Tampon Toxic Shock Syndrome
A serious illness such as toxic shock syndrome can be caused by a staphylococcal infection when tampons are used during the menstrual cycle. The disease progresses rapidly, leading to the development of a severe and difficult to treat shock state, the death rate in which ranges from 8 to 16%.
Fortunately, toxic shock syndrome is quite rare, but in accordance with international requirements, all manufacturers of tampons are required in their instructions to warn women about the possibility of developing the disease when using these products.
Most often, young women from 15 to 30 years old who use tampons during critical days are susceptible to toxic shock syndrome. In fairness, it should be noted that the existence of a direct connection between the occurrence of the disease and the use of tampons has not yet been proven, but an increasing number of physicians, in connection with their professional observations, come to precisely such conclusions.
Although there are cases when toxic shock syndrome developed in women who prefer vaginal contraceptives: caps, diaphragms, spermicidal sponges.
The development of the disease is provoked by Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus aureus), which belongs to the group of saprophytic bacteria, as a result of the vital activity of which toxins dangerous to humans are produced. These microorganisms are always present in the body on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, vagina, on the skin, but only in small quantities. In addition, in many people, the immune system produces antibodies that neutralize the toxic effects of toxins.
According to doctors, we are exposed to these bacteria at least once in our lives, regardless of age and gender. However, when, due to some circumstances, they begin to multiply excessively, then the intake of toxins into the body and, directly into the circulatory system, exceeds all permissible norms, leading to the development of a dangerous infection. The situation can be aggravated by the presence in women of various kinds of injuries to the mucous membrane and walls of the vagina: microcracks, irritation, scratches.
Usually, at the initial stage, the disease resembles a typical form of influenza, but soon, without medical assistance, the patient's condition becomes extremely serious. The main symptoms of toxic shock include fever (up to 40 on C), a sharp drop in blood pressure, muscle cramping, epigastric consciousness, cramps, vomiting, fever, rash on the palms and soles. Unfortunately, many people who are sick believe that they have the flu and are taking appropriate measures to treat it.
But the fact is that toxic shock develops much more rapidly than the flu, and therefore a sudden onset of vomiting or a sharp rise in temperature should cause a woman serious fears, sufficient to seek medical help. She must definitely remove the tampon and wait for the arrival of the doctor, since often the success of treatment depends precisely on a timely diagnosis.
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If a woman uses vaginal contraceptives, which she is unable to extract on her own, then it is also necessary to call an ambulance and notify the doctor about the use of these contraceptives. Treatment of toxic shock is carried out only in stationary conditions, where patients are injected with antibacterial drugs and solutions that help remove toxins from the body.
If a woman has had a manifestation of toxic shock at least once, then she is categorically not allowed to use vaginal contraceptives and tampons without the consent of the attending physician or gynecologist. Ideally, it's best not to use either one at all.
For preventive purposes, in order to avoid toxic shock syndrome, women are advised to follow a few simple rules:
1. It is necessary to take a break when using tampons on critical days, alternating sanitary pads and tampons every two menstrual cycles.
2. It is best to alternate hygiene products even during one period, for example, use pads at night and tampons during the day.
3. Always use absorbent tampons appropriate to the amount of secretions.
4. Change the tampon no later than four hours after its introduction into the vagina, even if it did not have time to soak completely.
5. If there is discomfort and irritation after the introduction of the tampon, if it is difficult to remove it, then it is better to purchase tampons with less absorbency than previously used.
The maximum risk of infection is noted for women under the age of 30, and about 55% of all cases of the disease are associated with the menstrual cycle. Moreover, 99% of women used vaginal tampons during menstruation.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
