Toxic Shock Syndrome

In 1980, several women in the United States were diagnosed with TSS; a few of these women died. When researchers investigated these cases, they found that all the women had been menstruating and using high-absorbency tampons. Since that time, toxic shock has been associated with the use of tampons in menstruating women, who comprise about 50% of the cases of TSS per year. Researchers speculate that tampons provide a suitable environment for bacteria such as S. aureus to grow.

To reduce the risk of TSS, experts recommend that women who use tampons change them frequently (about every two to four hours) and use the lowest-absorbency tampon that's practical. To avoid all tampon-associated risk of TSS, avoid using tampons altogether. Since instituting these guidelines, the incidence of toxic shock has fallen significantly over the past ten years. Currently, the incidence of toxic shock syndrome in menstruating women is between 1 and 17 cases per 100,000. However, some cases of TSS in women have been associated with the use of contraceptive sponges and diaphragms. Like tampons, these devices should be worn for the shortest time recommended on the package directions, and for no longer than eight hours.

Cases of TSS are also found in people with pre-existing skin infections, such as boils and wound infections. Prompt treatment of these conditions can usually prevent TSS.