Trip Answers

Question answered:08/08/07 Warning! this question is over two years old.

We searched the NLH Specialist Libraries for Women’s, and Child Health as well as the TRIP and Medline databases but found little robust information on the use and safety of tampons in young adolescents. The only information we did locate discusses tampon use in relation to the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.

 

CKS (formerly PRODIGY) have produced a patient information leaflet toxic shock syndrome that states:

 

“Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, acute and serious illness, affecting around 40 people in the UK each year.  Anyone can get TSS - men, women and children.  Younger people are at greater risk, as older people are more likely to have built up the antibodies needed to protect them from the toxins.  However, it is so rare that most doctors will not see a case of TSS during their medical career.”

 

“Staphylococcal TSS does not require bacteria to get into the blood: they make their toxins at the body surface. Staphylococcal TSS can develop following minor burns, boils, surgery, 'flu and in some cases menstruation (most commonly when a tampon has been used). Tampon-associated TSS rates are low - there are around 4-5 identified cases a year. Staphylococcal TSS has a lower death rate and is often more straightforward to treat.
It still isn't clear why certain bacteria make the toxins in some situations and not others. It's also unclear why many people don't become ill after being exposed to such toxins. Children and young people are more likely to get TSS because the antibodies needed to protect against TSS may take several years to develop.” [1]

 

The Tampon Alert charity note in its leaflet on toxic shock syndrome:

 

“THE BACTERIA AND TOXIN
•  ...  Certain strains of the bacteria can produce a toxin known as TSS-T1 when tampons are used.
•  The vagina is a very susceptible place for RAPID absorption of toxin.
•  The toxin gets into the bloodstream and overwhelms the body's immune system producing acute organ damage.
•  Younger people are particularly at risk, as their immune system is not fully developed.”

 

To reduce the risk of TSS in general, Tampon Alert advises:

 

“•  Use the lowest absorbency needed at each stage of you period.
•  Avoid using tampons continuously during a period. Alternate with sanitary towels, particularly at night.
•  Use a towel at the end of your period.
•  Change tampons every 4 to 6 hours.
•  Don't use tampons if you've had any unusual discharge.
•  Wash your hands before and after use and handle the tampon as little as possible.
•  Alert your family and friends to the symptoms and emergency action required.
•  Only use tampons made of organic cotton.” [2]

References
1. CKS. Toxic shock syndrome. (http://cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/toxic_shock_syndrome)
2. Tampon Alert. (http://www.tamponalert.org.uk/akta/2000leaf.htm)

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