have you ever had toxic shock syndrome?

Question

i am scared i am going to get it, i just got this feeling today i have been useing tampons for a long time and it just scares me alot.....does it scare you?

Answer 1

If it scares you then why don't you switch to a safer menstrual option such as pads, free-flow or menstrual cups, none of these are associated with TSS, the reason tampons are is because they prevent vaginal cleaning, give bacteria a place to multiply and contain chemicals that increase growth of 'bad' bacteria.

If you use internal options I'd recommend menstrual cups like Divacup, as well as totally safe and hygienic, unlike tampons, they are also cheaper, greener and more convenient than tampons - http://www.divacup.com

TSS is rare, but not half as rare as people make out [due to the way in which they record TSS cases] and significantly increased if you use tampons, increased again if you use commercial tampons, and TSS is not only something you get from leaving a tampon in for too long, the risk is always there, increased length using a tampon means increased risk. TSS is also far from the only risk associated with tampons, tampons are a problem for vaginal health all round.

I haven't had TSS despite the fact I used to use a lot of super absorbent tampons during my period before switching to a menstrual cup, I did have many infections and bad periods as a result of using tampons though.

I know a few people who have had TSS, it is scary, the stories I have heard are freaky, blood poring out of eye sockets and other lovely things like that – they only really tell you the initial symptoms of TSS, but that is nothing on what actually happens.

http://www.spotsite.org
http://www.tamponalert.org.uk
http://www.frontiernet.net/%7Eruthb/Tampons.html
http://www.life.ca/nl/46/maxi.html

Answer 2

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but it is now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. In rare cases, TSS has resulted from wounds or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter the body and cause the infection.

Answer 3

I've been using ONLY tampons for the past five or six years, and I've never had TSS. Just make sure you change your tampon every eight hours and don't use a super-plus tampon on a light flow day!

Answer 4

No, it does not. As long as you use tampons correctly (change them when needed), your chances of getting TSS are rare.

I have been using tampons for thirteen years. I have never had TSS.

Answer 5

I haven't but my mom did. She caught it in time so she's okay. But she told me to be careful (more than once), so yes, it does scare me on a regular basis. So, you, too should be careful with using them. If you follow the directions, you should be just fine.
:-)

Answer 6

the chances of getting hit by lightning are greater. As long as you change it regularly, You'll be fine