Guest Post from a TSS Survivor: What you need to know

When we first heard about You ARE Loved, a non-profit dedicated to educating women about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), we were curious. We wondered, does TSS even happen nowadays?? Read Suzan Hutchinson's post below to find out the scoop on the reality of risks when using common tampons and what you can do to be safe.

It’s hard to imagine a sexy period when you’ve plugged it up with a bacterial-growth-encouraging, dry, fuzzy wad of fibers commonly known as a traditional tampon.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not necessarily advocating having tampon-free periods.  I am, however, strongly recommending you rethink the popular thought of shoving what I just mentioned into your lovely.

Why?

I’m glad you asked.

Back in the day when makers of traditional tampons began to look for a longer lasting and more absorbent tampon a product named RELY was marketed. I, along with many young women, used them and got tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) because of them.

RELY tampons provided a breeding ground for Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria– the toxin of which when absorbed into the blood stream, can kill...

…did kill Amy Elifritz on June 13, 2010

That’s 30 years after the RELY tampon TSS epidemic that claimed so many lives and sickened so many of us, and it’s after 28 years of required TSS warnings on all boxes of tampons.

Amy was only 20 when she came down with what everyone thought was the flu.  She was menstruating and using tampons, but no one saw this as a red flag or even thought of TSS…until it was too late.  Her death certificate shows the cause of her death – tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome!  After Amy’s death, her mother, Lisa, founded You ARE Loved to raise awareness about tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and to provide factual menstrual information. 

Since launching the You ARE Loved website, we have received and posted several stories of girls and young women who have experienced tampon related TSS in recent years. Lauren was 20, and developed TSS in June, 2010 – Heather, a new mom, in March, 2011 –  Katelyn was 17 – Alex was 16 – Shenikwa was in college – Amanda was 19 – Nikki died of TSS at 21 – Brittany almost died at age 15. 

Don’t rely on traditional tampons to keep you safe from TSS.  They have proved to be RELYable when it comes to young women and TSS!

If you use traditional tampons, please continue reading.  What follows may well save your life, or the life of someone you know and love. 

Most women are more familiar with the myths about TSS than the facts.

Myth #1: Tampon related TSS only occurs when tampons are worn well over 8 hours.
Reality: While longer wear time increases risk, TSS can occur even if you change tampons frequently.

Myth #2: Girls and women are only at risk for tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome if they use high absorbency tampons with the super, super plus or ultra rating.
Reality: While higher absorbency increases risk, TSS can occur even if you only use low absorbency tampons with the lite or regular rating.

Myth #3: All tampons (or all tampons of a given absorbency rating) carry equal risk for TSS.
Reality: Dr. Philip Tierno, a professor of Microbiology and Pathology at New York University School of Medicine, has been involved with tampon related TSS research for over 30 years. He finds that viscose rayon is now solely responsible for tampon related TSS. In contrast to the many cases of TSS associated with traditional tampons containing viscose rayon, there has never been a case of TSS associated with the use of a 100% cotton tampon. 100% cotton tampons are now available at many health food stores, some pharmacies and online.

If Amy or her mom had known the information I’m about to share with you, Amy would not have died.  (If you, or someone you know uses tampons, or are considering using them be sure to read this.)

Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome develops when the common bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, produces a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxin rapidly overwhelms the immune system and attacks the major organs, leading to kidney failure, collapse of the lungs and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of TSS

*Sore throat

*Aching muscles

*High temperature; over 102 degrees F

*Vomiting

*Headache

*Watery diarrhea

*Red rash

*Confusion

*Dizziness

*Very low blood pressure

Only one or two symptoms may occur. They do not necessarily occur all at once and may not persist.

What Should You Do?

*Remove the tampon (save it if possible)

*Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention

*Inform the doctor that you have been using tampons

*Take a TSS information leaflet with you

To Reduce the Risk of TSS

*Only use tampons made of organic cotton

*Use the lowest absorbency needed at each stage of your period

*Avoid using tampons continuously during a period. Alternate with sanitary pads at night so the toxins have time to dissipate

*Use a pad at the end of your period

*Change tampons every 4 to 6 hours

*Don't use tampons if you've had any unusual discharge

*Wash your hands before and after use and handle the tampon as little as possible

*Alert your family and friends to the symptoms and emergency action required

*Read and keep this information and/or the leaflet inside each box of tampons

*If you’ve had TSS never use tampons again

Many women mistakenly assume traditional tampons are their best menstrual option, but there are MANY safer alternatives – disposable and reusable pads, 100% cotton tampons, disposable and reusable cups, sponges and period panties.

A sexy period is a period that’s free from the worries of TSS. 

 

Bio: Suzan Hutchinson is a survivor of tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and serves as the Director of Connectivity for You ARE Loved.  Suzan wants every woman to be able to make an informed decision regarding safe and healthy menstruation.  For additional information about TSS, please read our awareness brochure. You may contact us for more information about TSS, hardcopies of our awareness brochure, or to inquire about our educational materials and programs.

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