What should you remember about toxic shock syndrome?

According to Anses, around twenty cases of TSS, or toxic shock syndrome related to menstruation, are recorded in France each year. This number is likely underestimated. This serious and rare infectious disease affects girls and women who menstruate. The syndrome is directly linked to the prolonged use of certain internal hygiene products: disposable tampons or menstrual cups. Knowing this syndrome and its symptoms is essential to avoid it or to receive prompt care and treatment.

Today, Louloucup, a French brand of durable and washable menstrual products, talks to you about internal period protection and health risks. We also discuss menstrual toxic shock syndrome, its causes, consequences, symptoms, management, treatment, and the measures to take to obviously avoid it.

What is toxic shock syndrome (TSS) related to menstruation? What causes toxic shock syndrome? What are the symptoms of TSS? How can TSS be prevented? What actions should be taken?

Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is a serious infection that usually progresses rapidly. This illness occurs in women who carry S. aureus bacteria, that is, a particular strain of Staphylococcus aureus.

These germs secrete specific toxins, TSST-1. These toxins can be quite dangerous for the body and health because they poison the blood. 

In what conditions does the S. aureus bacterium develop? 

The staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, also known as tampon disease, is promoted and caused by the presence of stagnant blood in the vagina. This blood leads to the proliferation of toxins. These toxins then quickly enter the bloodstream, circulate through the body, and attack vital organs.

Using two internal menstrual products at once causes blood to stagnate in the vagina: 

• the disposable cotton tampon, 
• the menstrual cup or menstrual cup made from medical-grade silicone. 

In 2017, according to the health section of Le Figaro, 23 cases were recorded in France. These often involve very young women. TSS can develop in women carrying S. aureus bacteria, that is, certain group A strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
About 1% of women are believed to carry this staphylococcus aureus bacteria in their vagina, according to Inserm.

Others may not have enough antibodies to fight this infection.

Others may simply not have enough antibodies to fight off this infection.

Over the past few years, more and more young women have come forward to share their stories. The freedom to speak out on social media has brought menstrual toxic shock syndrome into the spotlight, whereas it was previously unknown to the general public.

Without a doubt, model Lauren Wasser’s story in 2012 shocked and deeply affected people. At 24, she developed TSS, initially thinking she just had the flu. She nearly died: she suffered two heart attacks and spent a week in an induced coma. Her chances of survival were estimated at 1%. When she woke up, one of her legs had to be amputated. A few years later, she had to have the other leg amputated as well.

Today, Lauren Wasser runs and plays basketball with her two prosthetic legs. She continues to model and travels the world to raise awareness about the dangers of the incorrect use of tampons.

Let’s be clear: the use of a tampon or a menstrual cup is not, in itself, what causes staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. It’s the improper use of these products that is to blame. Inserm explains it perfectly:

“[…] The National Reference Center for Staphylococci has shown that the risk of toxic shock syndrome doubles when a tampon is kept in for more than six hours, and triples when the tampon is worn all night. The researchers also observed that not reading or not following the instructions provided with the box of tampons is also associated with an increased risk of toxic shock.”

So, internal menstrual products (worn inside the vagina) must be used wisely. External menstrual protection (disposable pads, organic cotton period underwear) cannot cause TSS, since the blood does not stagnate in the vagina but is collected as it leaves the body. Whatever menstrual solution you choose, always follow the instructions for use, the leaflet and/or the user guide provided by the brand. It’s very important to respect the conditions of use so you can get the best possible experience. 

The early warning signs of toxic shock syndrome are:

• headaches and sore throat,
• dizziness,
• diarrhea,
• vomiting,
• high fever,
• muscle pain,
• skin rash,
• drop in blood pressure

These general symptoms are misleading and can be confused with the flu or a stomach bug. That’s why it’s all the more important to be aware of them and to know TSS well. 

It’s also very important to tell your doctor that you’re on your period and to mention what type of period product you’re using. 

If you notice any symptoms, you must remove your period protection and act quickly to prevent the infection from spreading to vital organs. At the slightest doubt, go to the emergency room and tell the doctor about your condition, symptoms, and measurements. Every hour counts. Share all your concerns with the medical team to save precious time.

To confirm that toxic shock has developed, the bacteria are cultured and analyzed. Administering antibiotics and immunoglobulins can stop the spread of toxic shock. Cleaning the infected area, including the vagina, is necessary.

When menstrual TSS is suspected, patients are admitted to intensive care.

What precautions should you take to avoid any risk of menstrual toxic shock syndrome? What’s the right approach? What habits should you adopt?

To avoid any risk of developing TSS, it’s essential to follow the wearing and usage guidelines for your internal period protection (disposable tampon or menstrual cup):

• carefully read the instructions so you fully understand your protection and how to use it,
• change your protection every 4 to 6 hours maximum,
• wash your hands before and after any handling,
• do not use a cup or tampon at night and opt for external protection instead,
• if you use a cup, wash it thoroughly and sterilise it. Ideally, have two cups and alternate them so you always have a clean one ready to wear.

A disposable tampon or a menstrual cup should never be worn for more than 4 hours. It’s important to change your period product so that blood doesn’t stagnate in your vagina for too long. 

If you particularly like internal menstrual protection, prioritize it during the daytime. 

For the night, slip on a beautiful menstrual panty made of organic cotton certified to the Oeko-Tex standard. Period panties have a thick, dense, and very wide protection area to optimally collect your menstrual blood. No risk of leaks or saturation, even for the heaviest menstrual flows, we promise! 

Looking for absorbent, comfortable period underwear for the night? Discover our Jade very heavy-flow absorbent period brief.

For your workouts, you can also go for seamless invisible period underwear. There’s no way to tell under your tight leggings that you’re wearing washable period panties. 

Looking for seamless period panties that are reliable, soft, and comfortable for your fitness, yoga, or running sessions? Discover our Liv seamless period panties for very heavy flow.

For afternoons at the pool with your friends, you can wear a tampon, a cup, or a period swimsuit! It’s a great external alternative. These new menstrual products manage to be absorbent on the inside and waterproof on the outside. No, you’re not dreaming! Period bikinis can absorb menstrual blood and lock it into their absorbent pad without letting it leak out. There’s nothing to worry about!

Tempted by period swimwear? Check out our range of black one-piece menstrual swimsuits and menstrual bikini bottoms. They look amazing!