Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare infection, but it can be very serious. What causes it and how can it be prevented? Find out in this post.
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
The syndrome Toxic Shock (SST) is a serious disease that can be fatal. It is caused by the bacterium Straphylococcus aureus, a microorganism that, like many other bacteria, is found in our body naturally, generally on the skin, nose, armpits, groin and vagina.
Cases of TSS are so rare that most medical professionals do not encounter any throughout their entire professional career. However, it can be diagnosed and treated effectively with rehydration, antibiotics and other appropriate medicines, if symptoms are detected early.
Causes of SST
TSS can be suffered by both men, women and children, although menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome affects only women. The use of tampons or any product that is inserted into the vagina, such as menstrual cups, contraceptive diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, or cervical cups can cause this infection.
In addition, there are other causes of TSS such as a skin infection, a burn, stress, or after surgery.
Symptoms of menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome
The symptoms of menstrual TSS evolve very quickly, leading to a very acute picture. The main warning signs of a possible TSS are:
· High fever that begins suddenly (39 ° C or more).
· Confusion.
· Muscle pain.
· Vomiting
· Dizziness or feeling faint when standing up.
· Low blood pressure
· Sore throat.
· Convulsions
· Diarrhea.
· Skin irritations similar to sunburn.
· Liver and kidney failure.
These symptoms can occur at any time during or shortly after menstruation.
If you are wearing a tampon and you notice any of these signs, you should remove it immediately and put on a compress.
Obviously, go urgently to your doctor, since if TSS is diagnosed in time, it can be treated successfully, because if it is not it can cause organ failure, preventing the arrival of nutrients and oxygen to the organs.
How to prevent menstrual TSS
Using tampons with more absorption than needed increases the risk of TSS, so to prevent infection, women should follow good tampon-use habits:
· Apply the tampon with clean hands.
· Change it every 4 or 8 hours, depending on the menstrual flow, and never wear it for more than 8 hours. Do not use tampon overnight if you sleep more than 8 hours.
· It is advisable to use compresses instead of tampons at least once a day during your period, ideally during the night.
· Never reuse the applicator.
· Do not use a tampon before or after your period, or to absorb non-menstrual vaginal discharge.
· Change the degree of absorption of the tampon, according to the menstrual flow.
· Always make sure to remove the tampon before inserting a new one and to remove the last tampon at the end of your period.
Tampon manufacturers provide information on TSS and correct tampon use in the instruction leaflet that accompanies their products, so it is important to read it carefully and save it for future reference.
Regarding the use of menstrual cups:
· Use a menstrual cup of the appropriate size.
· It is recommended that each time the cup is removed, it is emptied and rinsed with water.
· When the menstruation ends, it must be sterilized with boiling water or using a method such as that used for infant bottles to eliminate the bacteria that may be acquired when handling it.
· It should always be kept in a cotton bag, but never in airtight or glass containers. It is also important to leave it in a cool place that is not exposed to the sun to prevent it from losing color and thus keeping its properties intact.
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