Females: Your Period / Question
Published: November 5, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I think I have TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) but am embarrassed to go to my doctor. I'm 16 years old. How will he test me to find out if I do? Do I have to be menstruating? I have all the symptoms for it, could it possibly be that I'm not putting it the tampon far enough? Please Help.
Signed: I Think I Have TSS
Dear I Think I Have TSS,
Unfortunately, TeenHealthFX cannot diagnose you over the Internet. While you do not describe the symptoms you are experiencing, it is unlikely that you have Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS usually strikes suddenly, and, in general, makes you sicker than if you just had the flu or another type of infection. The illness tends to develop quickly, and can be life-threatening. So, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and are currently menstruating and using tampons, you need to seek medical care immediately. Symptoms of TSS usually include:
- Sudden fever over 102F (38.89C).
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sunburn like rash.
- Signs of shock, including confusion, fainting, or dizziness, often made worse when rising from a sitting or reclining position. A person showing signs of shock always needs immediate medical attention.
- Pain at the site of the infection (if a wound or injury to the skin is involved).
- Muscle aches and pain.
- Stomach cramps, headache, or a sore throat.
TSS is a pretty rare disease, but in women, who are using tampons, 3 to 5 days after the woman has started her period, there is a higher risk for developing the disease. Testing for TSS might include blood work, samples of body fluids and tissues to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection, and perhaps other tests to rule out other infections that can cause similar symptoms to TSS.
Even though the chances of developing TSS are rather low, there are ways to reduce your risk even more:
- Carefully follow the directions on package inserts when using tampons
- Wash your hands with soap before inserting or removing a tampon
- Change your tampon at least every 8 hours, or use tampons for only part of the day.
- Alternate wearing tampons and sanitary pads. For example, use pads at night and tampons during the day.
- Use tampons with the lowest absorbency that you need. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with super absorbent tampons.
Not inserting a tampon far enough could cause irritation and pain, though FX is unsure as to how it could cause the flu-like symptoms associated with TSS. If you have any symptoms when you are menstruating, you should probably see your doctor just to get everything checked out. And, you shouldn't be embarrassed about it. Doctors are the experts on the body and how it works, and chances are you are not the first girl who has had questions or problems with her period. Good luck!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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