What should we remember about toxic shock syndrome?

According toAnses, around twenty cases of SCT ou menstrual toxic shock syndrome are listed in France every year. This figure would be underestimated. This serious infectious disease and rare affects young girls and settled women. this syndrome is directly linked to the excessive use of certain internal hygienic protections: the disposable tampons or menstrual cups. Knowing this syndrome and its symptoms well is essential in order to avoid it or to receive rapid treatment and support.

Today, Louloucup speaks internal periodic protection et health risk. We also talk about menstrual toxic shock, its causes, its consequences, its symptoms, the care, the treatment but also the actions to adopt to avoid it.

What is period-related toxic shock syndrome (TSS)? What causes toxic shock syndrome? What are the symptoms of TSS? How to avoid TSS? What are the actions to adopt?

TBS toxic chocolate syndrome

Everything you need to know about menstrual toxic shock syndrome

Definition of TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome or TSS is a serious and rapidly progressive general infection. This disease occurs in women carrying S. aureus bacteria, that is to say certain staphylococcus aureus.

These germs secrete toxins specific, the TSST-1. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, also called tampon disease, is favored and caused by the presence of stagnant blood in the vagina. This blood causes the proliferation of toxins. These toxins then quickly pass into the bloodstream, circulate throughout the body and attack vital organs.

Not all women are exposed to TSS

In 2017, according to the health section of Le Figaro, 23 cases have been recorded In France. These are often very young women. TSS can develop in women with S. aureus bacteria, i.e. certain group A staphylococcus aureus.
approximately 1% of women have this bacteria from the Staphylococcus aureus family in their vagina according to INSERM.

Still others would not have the level of antibodies necessary to fight this infection.

SCT highlighted in recent years

In recent years, testimonies from young women have been coming in more and more. The freedom of speech on social networks has highlighted toxic menstrual shock, until now unknown to the general public.

Without a doubt, the testimonial from model Lauren Wasser in 2012 shocked and left its mark. When she was 24, she contracted TSS, she thought she had a simple flu. She came close to death: she suffered two heart attacks and was in an artificial coma for a week. She then has a 1% chance of survival. When he wakes up, we must amputate a leg. She would have to have her other leg amputated a few years later.

Today, Lauren Wasser runs and plays basketball with her two prosthetics. She continues to parade and travels the world to raise awareness about the danger of improper use of tampons.

The causes of toxic shock syndrome

Let's be precise, the tampon or the cup are not the cause of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. It is the misuse that we make of it that is the cause. This is the message of these protections. Inserm explains it perfectly:

« […] National Reference Center for Staphylococci has shown that the risk of toxic shock syndrome is multiplied by two when a tampon is kept on for more than six hours, and by three when the tampon is worn all night. Researchers also observed that not reading or following the instructions that come with the box of tampons is also associated with an increased risk of toxic shock. »

Obviously, only internal intimate protections are concerned. These are the menstrual cup and sanitary tampons. External protection (pads, menstrual panties) cannot cause TSS.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome

The warning signs of toxic shock syndrome are:

  • headaches and throat pain,
  • dizziness,
  • diarrhea,
  • vomiting,
  • high fever,
  • muscle aches,
  • rash,
  • voltage drop

These general symptoms are misleading and can be confused with the flu or gastro. It is therefore all the more important to be aware of these symptoms and to be familiar with TSS.

What to do if in doubt?

In the event of symptoms, the hygienic protection must be removed and act quickly to prevent the spread of infection to vital organs. If you have the slightest doubt, go to Emergency and inform the doctor about your condition, your symptoms and your measurements. Every hour counts. You must therefore share all your doubts with the doctors to save time.

What is the treatment for TSS?

To find out if the toxic shock is well developed, the bacteria are cultured and analyzed. Administration of antibiotics andimmunoglobulins can stop the spread of toxic shock. Cleaning of the infected area, the vagina is necessary.

When menstrual TSS is suspected, patients are hospitalized in intensive care.

Take precautions, avoid SCT, alternatives

What precautions should be taken to avoid any risk of menstrual toxic shock ? What is the right behavior? What are the right habits?

Use and wear your tampons or cup properly

In order to avoid any risk of contamination, it is essential to respect the conditions for wearing and using your internal periodic protection (the tampon or the cup):

  • read it carefully notice in order to fully understand its protection and its mode of use,
  • change your protection every 4 to 6 hours max,
  • wash your hands before and after any handling,
  • do not use the cup or tampon at night and prefer external protection,
  • in the case of a cup, wash it properly and sterilize it. The best is to have two and alternate them so you always wear a clean one.

Excellent alternatives to internal protection: menstrual panties

And why not choose external hygienic protection? These are reliable and pose no risk. Their use is very simple. There pair of period panties ou period panty has great advantages.

Suitable for all menstrual flows, usable fromadolescence, available in many sizes, menstrual panties are perfect for both night and day.

Discover without further delay the Louloucup menstrual panties collection, menstrual panties, tangas and shorties in organic cotton, vegan and at affordable prices.