ABSORBENT TOXIC SHOCK: 10 THINGS TO KNOW

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rather rare disease, but it scares many of us. It is generally linked to the use of tampons on days of your period, but will all the rumors be true? Here are 10 things to know about the toxic shock of a tampon:

1. Tampons don't fit (almost) anything

Yes: if used correctly, tampons have no correlation with toxic shock syndrome, which is caused by the toxins of Staphylococcus Aureus, a saprophytic bacterium that populates the mucous membranes of the nose and vagina.

2. Even men can suffer from it

Although it is a disease that mostly affects women, men can also be affected: in fact, it can affect anyone who is a carrier of the aforementioned Staphylococcus Aureus. And yet the knowledge that adult men have tampons goes something like this:

3. Toxic shock affects one in two hundred women on average

Warning for all listening hypochondriacs: toxic shock is a rather rare disease. Although there is a lot of talk about it, the percentage of women affected is very low, and only 1% of the time it led to death.

4. The causes of toxic shock remain unknown

The exact cause of toxic shock syndrome remains unknown to date. Of course there may be risk factors that can cause bacterial infection, but the colonization of the mucosa by staphylococci does not explain the complete clinical picture.

5. Its symptoms are similar to those of gastroenteritis

The bacterium that causes toxic shock leads to a lowering of the immune defenses, followed by symptoms similar to those of gastroenteritis, such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, dizziness and muscle aches.

6. The hypotheses that link toxic shock to tampons are different

It is not known exactly how tampons and toxic shock syndrome may be related, but the hypotheses of the researchers are varied. According to some, leaving the tampon in the vagina for too long would create a breeding ground for bacteria. According to others, the fibers of the pads scratch the inside of the vagina, facilitating the entry of bacteria.

7. To avoid risks, change your tampon often!

The golden rule to avoid contracting this disease with still unclear causes is not to keep the same tampon in the vagina for more than eight hours. Change it frequently and you will avoid bacterial colonization.

8. For the menstrual cup, the same rule applies

In case you are undecided about which to choose between tampon and cup, know that the risks are absolutely the same, and even in the case of the menstrual cup it is important to change it within 8 hours and wash it well every time.

9. Staphylococcus Auro is more common than you think ...

Staphylococcus auro is present in approximately 35% of people, without this being a problem. Some do not develop the antibodies necessary to destroy it, but the important thing is that it does not proliferate.

10. If you have already suffered from toxic shock syndrome, avoid using tampons and cups

If you have previously had problems of this type, it is recommended that you avoid using tampons and a menstrual cup to avoid further complications. Throw yourself on the classic tampons and in the meantime, while waiting for the cycle to end with its headaches and pains of everything, study something pleasant to do after or, if you feel it, even during