Did you know that menstruation is not only horribly annoying, but that it can also be dangerous? Tampon disease, also known as toxic shock, still occasionally occurs. Bad enough, a girl recently died from it in Belgium. In this blog you can read what it is and what the causes are. And of course also how it can be prevented! Read up on yourself, and if you have a daughter who has already reached this stage, explain clearly to her how to use her tampons.
Toxic shock or tampon disease is not a topic to be taken lightly. Although fortunately not very common, it can be fatal. While it can easily be prevented if it is due to incorrect tampon use.
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Okay, you don't have to learn menstruation itself. That comes naturally to most girls. But how we should deal with it… A course from mom is nice for that. Many young girls don't like to start using tampons right away. It may also depend a bit on age.
Yet for many girls, sooner or later, the moment comes when they decide to start using tampons. In any case, discuss all the options together. We are all familiar with sanitary pads, but did you know that there are also menstrual cups, for example?
Basically, the use of tampons is common and works well in most cases, unless you are allergic to the chemicals in them. But one thing is very important. You have to use them in the right way. Always change a tampon on time. Otherwise, you run the risk of tampon disease or toxic shock, and that's a big deal.
Tampon disease is also known as toxic shock. There are several ways in which you can contract it, so that men can also get it, for example. In that case, there is often damage to the mucous membranes and the skin. However, about half of the cases are caused by wearing the same tampon for too long, which is why it is also called tampon disease.
If you wear a tampon for too long, the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can cause you to get an infection. Toxic substances then enter your blood, which immediately makes you very sick. Below you can read more about the symptoms by which you can recognize the disease. The latter is not so simple, by the way, because you could just confuse it with the flu.
A toxic shock, or tampon disease in this case, can be recognized by the following symptoms. They are clearly different and more severe than 'normal' menstrual complaints. The symptoms appear as soon as your blood is contaminated by toxic substances.
The latter symptom can eventually cause the body to go into shock.
Do you recognize symptoms and are you concerned? And are you wearing a tampon at that time? Then, first of all, remove it immediately. Then contact your doctor immediately. In the event of tampon disease or toxic shock, it is vital that doctors are involved as soon as possible. There are treatments, but they must be started as soon as possible.
Of course, the best thing to do is to prevent tampon disease and, unlike other forms of toxic shock, it can be done very easily. Never keep a tampon in too long! But what is actually too long?
Have you ever read the package insert for your tampons? There really is. But how many women read what it says? Let alone teenage girls, who really have better things to do! FYI:It says you should change a tampon about every 4 to 5 hours.
Changing your tampon every 4 to 5 hours is fine, this will prevent tampon disease or toxic shock. And during the heavier days you often feel that it is time yourself. But on lighter days, or if you don't have such a heavy menstrual period (lucky!) you can sometimes forget it.
In any case, follow the fixed rule:if there is movement, it is time for a clean tampon. Gently pull the string. If the tampon comes out of its place, it's time for a new one.
Would you like to get rid of those chemicals? Then I can advise you to delve into biological sanitary towels and tampons. Do you have a lot of trouble with your period? Be alert:you might may have endometriosis.
