In the bandwagon of what to use during your precious period, we often read about using Reusable menstruation pads, Menstruation cups, Sanitary napkins and Tampons. We also come across why one is more popular than the other, along with the darker side of it’s use. You may be in love with your Tampon as it has given you an option of relaxing back in your chair but there’s something you need to take care of.

Leaving a Tampon inside you, for a longer duration can result into a toxic condition and not removing it often can also be harmful. It can cause abrasion, infections and even TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) which may lead to Death!

What is TSS?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening illness that is thought to be caused by infection with certain types of bacteria. Most cases occur in women who are menstruating, as it is thought to be associated with tampon use. The bacteria naturally present in the vagina can over-grow in the presence of a blood-soaked tampon.

The Vicious Cycle Of Tampons

• Super absorbent Tampons can cause vaginal dryness or irritation
• Dryness increases risk of abrasions
• Abrasions raise the chance of infection

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A Caught Case

A girl walks into the hospital one afternoon, with a complaint that she was suffering with fever. It seemed like a regular case. After hearing her sufferings, the Doctor analyzes her of STD (Sexual Transmitted Disease). However, she refuses saying she never had sex in the recent period. On further analysing, the Doctor confirms that it was something related to her period and the tampon she uses. To the utter astonishment to everyone, the doctor discovered a tampon inside the girl, who wasn’t in her periods. The tampon was later removed from her, giving her a sigh of relief. But what she and the doctor couldn’t get off of their minds was how the tampon went deep inside, which is usually not possible in regular situations.

The girl later recalled an incident, explaining how her boyfriend forced himself on her after a party which may have pushed the tampon further inside. It had been nearly a month since the incident, resulting into an infection, which could have been lethal.

Symptoms Of Infection

Fever, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Skin rashes, Peeling patches of skin on feet and hands, Muscular aches, Headaches, Sore throat, Red eyes, Confusion, Low blood pressure. Joint pains, Sensitivity to light, Kidney failure, Collapse and also Death.

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Safeguard Initiatives

• Change your tampon, at least once in four hours
• Avoid using super absorbent tampons
• Use pads (Best – Reusable pads) overnight
• Maintain cleanliness to its highest
• Keep a tab on time when you insert a tampon – Use Alarm!

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