What should you remember about toxic shock syndrome?

According to Anses, around twenty cases of TSS, or toxic shock syndrome linked to menstruation, are recorded in France every year. This figure is likely underestimated. This **serious but rare infectious disease** affects girls and women who have their period. This syndrome is directly linked to wearing certain internal hygiene products—**disposable tampons** or **menstrual cups**—for too long. Knowing this syndrome and its symptoms is essential so you can avoid it or get prompt treatment.

Today, Louloucup, a French brand of durable, washable menstrual products, speaks to you internal period products and health risks. We also talk to you about menstrual toxic shock, its causes, its consequences, its symptoms, how it is managed and treated, as well as the steps you can take to avoid it.

What is period-related toxic shock syndrome (TSS)? What causes toxic shock syndrome? What are the symptoms of TSS? How can you prevent TSS? What steps should you take?

 

All about toxic shock syndrome related to periods

Definition of TSS or toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome or TSS is a serious infection that usually progresses rapidly. This condition occurs in women who are carriers of Vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), meaning a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus.

These germs secrete specific toxins, TSST-1. These toxins can be quite dangerous for the body and your 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 triggered by stagnant blood in the vagina. This blood leads to the proliferation of toxins. These toxins then quickly pass into 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 tampon in cotton, 
• the menstrual cup or menstrual cup made from organic medical-grade silicone. 

Not all women are at risk of TSS

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

Others may not have enough antibodies to fight this infection.

TSS brought into the spotlight in recent years

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.

Causes of toxic shock syndrome

To be precise, tampons and menstrual cups are not themselves the cause of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. It’s the incorrect use of these products that causes it. As Inserm clearly explains:

“[…] 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 a tampon is worn all night. The researchers also observed that not reading or not following the instructions provided with tampon boxes is also associated with an increased risk of toxic shock.”

So internal menstrual products (worn inside the vagina) must be used wisely. External products (disposable pads, cotton period panties) cannot cause TSS because blood does not stagnate in the vagina but is collected as it exits. Whatever menstrual solution you choose, we strongly encourage you to always follow the instructions for use, leaflet and/or user guide provided by the brand. It’s always very important to respect the usage guidelines to get the best possible experience.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome

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. 

What should you do if you’re unsure?

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.

What is the treatment for TSS?

To confirm toxic shock, the bacteria are cultured and analyzed. Administering antibiotics and immunoglobulins can stop the spread of toxic shock. The infected area, the vagina, must be cleaned.

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

Taking precautions, avoiding TSS, alternatives

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

How to correctly use and wear tampons or a cup

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.

Louloucup’s top tips

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 day. 

For the night, slip on a **pretty pair of period panties in organic cotton certified to the Oeko‑Tex standard**. Period panties have a thick, dense and very wide absorbent area to optimally collect your menstrual blood. There’s no risk of leaks or saturation, even for the **heaviest flows**, promise! 

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

For your workouts, you can also opt for a seamless invisible menstrual panty. It’s impossible to tell you’re wearing washable period panties under your tight leggings. 

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 your afternoons at the pool with friends, you can wear a tampon, a cup, but also a period swimsuit ! It’s a great external alternative. And yes, these new period products manage to be both absorbent on the inside and waterproof on the outside. No, you’re not dreaming! The period bikini is able to absorb menstrual blood and lock it into its pad without letting it spread. 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!

Excellent alternatives to internal protection: menstrual panties

 

And why not choose external sanitary protections? These are reliable and pose no health risks. They are very easy to use. Menstrual panties or period panties have great advantages.

Menstrual panties are:

• comfortablePeriod underwear that fits well, is comfortable to wear, well cut, and respects a woman’s shape and curves.
• healthy with a transparent composition: cotton, bamboo, elastane, Louloucup makes it a priority. No more obscure compositions of tampons and pads, here we tell you everything, we hide nothing! 
• reliable, with period panties there’s nothing to stress about – they’re super absorbent! 

Suitable for all menstrual flow (light, normal, heavy or very heavy), suitable from adolescence, available in many sizes, period panties are perfect for both night and day. For students, new mums, women who work long hours, travellers and everyone else. 

Know that Louloucup caters to petite figures with a selection of panties starting at size XXS in our teen range. We’ve also thought about other body types that are far too often overlooked. That’s why we offer a plus-size range with a lovely selection of period briefs from size XXL to XXXXXL.

We also offer ultra-light menstrual panties or menstrual thongs for very light discharge.

For young or soon-to-be moms, some of our period underwear has double-layer protection that covers the entire garment, front and back. These models from the postpartum range are perfect for managing bleeding, postpartum discharge or even periods with a copper IUD. 

Discover Louloucup’s collection of period underwear without delay—panties, tangas and menstrual boyshorts in organic cotton, vegan and affordable. And at Louloucup, delivery is always free. You only pay for your menstrual products and nothing else. Build your own custom pack or bundle of washable panties now!