What should you know about toxic shock syndrome?

According to Anses, about twenty cases of TSS, or toxic shock syndrome related to menstruation, are reported in France each year. This number is likely underestimated. This serious and rare infectious disease affects young girls and women who menstruate. The syndrome is directly linked to wearing certain internal period products—disposable tampons or menstrual cups—for too long. Knowing about this syndrome and its symptoms is essential to avoid it or to get quick medical attention and treatment.

Today, Louloucup, a French brand of durable and washable menstrual protectionis talking to you internal menstrual protection and health risksWe’ll also tell you about menstrual toxic shockabout its causes, consequences, symptoms, treatment, and what steps you can take to avoid it.

What is toxic shock syndrome (TSS) related to periods? What causes toxic shock syndrome? What are the symptoms of TSS? How can you avoid 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 SCT is a serious infection that typically progresses rapidly. This illness occurs in women who carry S. aureus bacteriathat is, from a specific strain of staphylococcus aureus.

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

In what context does the S. Aureus bacteria develop? 

The staphylococcal toxic shock syndromealso known as toxic shock syndrome, is triggered and worsened by stagnant blood in the vagina. This blood encourages the growth of toxins, which then quickly enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and attack vital organs.

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

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

Not all women are at risk for TSS

In 2017, according to Le Figaro’s health section, 23 cases were reported in France. These are often very young women. TSS can develop in women who carry S. aureus bacteria, meaning certain group A golden staphylococci. About 1% of women are thought to have this type of staphylococcus bacteria in their vagina, according to Inserm. Others may not have enough antibodies to fight off this infection.

TSS brought to light in recent years

In recent years, more and more young women have come forward with their stories. The open discussions on social media have shed light on toxic shock syndrome, which was previously unknown to the general public.

Without a doubt, the testimony of model Lauren Wasser in 2012 was shocking and unforgettable. At 24, she contracted TSS, thinking she just had the flu. She nearly died—she suffered two heart attacks and spent a week in a medically induced coma. She was given a 1% chance of survival. When she woke up, doctors had to amputate one of her legs. A few years later, the other leg had to be amputated as well.

Today, Lauren Wasser runs and plays basketball with her two prosthetic legs. She still models and travels the world to raise awareness about the dangers of misusing tampons.

The causes of toxic shock syndrome

Let’s be precise: tampons or menstrual cups are not the cause of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by staphylococcus. It is the improper use of these products that causes it. Inserm explains it perfectly:

"[…] The National Reference Center for Staphylococci found that the risk of toxic shock syndrome doubles if a tampon is worn for more than six hours, and triples if it is worn overnight. Researchers also observed that not reading or not following the instructions that come with tampon boxes is also associated with an increased risk of toxic shock."

So, you should use internal menstrual products (intra-vaginal) wisely. On the other hand, external menstrual products (disposable pads, organic cotton period underwear) cannot cause TSS since blood does not stagnate in the vagina but is collected as it exits. However, whatever menstrual solution you choose, always follow the instructions, manual, and/or user guide provided by the brand. It’s always very important to follow the usage guidelines to ensure the best possible experience. 

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome

Warning signs of toxic shock syndrome include:

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

These general symptoms can be misleading and may be confused with the flu or a stomach bug. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of these symptoms and to know about TSS. 

It’s also very important to tell your doctor that you’re on your period and to share what type of menstrual protection you use. 

What should you do if you’re unsure?

If you have symptoms, remove your period product and act quickly to prevent the infection from spreading to vital organs. If you have any doubts, go to the emergency room and inform the doctor about your condition, symptoms, and measurements. Every hour counts. So, share all your concerns with the doctors to save time.

What is the treatment for TSS?

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

If 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 toxic shock syndrome? What is the right approach? What are the proper habits to adopt?

How to properly use and wear tampons or a menstrual cup

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

• make sure to read the instructions carefully to fully understand its protection and how to use it,
• change your protection every 4 to 6 hours at most,
• wash your hands before and after handling,
• don’t use a cup or tampon at night—choose an external protection instead,
• If you use a cup, wash it thoroughly and sterilize it. It’s best to have two and alternate them so you always have a clean one to use.

Louloucup’s best tips

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

If you particularly prefer internal period protection, prioritize it by day. 

For nighttime, slip on a beautiful period panty made from certified organic cotton (Oeko-Tex standard). Period panties feature thick, dense, and wide protection to optimally absorb your menstrual blood. No risk of leaks or overflow, even for the heaviest flows—promise!

Looking for absorbent and comfortable period panties for your night ? Discover our period underwear  ultra-absorbent for very heavy flow Jade.

For your workouts, you can also choose a seamless invisible period underwearNo one can tell you’re wearing washable period underwear under your fitted leggings. 

Looking for an invisible, reliable, soft, and comfortable period panty for your fitness class, yoga, or running? Check out our seamless Liv menstrual panty for very heavy flow.

For pool afternoons with friends, you can wear a tampon, a cup, or even a period swimsuit ! It’s a great external alternative. Yes, these new menstrual products manage to be both absorbent on the inside and waterproof on the outside. No, you’re not dreaming! The period bikini absorbs period blood and traps it in its pad without leaking. Nothing to worry about!

Curious about period swimwear? Check out our line of one-piece black menstrual swimsuits and period swim bottoms. They look amazing!

Excellent alternatives to internal protection: period underwear

 

Why not choose external period products? They’re reliable and pose no health risks. They’re very easy to use. Period underwear has a lot of advantages.

Period underwear is:

• comfortableAll Louloucup period underwear is lined with Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton, so they’re all super soft!
• healthy with transparent ingredients: cotton, bamboo, elastane—Louloucup makes it a priority. No more mysterious tampon or pad ingredients—here, we tell you everything, nothing is hidden! 
• reliableWith period panties, there’s no stress—they’re super absorbent! 

Suitable for everyone period flow (light, regular, heavy, or very heavy), suitable from adolescence, available in many sizes, menstrual panties are perfect for both night and day. For students, new moms, busy professionals, travelers, and everyone else. 

Louloucup caters to the smallest sizes with a selection of panties starting at XXS, the teen range. We've also thought of other body types that are often overlooked. That's why we offer a plus-size range with a lovely selection of period panties from size XXL up to XXXXXL.

We also offer ultra-light period panties or period thongs for light flow days.

For young or expectant moms, some of our period underwear feature double-layered protection that covers the entire panty, front and back. These models from our postpartum collection are perfect for managing bleeding, postpartum discharge, or even periods with a copper IUD. 

Discover the Louloucup collection of period underwear—panties, tangas, and more—right now! Organic Cotton Period Shorts, vegan and affordably priced. And at Louloucup, delivery is always free. You only pay for your menstrual products and nothing else. Build your custom pack of washable panties now!