Tampons are a common part of many people’s lives, but understanding their risks is crucial.
Lauren Wasser followed all the instructions on a tampon box, yet she still faced a devastating outcome—one that changed her life forever.
At 24, Wasser diligently changed her tampon every four hours. But she suddenly developed flu-like symptoms, spiking a 41.5°C (107°F) fever. Hours later, she collapsed, just minutes from death.
Rushed to the hospital, she suffered two heart attacks, kidney failure, and tissue damage. Doctors diagnosed her with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening condition. Despite their efforts, her right leg was amputated. In 2018, she lost her left leg as well.
Now 36, Wasser has reclaimed her life as a model, walking for Louis Vuitton and appearing in major fashion magazines. But her mission extends beyond the runway—she’s raising awareness about TSS.
“This can happen even if you use tampons correctly,” she warns. “No one is invincible.”
Wasser urges open conversations about menstrual health, believing that knowledge and awareness can save lives.
