Toxic shock syndrome is also called tampon disease because it can occur when tampons remain in the vagina for too long. The disease is caused by a special bacterium that then produces toxic substances.

It's a horror story, especially for women: If tampons or certain contraceptives remain in the vagina for too long, toxic substances can form there. These staphylococci, which actually belong to the normal flora of the skin and are mainly found in the mucous membranes in the nose and vagina, can cause the so-called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). However, only individual strains of them produce the toxins that are hazardous to health: Staphylococcus aureus.

Because the disease is mainly associated with the extremely absorbent tampon that has been lying in the vagina for too long, this serious disease has been given the nickname "tampon disease". If there is a bacterial infection in the body and the bacteria enter the bloodstream, generalized sepsis (blood poisoning) can occur. The bloodstream is then so full of bacteria that the body goes into shock. However, this case is very rare and does not always have anything to do with tampons, according to experts.

The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are similar to those of a flu-like infection. There may be chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, drop in blood pressure or dizziness, drowsiness and a rash is not uncommon as the disease progresses. Toxic Shock Syndrome can and must be treated very quickly with antibiotics in an emergency, because a too late diagnosis can lead to organ and circulatory failure and can be life-threatening.

More rarely, toxic shock syndrome is also possible when using a diaphragm or contraceptive cap - even without menstrual bleeding. The decisive factor is too long a period of use. The diaphragm should be left in place for a maximum of 24 hours and the contraceptive cap for no longer than 48 hours.

If a fever suddenly appears or the general condition worsens, women should urgently remove tampons or contraceptives from the vagina immediately and have a direct examination and medical treatment if necessary. If antibiotics are taken in time, the clinical picture can be successfully stopped.

By the way, toxic shock syndrome is not a pure gynaecological disease: even in the case of wound infections, such as those that occur after burns, anyone can fall ill with it in principle. Caution is therefore required for all genders and all age groups.

If detected in time, toxic shock syndrome is easily treatable. And to prevent this, women should definitely stick to the specified wearing times of tampons and contraceptives.

On the packaging of tampons there is usually a recommended maximum wearing time. This is recommended by the manufacturers in order to avoid TSS risk and to maintain a high standard of hygiene.