Toxic Shock Syndrome: Everything You Need to Know

No need to be alarmist, understanding toxic shock syndrome will help you to develop good habits and take better care of your intimate health.

It’s important to note that toxic shock syndrome is extremely rare. Millions of people every day use menstrual products without ever experiencing such a problem. However, as with anything health related, being informed is the best type of prevention.

Toxic shock syndrome, often shortened to TSS, is a severe infection caused by certain bacteria, primarily the Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are actually very common, and can be found naturally on the skin or in the body without causing an issue.

In some very specific cases, these bacteria can produce toxins. For some, these toxins trigger a very strong immune response that can lead to sudden and severe symptoms.

TSS can’t be contracted through menstruation alone, it can also occur when a skin wound gets infected, or after surgical intervention. However, it is often linked to the use of internal sanitary products, as these can create conditions that are conducive to bacterial growth.

Although it may seem worrying, TSS is very rare.

The main link between menstrual products and TSS is the time these products are worn, specifically those designed to be inserted, such as tampons and menstrual cups.

A person tends to be more at risk when they don’t follow the recommended guidelines for use, such as:

• Keeping a tampon in for too long
• Choosing too heavy an absorption level for your flow
• Forgetting to remove tampons/menstrual cups etc.

With a few simple gestures and good hygiene habits, the risk becomes extremely low.

Toxic shock syndrome usually presents with sudden, severe symptoms. These can appear out of the blue and worsen rapidly.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• A sudden onset of fever
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• A feeling of unease or vertigo
• Intense muscle pain
• A sunburn-like rash

Some people may also experience extreme fatigue, confusion and a drop in blood pressure.

If you get these symptoms during your period or when using an internal sanitary product, it’s crucial to remove the product and seek medical help immediately. Swift treatment usually ensures that the infection is effectively treated.

Prevention involves a few simple steps that help to limit the spread of bacteria.

The number one rule: change your sanitary products regularly. Tampons should be replaced every 8 hours at the very most.

It’s also advised that you:

• Choose an absorption level that’s adapted to your flow
• Wash your hands before and after changing your sanitary products
• When possible, alternate between using tampons and pads
• Never leave a tampon in overnight

These habits help to significantly reduce risk whilst maintaining the comfort of wearing internal sanitary products.

Toxic shock syndrome is sometimes subject to exaggerated or misconstrued information. Let us reiterate once again that TSS is extremely rare, and a large majority of menstruating people will never have to be confronted with it.

Menstrual products are not dangerous. They’ve existed for decades, undergo rigorous testing and are subject to strict controls. What’s most important is making sure to use them properly: respect wear time, choose the right absorption level and follow good hygiene practices.

Talking about periods and menstrual health more generally has long since been treated as something to be ashamed of that must be kept quiet. Understanding our bodies and the best hygiene practices for intimate areas, however, is key in avoiding unnecessary worry.

The goal of talking about toxic shock syndrome isn’t to spark fear in people, on the contrary, it helps to spread accurate, relevant information on the topic. By being aware of the warning signs and knowing what to do, everyone can continue to use their period products with peace of mind, whilst keeping an eye on their health.