If you usually use tampons, you should be careful of your hygiene before inserting or before removing the tampon, but also pay attention to the duration of wearing the tampon. In fact, if you keep your tampon for a long time, you could develop a toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can be caused by wearing a tampon or menstrual cup for too long (more than 4 to 6 hours). Indeed, some women carry the TSST-1-producing S. aureus bacteria in the vagina and wearing a tampon can block the bacteria in the vagina (not all women with Staphylococcus aureus develop toxic shock syndrome). The bacteria multiply itself in the body and creates dangerous toxins that can hurt the body and be dangerous for health. In fact, these toxins pass into the blood and can damage some organs: heart, liver, lungs… If the shock is too important, it can lead to the amputation of certain parts of the body and even lead to death.

The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are similar to those of the flu: headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, sore throat or rashes. The toxic shock syndrome can even lead to loss of consciousness.

If you suffer from these symptoms and have worn a tampon, go directly to an emergency service to receive a diagnosis and antibiotics.

Even if there are some risks if you wear a tampon too long, you don’t have to avoid this sanitary product except if you already had toxic shock syndrome. If you follow some instructions, you reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome. For example, you need to change your tampon (or menstrual cup) each 4 or 6 hours, it’s not recommended to wear a tampon for the night (prefer pads or menstrual panties). Also be careful to wash your hands before and after inserting or removing the tampon. Finally, don’t wear a tampon if you don’t have your periods.