Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) occurs when a poison produced by a certain type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) is released in the blood stream. It was discovered only 20 years ago when researchers found that women who used 'super absorbent' tampons were getting sick. These tampons have been taken off the market, but women who use tampons and, in a few cases, diaphragms , still contract the disease.
Some theorize that the tampons produce small ulcerations in the vagina, allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Others say the stagnating blood within or behind the tampon allows the bacteria to grow. TSS occurs mostly in women, but a few men and children have been diagnosed with the disease.
Symptoms of TSS include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Fainting
- High fever (101° or higher)
- Kidney or liver problems
- Muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Peeling skin
- Shock (severely low blood pressure, which affects the body's functioning)
- Sore throat
- Sunburn-like rash (usually after a day or two).
To avoid TSS, make sure you change your tampons frequently, wash your hands before inserting one, and wear sanitary napkins some of the time, especially at night.
If you've ever had TSS, don't continue using tampons or a diaphragm, as the condition can recur. If you think you already have TSS, contact your physician immediately. The doctor will do blood tests and test take vaginal smear samples to determine the presence of the bacteria. TSS is treated with antibiotics.
