What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?

Toxic shock syndrome was first described as a disease in 1978. It is believed to be mainly a disease of otherwise healthy, young, menstruating females who use tampons. (It also occurs in males, children and in older women sometimes as complications of flu).

TSS was first recognized to be caused by a certain brand of tampons which were made of a very absorbent foam material. I do remember them, I didn’t use them, but a friend of mine did They were taken off the market and are no longer sold. TSS is not very common, but you should know about it. So don’t panic if you use tampons correctly.

If you are using tampons for the first time, read the package insert carefully and see the sexual FAQ page “Where do I put a tampon”?

What Causes TSS?

Toxic shock syndrome is a disease believed to be caused by toxin-producing strains of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is a normal bacteria for you to have on your skin, but it appears that with TSS a virus has become part of the S. aureus causing the organism to produce toxins. All tampon users are at risk for TSS, but the risk is increased when using highly absorbent tampons (like “super absorbency” ones). You can reduce your risk of TSS by using pads at night or waking up during the night to change your “regular” tampons. If you want to totally avoid the risk of TSS, just don’t use tampons, but we are not recommending that.

Never leave a tampon in for more than 6 hours. For some reason the risk of TSS is higher among teenagers. Toxic shock syndrome can be treated and cured with antibiotic treatment. You must get to your health care provider or even an emergency room if you think you have any symptoms of TSS while you are having your period! TSS can also occur from using the Contraceptive Sponge while you are menstruating. Never use the Sponge during your period, wait until your period is completely finished before using the “Sponge”.

Symptoms

TSS is characterized by a high fever up to 105° F (40.6° C), sometimes a sudden fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, a rash that looks like a sunburn, and muscle aches.

Warning Signs Of TSS

• A sudden high fever
• A rash that looks like sunburn
• Sore throat or mouth
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Fainting
• Abdominal pain
• Headache and fatigue
• Muscle aches — flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness & confusion

Remember, TSS can be treated and cured, but you must get medical attention as quickly as possible!

For more on TSS and other GYN situations; see the GYN library – full of articles, videos and transcripts and see GYN Stuff