A complication caused by use of tampons and pads could threaten your life

An unpopular phenomenon among women in their menstrual ages, the syndrome has a likelihood of causing life-threatening complications to the body.

Dr Grace Kanyi, a gynaecologist, says that toxic shock syndrome among women is caused by the usage of tampons - especially super absorbent ones, menstrual cups and sanitary pads for a long period of time.

There isn't a set time for when symptoms of toxic shock syndrome start after using a tampon. Although you might not get the syndrome when a tampon stays longer than six hours, studies have shown that prolonged use of a tampon promotes the production of harmful bacteria.

“If you are going to use a tampon change it every four to six hours irrespective of the flow. Some women are susceptible and tend to react to specific sanitary towels causing them skin irritation that appears like a first-degree burn,” she says.

The condition was first observed as a health hazard in 1980 in the USA, when several healthy women from different states died, following an unexplained illness that involved a fever, shock, and multiple organ failure.

According to Dr. Kanyi, signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly and progress quickly.

“The first indication of a serious case of TSS is normally a sudden, high fever. Other signs include vomiting, abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, dizziness, diarrhoea, and headache. This can be fatal if not checked on time,” she explains.

The risk of developing toxic shock syndrome is low but those who are immunosuppressed have a high risk.

“Those with immunity issues or individuals with diabetes, patients on chemotherapy, people living with HIV are at a higher risk because the immune system is compromised.”

Additionally, those with a history of using super-absorbent tampons, those with surgical wounds, a local infection in the skin or deep tissue and a history of recent childbirth may be susceptible.

“Anyone who has been using tampons or who has a skin wound or infection and experiences the signs and symptoms described above, or if you have a skin or wound infection, should call a doctor immediately,” she says.

Dr Kanyi advises women to wash their hands thoroughly before inserting a tampon, use the lowest absorbency tampons for their period flow, and remove the tampon as soon as menstruation has ended.

“Some ladies forget them, this happens on the last day when the low is light, and it can stay in the vagina for even two days, that can be very dangerous. Remember, different brands work differently, so just know what works for you and change tampons at least as regularly as directed on the pack,’ she says.