have been using tampons and do not start using them again until you have discussed this with your doctor. Do not expect TSS to just go away, it won't unless it is treated by a doctor. No embarrassment is more important than your life.