Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but very serious condition often related to feminine hygiene product use. In this article, we’ll look at what toxic shock syndrome is, how it happens, and natural tampon and pad alternatives that can keep you healthy and risk-free.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome, also known as TSS, is a sudden and potentially deadly illness that mostly occurs in menstruating women who use tampons.

TSS symptoms can include any of the following:

• Sharp drop in blood pressure
• High fever
• Issues or failure of kidneys or respiratory system
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Rash or redness
• Damage to liver or lungs

TSS symptoms often mimic those of other infections and can affect different areas of the body at once.

These symptoms typically come on within two days after the infection occurs. If you suspect you have TSS, especially if you’re menstruating and are vomiting with a high fever, get medical help immediately.

Causes of Toxic Shock Syndrome

TSS is caused by overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can release toxic materials into women’s bodies. Awareness of TSS spread in the ‘70s and ‘80s after several young women died from using certain super-absorbent tampons.

Toxic shock syndrome is mostly seen in women who use tampons, but it’s also been linked to use menstrual sponges, cervical caps, and diaphragm use.

People who have been exposed to the Staphylococcus aureusbacteria from an open wound, burn, or after surgery, and women who just had a baby are also at higher risk of toxic shock.

The exact way TSS occurs from tampons is unknown, but experts think it might be related to:

• Microscopic tears made in vagina walls when a tampon is slid into place
• Or tears made from super-absorbent tampons that are left too long or used during a light flow

These tears can rupture tiny blood vessels, leading the bacteria to grow quickly and release toxins into the blood.

How to Reduce Your Risk of TSS

Here are the best ways to protect yourself from the risks of toxic shock syndrome:

Use Menstrual Pads Often

Especially on light flow days, avoid tampons and turn to feminine pads instead.

Look for organic, natural sanitary pads (made with cotton) like those from NatraCare, Seventh Generation, or The Honest Company.

Choose Your Tampons Wisely

If you do want to use tampons:

• Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can.
• Choose tampons with cotton fibers or rayon instead of polyester foam, which seem to encourage bacterial growth more than the former options.
• Use organic feminine pads and avoid tampons on light flow days.
• Change the tampon at least every four to six hours.
• Practice good hygiene when on your period, such as washing your hands before and after inserting a tampon.
• Store the tampons in cool, dry locations to prevent bacteria growth on them.

If you’ve had a serious bacterial infection before, or had TSS before, your risk of getting it is higher. In this situation, it’s best to avoid tampon use completely.

Thankfully, tampons designs have improved to lower the risk of TSS a lot from what it once was. But it’s still smart to practice smart feminine product use and reduce your risk as much as possible.

Nature’s Ideal offers several brands of healthy, alternative feminine hygiene products, including cotton tampons and organic cotton pads. Shop your options here.