Toxic
Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare and potentially fatal disease associated
with tampon use, by toxin-producing strains of the Staphylococcus
aureus bacterium. In May 1980, 55 cases of toxic-shock syndrome (TSS),
a newly recognized illness characterized by high fever, sunburn-like
rash, peeling skin, low blood pressure were described. Approximately
half the cases of TSS reported today are associated with tampon use,
during or just after menstruation in young women usually younger than
30 years. TSS might be more common in younger women because they have
not developed antibodies to the toxin. However, TSS can also occur
in children, men and non-menstruating women.
Although there is an association between TSS and tampon use, the exact
connection remains unclear. A few specific tampon materials were found
to have some association with increased risk of TSS. The use of some
high absorbency tampons increases the risk of TSS in menstruating
women. These products and materials are no longer used in tampons
sold in the U.S. Today, tampons are made of rayon, cotton or a blend
of the two. Cotton is a natural material, while rayon is a synthetic
material derived from wood pulp. Previous studies have found no increased
risk of TSS with rayon tampons. It's also thought that in order for
TSS to develop, there must be a break in the skin and Staphylococcus
aureus, a bacterium must be present. This bacteria releases one or
more toxins into the bloodstream, that can possibly lead to a serious
infection during tampon use.
The number of reported TSS cases has decreased significantly in recent
years. Between 1997 and 1980, only five tampon associated TSS cases
were reported, compared with 814 cases in 1980. One reason for the
decreased incidence of menstrual TSS may the decrease in the absorbency
of tampons. The most absorbent tampon available today is much less
absorbent than the most absorbent tampons used twenty years ago.
Today, tampon package labels advise women to use the lowest absorbency
tampons compatible with their menstrual flow. Absorbency--is the amount
of menstrual blood taken up by the tampon and is measured in grams
of fluid. If you need to change your tampon every few hours you might
need a more absorbent tampon. If on the other hand the tampon is difficult
to remove or shreds or you experience vaginal dryness the tampon you
are using is probably too absorbent. Ulcerations have also been reported
in women using tampons between menstrual periods to try to control
excessive vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding. For a lighter flow
at the beginning and end of your period, use junior absorbency. You
can experiment with different brands and sizes to find the best product.
Women can avoid problems by choosing a tampon with the minimum absorbency
needed to control menstrual flow and using tampons only during active
menstruation.
Labeling on tampon packages today helps women choose the lowest absorbency,
in order to reduce their risk of TSS. The terms such as "regular,"
"super" and "super plus" represent increasing
absorbency within the same brand and the same absorbency across brands.
This makes it very easy for women using different brands to use the
correct absorbency. If a woman switches brands, she can look for a
tampon labeled with the same standardized absorbency term as the tampon
she has been using.
| The
six absorbency ranges on tampon packages are: |
- 6
grams and under Junior absorbency
- 6-9
grams Regular absorbency
- 9-12
grams Super absorbency
- 12-15
grams Super-plus absorbency
|
While TSS is rare, it's still very real concern for young women. Using
any kind of tampon, cotton or rayon of any absorbency puts a woman
at risk for TSS. Knowing how to prevent TSS and recognize the symptoms
can do much to reduce the risk of the disease.
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