Which Tampons Should You Steer Clear from When it Comes to TSS?

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) might sound more like a prehistoric animal but it’s actually a  dangerous bacteria . In fact, staph is more predominantly known to cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) especially in women from certain tampon use.

What is Staphylococcus aureus (staph)

Staph is actually found in most women’s bodies and 30 percent of people carry Staphylococcus aureus in their nose. It is also present in the vagina. The bacteria tend to not cause harm under ordinary circumstances, though it can become inflamed and spread with the use of conventional super absorbent tampons made with chemicals and other synthetic materials.

Staph is also stubborn bacteria that can often become resistant to select antibiotics. Certain people with diabetes, vascular disease, lung disease, cancer, and eczema are more susceptible to developing a staph infection. Group A Streptococcus (strep) which is also the same infection that causes a strep throat is also linked to TSS.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic shock syndrome is when staph or strep bacteria grow as a result of over-extended use of non-naturally made, super absorbent tampons. Approximately a third of toxic shock syndrome cases are young women under the age of 19 and around 30 percent of women who get TSS will get it twice.

Both staph and strep bacteria creates poison, as the bacteria grows rapidly in an environment such as blood-saturated tampons. Bacteria growth tends to really spread in tampons made with synthetic materials such as polyester foam, dioxins, and viscose rayon fibers.

In the 1980s, Toxic shock syndrome became a serious health concern because of the way tampons were made with a chlorine bleaching process that left harmful synthetic chemical ingredients in most conventional tampons.

Devastating Consequences of TSS

TSS can be deadly and cause serious health concerns such as in Lauren Wasser’s case where she had both of her legs amputated due to toxic shock. More recently, gymnast Anna Norquist lost her right arm above the elbow, her left arm amputated below the elbow, and her left and right legs amputated below the knee. She has undergone 10 surgeries. In Anna’s case, group A streptococcus bacteria caused the toxic shock syndrome and it did not enter her body through a tampon. Doctor’s speculated the strep bacteria entered through her right arm, though is not completely certain. Both women use their experiences as a platform to educate other women about the risks associated with TSS.

For the most part, 50 percent of reported toxic shock cases are from the use of super absorbent tampons that are synthetically made and worn for a prolonged time. Today viscose rayon can still be found in leading brands that manufacture non-natural, synthetic feminine hygiene products. The FDA doesn’t require tampon companies to list ingredients, so you don’t actually know what are in conventional tampons. Those that don’t specify that they’re made naturally or specify their ingredients are likely made synthetically. Most synthetic tampons contain chemicals potentially toxic to the body.

Symptoms & Treatments

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• High fever
• Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Rash
• Muscle aches
• Confusion

If caught early, treatment for toxic shock can be treated with medication to stabilize blood pressure, IV fluids for rehydration, and gamma globulin injections for inflammation.

Veeda Tampons May Reduce the Risk of TSS

The good news is, there has never been a reported case of TSS from an all-natural cotton tampon, such as Veeda. We believe in transparency with our products , and with Veeda, you get 100% pure natural cotton. We understand that a woman’s vagina is the most absorbent part of her body. Therefore, a tampon laden with synthetic chemicals are dangerously toxic, because the vagina immediately absorbs chemicals that foster harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. This can make vital organs vulnerable, leading to potentially fatal results from complications of TSS.