Toxic Shock Syndrome - Sexual Health Peer Resource Center

What it is: Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, but serious illness, caused by toxins thought to be released from the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This potentially serious problem usually develops in menstruating women who are using a tampon or contraceptive sponge during their periods, but has also occurred in non-menstruating women, in men, and in children. In menstruating women, who make up the vast majority of cases, it is believed that the bacteria grow in the blood trapped in the vagina by the tampon or sponge. In other individuals, the bacteria grow in a cut or in an open sore.

Symptoms: The symptoms develop rapidly, and almost always during menstruation. A woman who develops any of these symptoms while menstruating should get medical help immediately.

A sunburn-like rash
Fever (101 degrees or more)
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Muscle aches

Testing and Diagnosis: The infection is diagnosed based on symptoms and a culture of vaginal secretions.

Treatment: Antibiotics are used to treat the illness. Because this serious disease develops very quickly, it is important to get immediate medical help if symptoms develop.

Complications: This is a very serious illness because 10% of patients who are hospitalized for die. The infection is extremely rare, though, and affects only 3 out of every 100,000 menstruating women.

Prevention:

Avoid super-absorbent tampons. Use “regular,” rather than “super” tampons.
Avoid scratching or irritating the lining of the vagina when the vagina is dry or if there is little bleeding (if the tampon sticks to the walls of the vagina).
Don’t use tampons 24 hours a day. Alternate with pads (maybe wear pads at night).
Wash hands before inserting tampons. Be sure that tampons and applicators are clean and contamination free.
Don’t use tampons if you have had , if you believe you have had mild symptoms, or if staph bacteria have been found in your vagina.


	SHPRC	About SHPRC Sexual Beings Working Yesterday STDs Making Babies Not Babies
	General Menstrual Problems Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Toxic Shock Syndrome Urinary Tract Infections Vaginitis	Toxic Shock Syndrome What it is: Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, but serious illness, caused by toxins thought to be released from the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This potentially serious problem usually develops in menstruating women who are using a tampon or contraceptive sponge during their periods, but has also occurred in non-menstruating women, in men, and in children. In menstruating women, who make up the vast majority of cases, it is believed that the bacteria grow in the blood trapped in the vagina by the tampon or sponge. In other individuals, the bacteria grow in a cut or in an open sore. Symptoms: The symptoms develop rapidly, and almost always during menstruation. A woman who develops any of these symptoms while menstruating should get medical help immediately. A sunburn-like rash Fever (101 degrees or more) Diarrhea Vomiting Muscle aches Testing and Diagnosis: The infection is diagnosed based on symptoms and a culture of vaginal secretions. Treatment: Antibiotics are used to treat the illness. Because this serious disease develops very quickly, it is important to get immediate medical help if symptoms develop. Complications: This is a very serious illness because 10% of patients who are hospitalized for die. The infection is extremely rare, though, and affects only 3 out of every 100,000 menstruating women. Prevention: Avoid super-absorbent tampons. Use “regular,” rather than “super” tampons. Avoid scratching or irritating the lining of the vagina when the vagina is dry or if there is little bleeding (if the tampon sticks to the walls of the vagina). Don’t use tampons 24 hours a day. Alternate with pads (maybe wear pads at night). Wash hands before inserting tampons. Be sure that tampons and applicators are clean and contamination free. Don’t use tampons if you have had , if you believe you have had mild symptoms, or if staph bacteria have been found in your vagina.