We learned from a gynecologist about the dangers of the misuse of tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. Some complications frightened us.
When American model Lauren Wasser left the party with flu-like symptoms – chills, muscle aches, headaches – she could not even imagine that she would soon survive a coma, heart attack, and amputation of both legs. And all because she simply forgot to change the tampon in time … Why is it so important to strictly monitor hygiene during menstruation and how to avoid the fate of Lauren, says the obstetrician-gynecologist.
What happened to Lauren Wasser
She suffered a relatively rare bacterial infection that led to a serious condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which can be caused by certain types of coccal bacteria. As a rule, this is Staphylococcus aureus or hemolytic streptococcus – all pregnant women are now actively examined for it. Streptococci can cause a formidable complication in which tissues disintegrate before our eyes.
More often the syndrome occurs in women who use tampons during menstruation. According to US data, for every one hundred thousand US women who use this hygiene product, there are three to four cases of TSS per year. This happened with Lauren – the girl believes that one of her tampons was infected with Staphylococcus aureus, which caused the disease. However, if the model had changed her hygiene product in time, perhaps nothing would have happened.
What else threatens non-compliance with hygiene rules during menstruation
In addition to the extremely dangerous but rare TSS, non-compliance with hygiene rules threatens more ordinary, but very unpleasant conditions. For example, negative activation of one’s microflora (bacterial vaginosis), abrasions and irritations, as well as various dermatitis. And even though manufacturers declare the use of hypoallergenic materials, allergic reactions are possible.
You need to be wary if the use of the usual means, while observing the rules of hygiene, suddenly began to be accompanied by itching, a feeling of dryness, and other unpleasant sensations. Perhaps this is an early manifestation of mucosal hypotrophy, trouble in the vulvovaginal region. Sometimes this is a consequence of a hormonal disorder, for example, a lack of estrogen, but in any case, you need to see a doctor.
As a rule, most of these conditions are easily treated: today there are non-invasive, painless, and effective methods that allow you to solve gynecological problems at an early stage, without waiting for complications. The latest development of Italian scientists, quadripolar RF therapy, which is implemented on the EVA device, can be attributed to the most modern ones. In just 4-6 short procedures with an interval of 2 weeks, the function of the mucosa is restored and most of the problems that bother a woman are solved.
Are tampons and pads a real danger?
In general, they are practically safe, which is confirmed by a huge number of studies, including independent ones. It must be understood that the hygiene product itself is far from always a source of harmful bacteria. They may initially be in the body, not activating until the right moment, or appear for various external reasons, for example, due to intrauterine interventions, including abortion, etc.
Bacteria that have multiplied with the “help” of a tampon emit toxins that cause the development of dangerous processes. Therefore, if you do not have a cold, have not changed a tampon for a long time, and feel “flu” signs – weakness, lethargy, fever – you should immediately contact a doctor!
Do menstrual cups cause TSS?
In 70 years of use (and menstrual cups are not an invention of our time at all and were developed at the beginning of the last century), only one case of TSS has been described, and it is not necessary that the cup was the cause. Nevertheless, you must strictly follow the rules common to all hygiene products: be sure to wash your hands well before replacing, change the pad or tampon (even if they are not filled), and also empty the bowl at least once every 3-4 hours, moreover, the bowl must be thoroughly washed with soap and water after that and boiled before and after the end of menstruation.
Tampon + pad: is it dangerous?
Sometimes, with excessively heavy menstruation, a woman tries to “cover-up” the problem by using several hygiene products at once. Oddly enough, in this case, there is a risk of forgetting the tampon. As a result, decomposition processes begin, and as a result, inflammatory diseases. And this is not a rare situation – at least a month there is one woman with a forgotten tampon at a gynecologist’s appointment. In this case, it is important to deal with the cause of such abundant discharge (this may indicate a health problem), and here you can not do without consulting a specialist.
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