Okay, a couple months ago I used my first tampon, I left in for about 5 hours and used a light absorbency. I haven’t used any since, but on Wednesday, I was about to put one in. I didn’t actually put it in. I put it up to my “area” and the top of the tampon touched it but I chickened out and didn’t put it in at all. I got sick yesterday (Thursday) and today I’m still sick. Just a bit of a sore throat and runny nose, nothing else really. I got a bit better throughout the day today. But I noticed that I had a little bit of a rash around my neck. Its still there and I heard that getting a rash that looks like a sunburn can be a sign, as well as getting sick too. I have seasonal allergies too and its been cooling down a bit so.. Am I just overthinking this or could it possibly be a sign?! I’m really scared right now. Is there any other possibilities, or like I said, am I just overthinking it? I overthink alot of things.. Soo.. Yeah. Please help, I’m 13 and I’m really scared 🙁
This question was not answered by a nutritionist, however another user commented.
Answer:
Yes, you could get TSS from using a tampon once. No, you have not contracted TSS on this occasion. TSS is when certain bacteria multiply (tampons encourage bacterial growth and prevent vaginal cleaning) and start producing TSST-1 toxins which enter your body via mucus membranes of the vaginal walls and vaginal ulcerations caused by the tampons. It’s a myth that TSS only occurs from leaving tampons in too long, however you’d still have had to have left it in long enough to allow bacterial growth – if you didn’t even insert a tampon then you couldn’t possibly have contracted TSS. You’ve been ill, you’re not had TSS – with TSS you’d be very ill, with low blood pressure and fever as well as other symptoms depending on which organs are effected. If still uncertain read some of the real-life cases on this site to see how it progresses – http://you-are-loved.org/category/tss-stories As a note it’s not a good idea for you to be using tampons, even if you learn more about tampon risks and precautions (you shouldn’t be using tampons without knowing about TSS and other risks), at your age you’re still at higher risk of TSS as you’re less likely to have antibodies to TSST-1 toxins. If you want to use something something internal rather than pads use menstrual cups or softcups, they’re internal like tampons but FAR safer and more hygienic so no risks of TSS, infections, increased cramps, or dioxin like with tampons – this also means cups can be worn for 12 hours with any flow and at any time, menstrual cups are also more comfortable and don’t leak like tampons. What Are Menstrual Cups? – http://www.scarleteen.com/article/body/what_are_menstrual_cups If you do use tampons again follow precautions; – Change tampons every 4-6 hours. – Avoid rayon tampons; Tampax, Playtex, Kotex. – Opt for cotton tampons; Cottons, Maxim, Emerita. – Always use lowest absorbency for your flow. – Change absorbency as your flow changes. – Alternate with pads as often as possible. – Do not use when you’re not menstruating. – Do not use with light flow or spotting. – Do not use overnight while sleeping. – Do not use with a vaginal infection. – Wash hands before use. – Store in clean dry place. – Learn about TSS and other risks.