Tampons: Are They Deadly?
Markita Thomas
Issue date: 5/4/09 Section: News
Ladies, we carry them in our purses. They're on the shelves at the supermarket, at Wal-Mart, and at the Dollar Stores. They are so convenient for that "not so favorable" time of the month, but could they be deadly? They are.
Ladies, I am sounding the alarm for all tampon users. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that has been most often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons. Researchers remain baffled as to how tampons may cause toxic shock syndrome. Some argue that when superabsorbent tampons are left in place longer than the time that should be allotted, the tampons become a breeding ground for bacteria. Others suggest that the superabsorbent fibers in the tampons can scratch the surface of the vagina, making it possible for bacteria or their toxins to enter the bloodstream.
Symptoms
You may be wondering, "How will I know if I have developed this life threatening infection?" You may develop one or more of the following symptoms: a sudden high fever, low blood pressure (hypotension), vomiting, diarrhea, a rash resembling sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles - which, after a week or so, generally leads to peeling of the skin on your hands and feet. You may also develop mental confusion, muscle aches, redness of your eyes, mouth and throat, seizure, or headaches. TSS can also cause kidney failure. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
Deadly Tampons
The brand of tampons associated with the original toxic shock syndrome epidemic in the 1980s was voluntarily taken off the market by the manufacturer. After that, the number of cases of toxic shock syndrome declined dramatically.
Prevention
You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Consider using the lowest absorbency tampon you can and try to alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins whenever possible. Toxic shock syndrome can reoccur. People who've had it once are at risk for developing it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or a prior serious staph or strep infection, don't use tampons at all. Please be careful ladies.
Markita Thomas is a senior, Nursing Major at Alcorn State University. She earned her associate's degree from Alcorn State University. She has worked at the Medical Surgical unit at River Region Hospital in Vicksburg, MS.
Ladies, I am sounding the alarm for all tampon users. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that has been most often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons. Researchers remain baffled as to how tampons may cause toxic shock syndrome. Some argue that when superabsorbent tampons are left in place longer than the time that should be allotted, the tampons become a breeding ground for bacteria. Others suggest that the superabsorbent fibers in the tampons can scratch the surface of the vagina, making it possible for bacteria or their toxins to enter the bloodstream.
Symptoms
You may be wondering, "How will I know if I have developed this life threatening infection?" You may develop one or more of the following symptoms: a sudden high fever, low blood pressure (hypotension), vomiting, diarrhea, a rash resembling sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles - which, after a week or so, generally leads to peeling of the skin on your hands and feet. You may also develop mental confusion, muscle aches, redness of your eyes, mouth and throat, seizure, or headaches. TSS can also cause kidney failure. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
Deadly Tampons
The brand of tampons associated with the original toxic shock syndrome epidemic in the 1980s was voluntarily taken off the market by the manufacturer. After that, the number of cases of toxic shock syndrome declined dramatically.
Prevention
You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Consider using the lowest absorbency tampon you can and try to alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins whenever possible. Toxic shock syndrome can reoccur. People who've had it once are at risk for developing it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or a prior serious staph or strep infection, don't use tampons at all. Please be careful ladies.
Markita Thomas is a senior, Nursing Major at Alcorn State University. She earned her associate's degree from Alcorn State University. She has worked at the Medical Surgical unit at River Region Hospital in Vicksburg, MS.
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