The Risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Filed in archive Menstruation on September 28, 2007

Do you know what toxic shock syndrome is? If so, do you know the risks associated with the disease? If not, did you know that toxic shock syndrome can be fatal? If you're not reading that small pamphlet that comes in with your tampons you should. Even if you think you know everything about the little known and understood disease.

The number of toxic shock cases have dropped from its peak in 1980 at 813 cases (38 fatalities) to 6 in 1997. However, women are still uninformed about the disease. But, according to an article on MSNBC, women should not be afraid of tampons, just educated.

"Currently, menstrual toxic shock represents only about half of all cases of toxic shock in the U.S.," says Dr. Paula Hillard, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. To lower your own risk, use tampons of the minimum absorbency your flow requires and alternate regularly with a pad. "Women should know signs and symptoms of TSS but not be freaked out by tampons," says Hillard, noting that U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations require warning signs to be included with tampon packaging.

Alternatives are available, though they're not for everybody.

Silicone cups are an appealing alternative for some women. The cups hold menstrual blood rather than absorbing it like a tampon does-and, with no paper waste, they're more environmentally friendly. "The Keeper" has been FDA-approved, though it is not as well-tested as tampons. Theoretically, it carries some risk of TSS as tampons do. If the cup fits you well and you experience no leakage, you may like it.

Another option is stop the flow at its source. The birth control pill Lybrel became available in July 2007; in addition to preventing pregnancy, it's designed to virtually eradicate monthly periods (though not without some controversy). Speaking strictly in medical terms, Hillard says, "Current evidence indicates that the pills are not unsafe for most women, and for women with moderate or severe pain with periods ... the reduction of [menstrual cycles] can be a major benefit."