Monday, June 3, 2019

What is TSS?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a name given to a severe septicaemia condition (blood poisoning) caused by a retained tampon infection. Classically,' Toxic Shock Syndrome' was caused by retained tampons but may also be caused by other retained foreign bodies, such as forgotten pessaries or swabs. TSS occurs when toxins are released by bacteria that cause a severe body reaction. The association with tampons is when retained long enough in the vagina to allow high bacteria levels to grow.


Symptoms tend to be a vaginal discharge that may become smelly and purulent, discomfort, lower abdominal pain, and sometimes severe infection symptoms such as elevated temperature and feeling unwell. The best way to avoid TSS is to remember taking out a tampon and not putting out a new one if the old one is not out! Some women don't like to see the retriever thread and the tampon can move up and be forgotten, but all tampons should be changed regularly (at least every 8 hours) to reduce the TSS possibility.
But TSS is not very common overall, so don't get too paranoid. The number of menstruation-related TSS cases has significantly decreased over time from 9 out of 100,000 women in 1980 to 1 out of 100,000 since 1986. This is explained by removing highly absorbent tampons, meaning that women need to change them more often. Please see your doctor or gynaecologist as soon as possible if you think you may be suffering from TSS. Together with vaginal swabs, a test will be needed to look for infection and remove the tampon. If necessary, an antibiotic course may also be prescribed.
Usually a complete recovery is made, but it depends on how early the condition is detected. So if you begin to develop discharge and smell symptoms that are not typical of you, you should see a doctor right away. In this respect, panty liners, sanitary towels or moon cups would be safer than tampons, but tampons are often more comfortable and practical, and there are not very high chances of forgetting one. In short, continue to use tampons, but remember to remove them.

1 comment:

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