Toxic Shock Syndrome – a rare but life-threatening condition which can be caused by leaving in a tampon too long or by using super-absorbent tampons. To minimise the chances of toxic shock syndrome:
- Always use a tampon with the lowest absorbency necessary for your period.
- Change your tampon regularly (every 4 to 8 hours as directed by the packaging).
- If you are using a tampon overnight, insert it right before going to bed and remove it first thing in the morning.
- Never put in more than one tampon at a time.
- Try to alternate between tampons and sanitary towels and not use tampons constantly during your period.
Symptoms:
- High temperature
- Flu-like symptoms (headache, feeling cold, feeling tired or exhausted, sore throat, cough, an aching body).
- Feeling and being sick
- Diarrhoea
- A widespread rash, like sunburn
- Dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
Toxic Shock Syndrome is a medical emergency. If you believe you may have toxic shock syndrome please call 111, visit your GP or a local out of hours service. If your symptoms are severe or rapidly getting worse, visit A&E or call 999.
Tips:
If the tampon feels uncomfortable, or that you are feeling like it isn’t in properly, it could be that you haven’t inserted it far enough or that it is inserted at the wrong angle. Try to readjust the tampon while it is inserted, but if it is still uncomfortable then you may wish to remove it.
If you are having difficulty inserting a tampon or find that it is always painful, you may wish to visit your GP for advice.
Support
- Your GP – If you are experiencing any issues with your period or any significant changes to your period, the first thing to do is contact your GP. If you’re not registered to a GP, you can find your local one and how to register here.
- If you are experiencing painful, really heavy, or irregular periods, we would recommend that you contact your GP as soon as possible as it may be indicative of an issue or medical condition.
- Really heavy periods, alongside other symptoms, may be an indication of endometriosis which is where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is estimated to affect around 190 million women and girls. You can get support from Endometriosis UK through their support groups, helpline, webchat and online community. “It’s okay to talk, period”.
- You can go in to many Morrisons stores across the country and ask for a “Package for Sandy”. You will be provided with a discreet envelope with period products inside.