Toxic Shock Syndrome
By: Hazel Rex
This blog is for education purposes only! Toxic Shock Syndrome is life-threatening and requires emergency care. We cannot treat Toxic Shock Syndrome at Bridgercare, but if you have questions about how to avoid TSS, please call or make an appointment!
What is TSS? Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a result of complications from bacterial infections. Although most people commonly associate TSS with the use of inserted feminine products, it can occur from skin wounds, surgery, and more. It is super important to note that only 1 out of every 100,000 people get TSS per year. TSS started gaining notoriety in the 1970s-90s when super high absorbency tampons were leading to an increase in TSS infections. All of those tampons have since been taken off the market.
The actual ‘toxin’ itself is produced by the Staphylococcus aureus (Staph!) bacterial infections and becomes harmful if it enters the bloodstream. For the context of this blog, we are going to talk about TSS as it relates to the use of menstrual products!
Symptoms: TSS can affect multiple systems of the body, with symptoms including low blood pressure, high fever, headache, rapid heartbeat, nausea, muscle pain, and confusion. These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have TSS, but if for any reason you believe that you might, it is important to get checked out!
Risks of Tampon Use: People most often associate TSS with tampons, but you don't need to fear getting TSS if tampons or other insertable products are your preferred menstrual products!! Tampons increase the risk of TSS in two ways:
A tampon that is left inside the vagina for an extended period of time can encourage bacteria to grow, creating an environment that supports the production of Staph Toxins.
Tampons can also stick to vaginal walls, especially when blood flow may be light. This can cause small abrasions during removal. Bacteria can also grow this way, with easier access to the bloodstream through the membranes inside.
This condition can happen with other menstrual products as well! Cervical caps, diaphragms, pads, or menstrual cups. It is not the product that causes TSS, but the toxin.
There are ways to avoid getting TSS from using tampons or other insertable menstrual products! Make sure that you are changing your tampons every 2-4 hours and do not use menstrual products if you are not bleeding! Another great way to prevent TSS is by choosing to wear a pad if your flow is light.
This does not mean that people using tampons are the only ones at risk for TSS! As previously stated, all people are susceptible to the illness if infection from wounds enters the bloodstream. (Staphylococcus aureus bacteria often live in your nose or on your skin, it is generally not harmful!)
Diagnosing and treatment: There is a wide range of ways for healthcare providers to diagnose TSS. Blood and urine tests are available, as well as tissue cultures from infection sites. Treatment includes removing any menstrual products that may be causing bacterial growth, administering intravenous (IV) fluids for hydration, and IV antibiotics.
What Do I Do If I Think I Have TSS?
If you think you have TSS, it is important to go to the emergency room and get care from a medical provider!
While we do not treat TSS at Bridgercare, if you have any questions about it feel free to call our clinic or make an appointment!