Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Gynecologic Oncology Program

Breast Care Program

Rape Victim Advocacy Program

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening illness that affects your whole body. This disease is caused by bacteria called staphylococcus. Many people carry the bacteria in their throat or on their skin. Infection with this bacteria can become serious if the bacteria enter through any break in the skin and give off poisons.

Toxic shock syndrome mostly affects women during or after their periods. Women who use super tampons for longer than six hours before changing are at highest risk. Diaphragm and contraceptive sponge users are also at risk. Men and women of any age with infected wounds, cuts or bites can also get toxic shock syndrome.

A person becomes ill quickly, and has many of the following symptoms:

• high fever

• red skin rash that looks like sunburn (peeling will occur later)

• low blood pressure or dizziness

• sore throat

• body aches and pains

• nausea and

• diarrhea

If not treated, kidney, liver, heart, and nerve damage resulting from toxic shock syndrome will cause death.

If you have these symptoms, seek immediate medical care. Treatment must begin as soon as possible. Remove any tampon or sponge. Treatment includes antibiotics, fluids, and cleaning of any skin breaks. Close observation may be needed to help prevent further problems. Most people recover without any long-term effects.

To prevent toxic shock syndrome, change your tampons often or even use pads at night. Avoid the use of highly absorbent tampons. Any concern about a lost tampon should be evaluated. Women using birth control pills and condoms with a spermicide called nonoxynol-9 are at less risk.

Women who have had toxic shock syndrome with their periods are at risk for getting it again with their next period. These women should NOT use tampons.

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