Menstruation

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Causes

TSS is caused by the common bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus – which normally live harmlessly on the skin and in the nose, armpit, groin or vagina of one in every three people. In rare cases certain strains of these bacteria can produce toxins (poisons) that cause TSS.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of TSS are much like severe ‘flu’ and usually include some or all of the following:

• A sudden high fever (temperature)
• Vomiting
• A sun-burn like skin rash
• Diarrhea
• Fainting or feeling like you’re going to pass out
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Mental confusion

Diagnosis

Consult your doctor at once, if you or anyone you know has some of these symptoms and suspect TSS. If you are wearing a tampon remove it and tell your doctor that you have been using tampons. Don’t worry about being alarmist – it is important to rule out the possibility of having TSS and if necessary your doctor will then be able to begin treatment early.

Treatment

With early diagnosis TSS can be treated with antibiotics to kill the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and other medicines which help counteract the symptoms.

If you are a tampon-user, it is important that you:

1. Always use a tampon with the lowest absorbency suitable for your period flow.

2. Alternate tampon use with external sanitary protection (pad or panty liner).

3. Read the manufacturers’ instruction leaflet in the tampon box. This information is often updated – so read it regularly.

4. Wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon.

5. Change tampons regularly, as often as directed on the package.

6. Never insert more than one tampon at a time.

7. If you use tampons at night, insert a fresh tampon immediately before going to bed, and remove it immediately upon awakening – or change the tampon once during the night if you use the bathroom.

8. Use lighter protection like panty liners, toward the end of your period, whenever possible.