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Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare type of blood poisoning, which
is potentially fatal. However, if spotted in time it can be treated
with antibiotics. About 40 cases are reported each year in UK. Half
of these are due to infection from tampon use. Other cases can be due
to insect bites, boils or after surgery. Very occasionally, someone
gets TSS when they have left a diaphragm or cervical cap in too long.
TSS is caused by a common bacteria called Staphylococcus Aureus. In
one third of people this can be found in the vagina, lying dormant and
harmless. Toxin-producing strains of these bacteria are the ones that
can cause TSS, particularly in torn or irritated vaginas. The risk is
greater in young people as they are less likely to have protective antibodies.
Initially TSS presents like flu.
Possible warning signs include:
- sudden fever
- sore throat
- aching muscles
- headache
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- fainting
- confusion
- rash (like sun-burn)
- peeling skin on palms of hands and soles of feet
- abdominal pain
Chemicals in tampons Rayon and dioxin are both used in chemical tampons.
Rayon fibres are included for their high absorbency. However apart from
blood, it is believed they may also, soak up magnesium from the body.
This can reduce the body's defence to bacteria. Rayon may also dry out
and tear the vaginal lining, when the tampon is being removed. This
too makes the vagina vulnerable to infection. Tampon fibres may be left
in the vagina. These can let in bacteria and act as a bed on which dioxin
can accumulate.
Dioxin is used for bleaching tampons. It's build-up in the vagina, from
repeated tampon use, is thought to be toxic to the immune and reproductive
system
Organic tampons
These are 100% organic cotton. Non-chlorine bleached, free from rayon,
dioxin, dyes, synthetics, plastics or additives. They are a safer alternative
to the chemical tampons, for avoiding TSS. They may be found in health
food shops.
N.B. If you do develop a continuous offensive vaginal discharge, it
would be best to see your doctor. The cause may be a retained tampon.
Lifestyle considerations
- use organic tampons
- only use tampons when menstruating
- always wash before insertion or removal. This reduces spread of
bacteria
- it is best to change tampons every 3-4 hours, but be aware not to
take them out when they are dry, as this can irritate the vagina
- put in a fresh tampon before sleeping and change it as soon as you
get up
- Alternate between using tampons and cotton sanitary towels
- always use the tampon with the lowest possible absorbency for your
flow. If a tampon causes irritation or is difficult to take out, change
to one with a lower absorbency
- always remember to remove the used tampon before putting in the
new one
- never use two at once
- don't store your tampons in a damp environment as this can encourage
bacteria to flourish.
- healthy, balanced diet means the body will be less prone to infection.
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