{"id":4597,"date":"2014-06-11T19:27:45","date_gmt":"2014-06-11T11:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=4597"},"modified":"2021-01-18T12:00:58","modified_gmt":"2021-01-18T11:00:58","slug":"toxic-shock-syndrome-basics-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/toxic-shock-syndrome-basics-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Toxic Shock Syndrome: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was medically fact-checked by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a tampon user you\u2019ve probably seen the warnings that come on every box: Toxic Shock Syndrome Risk. TSS is a rare disease caused when certain bacteria get into the bloodstream and releases toxins that damage the body\u2019s functions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tampon companies were required to add these warnings after a brand of super-absorbent tampons were linked to a 1980 outbreak of TSS that affected 814 menstruating women, 38 of them fatally. <\/span><\/p>\n

Once that brand was taken off the market, instances of TSS immediately dropped \u2013 but even today about 50% of TSS cases are still linked to menstruation and tampon use.<\/span><\/p>\n

While concern about TSS has dropped considerably, a resurgence of cases in the early 2000s alarmed some researchers, who confirmed an increase in the incidence of toxic shock syndrome across the US. <\/span><\/p>\n

TSS is a rare disease; some scientists estimate that only 3-4 people per 100,000 are diagnosed each year. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s still a condition menstruating women need to know about.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding how to prevent TSS and how to recognize the symptoms is absolutely necessary to protect your health and avoid the most serious complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Toxic Shock Syndrome<\/b><\/h3>\n

TSS is caused by Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep) bacteria. Both types of micro-organisms are found naturally on healthy skin and noses in 20-30% of people, and staph can also be found in the vagina itself \u2013with no ill effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

The problems start when these bacteria find their way into the bloodstream, rapidly reproduce, and release toxins into the body. Most people develop antibodies that protect them against these toxins as they get older, which is why more than 1\/3 of all cases of TSS are in women under 19. <\/span><\/p>\n

For unknown reasons, a small percentage of people never develop these anti-bodies.<\/span><\/p>\n

The toxins interfere with the body\u2019s ability to regulate blood pressure, causing it to drop to dangerous lows. <\/span><\/p>\n

Kidneys tend to be particularly affected, since they filter out waste and toxins from your blood \u2013 untreated TSS can result in kidney failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bacteria itself also attacks tissues in the skin, muscles, and organs, so in extreme cases of TSS multi-organ failure can occur. <\/span><\/p>\n

Overall TSS has a 5% fatality rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tampons And TSS<\/b><\/h3>\n

Scientists aren\u2019t sure exactly why tampon use increases your risk for the disease, but there are two theories to explain the connection. First, it\u2019s believed that tampons, especially super-absorbent ones which are often left in for longer periods of time, are an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another theory holds that the <\/span>fibers of the tampon<\/span><\/a> dry out and scratch the tissue of your vagina, allowing the bacteria into your bloodstream. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to remember that tampons themselves do not cause TSS, but they do increase your risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to tampon use, TSS has been linked to wounds or burns on the skin, recent surgery or childbirth, use of wound packing materials (like those used for nosebleeds), and contraceptive sponges, cervical caps or diaphragms left in the vagina too long.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/b><\/h3>\n

Symptoms of TSS can appear quickly and often mimic the flu, making it difficult to recognize for sufferers and to diagnose for doctors. Common symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n