How does a tampon cause tss?

Question

I was just wondering. I use tampons all the time and know the risk n stuff but I just wanted to know wat about tampons causes tss? I mean do tampons have something in them that can cause tss?

Answer 1

TSS is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. (Different bacterial toxins may cause TSS, depending on the situation, but most often streptococci and staphylococci are responsible.) The number of reported TSS cases has decreased significantly in recent years. Approximately half the cases of TSS reported today are associated with tampon use during menstruation, usually in young women. TSS also occurs in children, men, and non-menstruating women. In 1997, only five confirmed menstrually-related TSS cases were reported, compared with 814 cases in 1980 [according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)]. Although scientists have recognized an association between TSS and tampon use, the exact connection remains unclear. Research conducted by the CDC suggested that use of some high absorbency tampons increased the risk of TSS in menstruating women. A few specific tampon designs and high absorbency tampon materials were also found to have some association with increased risk of TSS. These products and materials are no longer used in tampons sold in the U.S. Tampons made with rayon do not appear to have a higher risk of TSS than cotton tampons of similar absorbency.

Vaginal dryness and ulcerations may occur when women use tampons more absorbent than needed for the amount of their menstrual flow. Ulcerations have also been reported in women using tampons between menstrual periods to try to control excessive vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding. Women may avoid problems by choosing a tampon with the minimum absorbency needed to control menstrual flow and using tampons only during active menstruation.

To help women compare absorbency from brand to brand, FDA requires that manufacturers measure absorbency using a standard method and describe absorbency on the package using standardized terms. Thus, the terms "junior," "regular," "super," and "super plus," always describe a specific range of tampon absorbency regardless of the brand.

FDA requires manufacturers to give information on the package labeling about the signs of TSS and how to minimize the risk. Women are encouraged to read this information before using tampons and to ask about TSS when getting a medical checkup. More information is available about this topic on the web at:

Answer 2

The blood coming out of your uterus has bacteria in it that when you leave the tampon in for too long it enters your blood stream via your fully effaced cervix. The bacteria from the old blood when it enters your blood stream causes toxic shock syndrome.

Answer 3

usually its jst the bacteria that will get on them n2 ur v****a.

Answer 4

Very rarely do tampons cause TSS anymore because you have to leave them in for over 8 hours, so unless you fall asleep with one in, you're alright. Trust me, you won't fall asleep with one in - it would be kind of uncomfortable - sort of like wearing a pad with too much blood in it.

It causes TSS because the tampon fills with blood and the blood starts to grow old. Once there is a lot of blood and it becomes about 8-10 hours old, bacteria develops and you get blood poisoning.

Usually before you get TSS you become pretty nauseous so your body doesn't really let it happen without warning you first.

So don't worry about it. Millions of women use tampons and no one really gets sick from them anymore. Just be careful.