Monthly Mission: Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness

If you’ve opened up a box of tampons before, you’ve probably encountered the scary warning label on the inside of the pamphlet: “Tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. (TSS)” And whether or not you took this warning seriously the first time you saw it, most likely your concern has slowly dissipated the longer you’ve used tampons. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Unfortunately, this is a mistake that can have grave consequences. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. It is often associated with the use of super absorbent tampons that contain rayon and other synthetic materials. And unfortunately, girls that are just starting their periods are at a higher risk, since their antibodies are not yet fully developed. This makes it all the more important to be informed about the risks of TSS from a young age. It is crucial for menstruating women and girls to know the risk, the symptoms, and what to do if they think they may have TSS. This dangerous condition claims lives each year; on average, 1 in every 100,000 people in the United States will experience it annually.

This month at Be Prepared Period, we’ll be opening up conversation around this dangerous disease, and encouraging you to do the same. While TSS can also affect men, the most common cause is an infection linked to tampon usage. For this reason, it is so important that we understand how to reduce our risk, what products help to avoid TSS, and how to spread the word so our family and loved ones can stay safe, too. For many years, conventional feminine hygiene brands have used several potentially harmful materials in the production of their products. Take a stroll down the aisle at your pharmacy and sneak a peek at the ingredients – they may shock you. Several known carcinogens, irritants and allergens are used to manufacture many of the items you may have been using for years. As long as these harmful chemicals are in use, your risk of TSS will be higher.

So, where do we go from here? That’s where Be Prepared Period comes in! (Spoiler alert: organic cotton tampons are a great place to start!) Stay tuned for articles on the symptoms, the myths, and the risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Important note: If you or a loved one are worried that you are currently experiencing symptoms of TSS, we encourage you to seek immediate medical assistance.

Knowledge is power, and that’s why we’re committed to sharing the facts about this dangerous condition. And remember – sharing is caring! Be sure to share this with your friends and family, so they, too, can stay safe.

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Here’s to a better period, Tara & the BPP team