Toxic Shock Syndrome Tampon Connection

The Toxic Shock Syndrome-Tampon Connection

The Mayo Clinic website defines TSS this way: Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of bacterial infection. It has been historically associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges. Research conducted by the CDC also suggests that use of some high absorbency tampons increases the risk of TSS in menstruating women.

When tampons were first introduced, their convenience compared to bulky sanitary napkins made them instantly popular. Women soon found that this new idea had some problems. Tampons were not absorbent and needed frequent changing. Manufacturers moved away from natural cotton to less expensive and more absorbent synthetic materials and, according to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, the risk of TSS increased significantly. Shortly after the introduction of the new ultra-absorbent tampons, the first headline-making cases of tampon-related TSS appeared; in September 1980, the Procter & Gamble Company voluntarily recalled its Rely Brand from the market.

Today all major tampon brands, including Tampax, U By Kotex, Playtex and O.B. carry TSS warnings and information on their websites and/or packaging, and all caution women to select the lowest absorbency practical.

While few women are willing to give up the convenience of tampons and go back to the uncomfortable and bulky sanitary napkins their grandmothers used, there is a safe, convenient and better alternative. PantiePads products provide more protection, can be worn with confidence for up to 12 hours, all day or all night long, without losing freshness, without the risk of TSS. Chic, stylish PantiePads are light as a feather and as pretty as ordinary lingerie, but with a built-in secret. Each PantiePads has a superabsorbent pad built right in. The pad stays in place, never slips or slides, and is virtually invisible under clothing. For women who want the best possible protection, PantiePads are the smart alternative.