Toxic Shock Syndrome Caused By Tampons And Menstrual Cups

So that women can better protect themselves against toxic shock syndrome, ANSES has asked manufacturers of internal intimate protection for more clarification on the composition of the products. Thus, the health agency aims to alarm on the rare but too serious risk of toxic shock which can even lead to death.

What does toxic shock syndrome represent?

Toxic shock syndrome is a serious and life-threatening infectious disease caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus which produces the TSST-1 toxin. Once it enters the body, it begins to attack essential organs such as the lungs, kidneys and liver. Symptoms that follow include diarrhea and vomiting, fever and fatigue, rash, and headache and throat pain. Loss of consciousness and coma are also possible.

These symptoms are very often confused with those of the flu. Doctors therefore confirm that patients with TSS are misdiagnosed, which presents serious health problems. We are talking about an amputation of a limb and even death.

TBS most often affects women during their period

Why is toxic shock syndrome most often associated with menstruation? So, the culprits of this serious condition include menstrual products such as tampons and menstrual cups ("cups). Worn for a long time, they cause stagnation of blood in the vagina, which creates a favorable environment for the multiplication of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This then produces toxin which enters the bloodstream and threatens health.

Some women are also carriers of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which is not dangerous but if blocked due to a tampon worn for a very long time, it begins to multiply and produce toxins.

Fatal cases already recorded

The most recent case dates from January 9 and tells the story of a 17-year-old Belgian teenager who was misdiagnosed and treated for gastroenteritis. Her family later confirmed that the girl's death was due to skeptical shock caused by her tampons. Another high-profile case in 2015 is that of an American model whose two legs suffered amputation following toxic shock.

This is why ANSES alarms on the importance of respecting the rules of hygiene with regard to menstrual products as well as relying on external protection during the night.