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Mild Cases of Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome

In the 1980s, there was an increase in cases of menstrual toxic shock syndrome reported by the National Institutes of Health as a result of certain super-absorbent tampons that were sold at the time. These brands have since been taken off the market. Toxic shock syndrome is generally caused by staphylococcal bacteria that grows in the vagina during a menstrual cycle when a tampon is being used.

  1. Identification

    • Mild menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can occur in women who menstruate and use super-absorbent tampons. Using the thinnest tampon possible while menstruating will generally prevent TSS. If you use a cervical cap or cervical cup in place of a tampon, you still may be at risk.

    Features

    • Women who have TSS report a rash, high fever or low blood pressure caused by the toxins in the bloodstream. As the bacterial infection spreads, several internal organs can fail. Mild cases show early symptoms before progressing to internal organ failure.

    Significance

    • TSS was first reported in 1981 with the introduction of super-absorbent tampons made from special fibers. Somehow these fibers made it easier for the TSS toxins to form and sometimes develop into severe illness.

    Considerations

    • Mild menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is not common and all commercial tampons, sanitary pads, cups and cervical caps generally are packaged with literature to describe TSS and how to avoid it.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Women who use sanitary pads are at the lowest risk. It can be prevented by not wearing a tampon for more than three to four hours and never overnight. Use only the lowest possible absorbency needed. Physicians are trained to quickly identify and treat TSS. If you suspect you have TSS, go to an emergency room immediately as the infection can spread quickly and be fatal.

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