For Emily, it started as an ordinary day. She had always used tampons without worry, but one night she made a mistake that nearly cost her life—she fell asleep with one in. By morning, her body was covered in hives, and she felt increasingly unwell. At first, she thought it was an allergic reaction, but when her condition worsened, doctors diagnosed her with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection.
TSS is caused by toxins from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus that enter the bloodstream. Though rare, it is often linked to leaving tampons in too long, especially super-absorbent ones. Emily spent two weeks in the hospital but was fortunate to recover. Her experience is a reminder of why awareness is vital.
Symptoms of TSS include fever, rash, dizziness, nausea, and low blood pressure. If you notice these signs while using a tampon, remove it immediately and seek urgent medical help.
Prevention is simple: choose the lowest absorbency, change tampons every 4–8 hours, alternate with pads, and practice good hygiene. Emily’s story is a wake-up call—small precautions can save lives.
