Toxic Shock Syndrome – What You Need to Know

One disadvantage of using tampons versus pads are that you run the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is also known or called TSS. Men cannot get toxic shock syndrome. This condition is most popular in teenage girls. If you want to eliminate the risk of toxic shock syndrome you can use pads except for when you swim or take a bath.

The warnings signs of toxic shock syndrome come on fast and they include: a high fever of over 100 degrees, becoming suddenly ill, fainting when standing up or being very dizzy when walking or standing. You can also get a rash which looks like you have been sunburned. If you have any of these symptoms you should call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. If you have had any of these symptoms in the past you should discontinue use perminantly and talk to your doctor right away.

TSS only affects women who use tampons while on their period. It’s a very rare disease which can lead to death. It’s most common amoung teenagers and about 10 women out of 100,000 women are affected. The odds are that you will never have any symptoms of TSS but you should be careful when using a tampon. Make sure to change them frequently and try and take them out at night. Switch to pads whenever possible except for swimming or bathing.

If you have decided that you’re not switching from tampons you can reduce your risk of getting TSS by switching to a lower absorbency tampon. The more and thicker absorbency the more of a risk you have for getting toxic shock syndrome. As soon as you feel like you are getting sick or light headed you should discontinue use right away.

Toxic shock syndrome has only in the recent years began to show up more and more in women in their early 20’s. To help prevent the risk of getting TSS you can also change your tampon at least once every 6 hours or so. The more you can change it the better.

So if you are a female going into your 20’s, make sure that you understand the side effects of using tampons versus using pads. There are no disadvantages of using a pad except for the fact that you cannot swim in one (that would look ridiculous). It might be somewhat annoying at first but it’s worth the risk of getting TSS.