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All tampons pose the risk of TSS, but most TSS cases have involved commercial tampons.
Modern commercial tampons are made from bleached rayon, a synthetic material that is more favourable to bacterial growth and more aggressively absorbent so causes more damage to vaginal tissues. Previously commercial tampons were made from other synthetic materials, the Rely brand responsible for the TSS outbreak in the 1970's-1980's were made from carboxymethylcellulose and polyester which were so absorbent they caused tears in the vaginal walls, between vaginal damage and encouraging bacterial growth Rely caused many TSS cases (we don't know the full numbers due to faults with how TSS cases were reported and recorded by the CDC).
Sponge tampons had a cluster of TSS cases associated with them in the 1970's as a result of a contaminated batch, but sponge tampons - like soft tampons and cloth tampons - have since had no known associated case of TSS. Cotton tampons have had no cases of TSS associated with them at all.
Any type can cause Toxic shock syndrome if no used properly. Just make sure that after you are done using a tampon, you take it out! If not, you will smell really bad down there!
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Lost a tampon which now out but think may have an infection?
Go see a doctor! SOONEST! Tampons in too long can cause TSS, which can be VERY BAD.
Can you get tss when you use tampons but you faint and vomit before you use them during your period?
Yes, you can get TSS whenever you use tampons. If you're already feeling faint and vomiting then it may be harder to spot TSS symptoms; although with TSS as well as feeling faint you'd have a high fever. If you're ill it may be a good idea to avoid tampons this time, if you always feel faint and sick during menstruation you need to talk to your doctor about investigating why this happens.
Why are tampons no longer likely to cause toxic shock?
Tampons remain a major cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).Tampons account forapproximately75% of all TSS cases, according to Dr. Patrick Schlievert (TSS expect and professor at University of Minnesota) and Dr. Philip Tierno (TSS expert and professor at New York University School of Medicine) TSS occurs in 1 in 700 women during the lifetime.TSS was first brought to public attention in 1978 in association with Rely tampons, a brand of tampon made from super-absorbentcarboxymethylcellulose and compressed beads of polyester, these materials and the fact women didn't know how to use tampons safely meant there was a large outbreak of TSS. Although today these materials and banned and instructions for correct use are given on tampon packs, manufacturers still use materials such as rayon which increase risk of TSS, and instructions on pack are outdated with advice such as to use tampons for 8 hours max which is too long. Many women today also knowingly misuse tampons due to ignorance about TSS or because they no longer view TSS as a risk - thus TSS is on the increase.
What will not put a women at risk for TSS?
Tampons account for around 75% of all TSS cases so avoiding tampon use is a major way to avoid contracting TSS - instead of tampons women can use sanitary pads, menstrual cups, or softcups. Even switching from commercial tampons such as Tampax to organic cotton tampons such as Natracare can significantly reduce TSS risk. TSS can also be contracted as a result of injury or surgery, correct medical care and keeping bandages clean can significantly reduce the risk of TSS in these cases.
Does using organic tampons cause TSS?
Any tampon poses the risk of TSS, but it's considerably lower with organic tampons.Rayon tampons pose the highest risk of TSS - brands such as Tampax, Playtex, and Kotex - because rayon is rougher and more aggressively absorbent than cotton so dries-out vaginal tissues to cause damage, this allows TSST-1 toxins responsible for TSS direct access to the bloodstream. Rayon tampons are also more favourable to bacterial growth, contain ingredients that may impact on bacterial growth, and lose more tampon fibers. Organic tampons are made from 100% organic cotton so safer.
Can you get tss after your period is over?
Yes, it is possible to contract TSS after menstruation. Assuming that you have removed any tampons that you were using and have not used tampons when not menstruating, TSS can still occur because it can take some time for the TSST-1 toxins responsible for TSS to have a noticable effect on the body. Tampons allow bacterial growth while preventing vaginal cleaning and effecting vaginal pH, so this can cause bacterial imbalance - if the vagina cannot right itself harmful bacterial growth may continue even after a tampon is removed. Tampons also can leave fibres embedded in the vaginal walls and in the cervical opening, there have been multiple cases with a well-known tampon brand where fibres have collected within the opening of the cervix over several months and has on occasion resulted in TSS.
What is the biggest type of tampon?
Different types of tampons include...Commercial tampons - e.g. Tampax These are typically made from bleached chemically treated rayon fleece compressed into a rocket-shape, coming in several different absorbencies; junior, super, super plus, and ultra. TSS is primarily associated with this type of tampon.Organic tampons - e.g. Natracare These are made from unbleached hypo-allergenic cotton fleece compresses into a rocket-shape, coming in several different absorbencies; junior, super, super plus, and ultra. TSS has never been associated with this type of tampon.Soft tampons - e.g. Beppy These are made from synthetic sponge in a tall disk shape, coming in a single absorbency and either with or without lubricant for easier use. TSS has never been associated with this type of tampon.Sponge tampons - e.g. Jade & Pearl These are made from natural sponge, differing in size depending on absorbency, these are moistened with water before use and are reusable. There have only been a handfull of TSS cases associated with this type of tampon.Cloth tampons - e.g. Moocowmomma These are made from various types of cloth, including cotton or bamboo, usually flat strips of fabric that are rolled to insert, these are reusable. TSS has never been associated with this type of tampon.
Can tampons cause vaginal scratches?
Yes, tampons do cause vaginal tissue damage.Tampons are dry and absorbent, they don't just absorb blood but also absorb vaginal moisture needed to keep the vaginal tissues lubricated and protected from damage. Tampons can thus cause splitting and ulceration, especially if using too high an absorbency and rayon tampons increase damage as it's rougher and more aggressively absorbent.Rayon is used on commercial tampons such as Tampax, Playtex, and Kotex, which is why these brands are more likely to cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), these tears give bacterial toxins responsible for TSS direct access to the bloodstream.
How do you reduce developing toxic shock syndrome?
The best way to reduce your risk of TSS is simply not to use tampons.There are plenty of other options such as menstrual cups or softcups which are not only a lot safer and more hygienic than tampons so don't pose health risks like TSS, but that are also more comfortable, conveniet, and reliable. Look into menstrual cups such as Mooncup http://www.mooncup.co.uk/wc.php?u=1741If you do use tampons, follow precautions:Change tampons every 4-6 hours.Alternate with pads as often as possible.Always use lowest absorbency for your flow.Change absorbency as your flow changes.Avoid rayon tampons like Tampax or Playtex.Opt for cotton tampons like Emerita or Veeda.Do not wear tampons before your period.Do not wear tampons with light flow or spotting.Do not wear tampons overnight while sleeping.Do not wear tampons with a vaginal infection.Wash hands before using tampons.Store tampons in clean dry place.Learn about risks of TSS, infections, and dioxin.Learn symptoms of TSS and what to do.You ARE Love (TSS information) - http://www.you-are-loved.org
Does menstrual blood itself cause TSS?
No, it's not menstrual blood that causes TSS. TSS is caused when certain bacteria multiply and start producing TSST-1 toxins, these toxins enter the bloodstream via mucus membranes and tissue damage, once in the body if a person lacks immunity the TSST-1 toxins overwhelm the immune system. Tampons provide the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and as they are not sterile they may introduce foreign bacteria into the vagina, by holding flow in contact with the vagina it effects vaginal pH (normally acidic to kill off harmful bacteria), and tampons prevent the vagina from cleaning itself. Tampons also damage vaginal tissues giving these toxins responsible for TSS a more direct route into the bloodstream.
Can you use tampons after a transvaginal scan?
Yes, you can use tampons after a transvaginal scan. As always only use tampons during menstruation and always follow precautions to reduce risks of TSS and vaginal infections.
How do you reduce risk of TSS when using tampons?
There are several precautions to follow to reduce risk of TSS;Change tampons every 4-6 hours.Always use lowest absorbency for your flow.Change absorbency as flow changes.Alternate with pads as often as possible.Avoid rayon tampons like Tampax or Playtex.Opt for cotton tampons like Emerita or Cottons.Do not use tampons when not menstruating.Do not use tampons with light flow or spotting.Do not use tampons overnight while sleeping.Do not use tampons with a vaginal infection.Wash hands before handling tampons.Store tampons in a clean dry place.Learn about TSS risks and symptoms.Consider safer options like menstrual cups.When using tampons it's important to change often to prevent excessive build-up of bacteria and toxins, also alternating with pads allows your vagina to clean-out bacteria and toxins after tampon use. TSS can occur at any time, it is a myth it only occurs from leaving tampons in too long, but the longer you leave a tampon the higher the risk.Another big factor in contracting TSS is absorbency, for each 1g absorbency TSS risks increase by up to 33% - this is because tampons dry out the vaginal tissues causing ulceration, this allows toxins responsible for TSS a more direct route into your bloodstream so higher risk of TSS. With higher absorbency damage to vagina is higher. General rule of thumb is if the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours use next absorbency up, but if not saturated after 4-6 hours use lower absorbency or switch to pads.Type of tampon is important too - TSS has only ever been associated with rayon tampons, these types of tampons encourage bacterial growth, increase damage to vaginal tissues, lose more fibres, and contain chemicals that can effect vaginal flora. It's best to use cotton tampons which are softer, hypo-allergenic and less drying.
