In need of woman help

I’m on my period and I basically never wear tampons because I don’t trust them but I did this time because I was wearing light pants and was scared my pad would leak. So I wore the tampon and I have really, really bad shooting pains throughout my stomach. Its so bad I cant even stand up, its not period cramps. I only had it in for a couple of hours then this started and I went to take it out right away. The pains haven’t gotten any better even after taking the tampon out - I’m 3 days into my cycle (lasts ~7).

What’s happening?

Answer #1

It may be Toxic Shock Syndrome.

http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/womenhlt/tox-shoc.html

Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampons

WHAT IS TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME (TSS)? TSS is a rare bacteria-caused illness occurring mostly in menstruating women who use high absorbency tampons. Non-menstrual TSS risk is increased for women who use vaginal barrier contraceptive methods, although the incidence is much lower.

WHAT CAUSES TSS? The main cause of TSS is a strain of staph, the bacterium Staphylococcus Aureus. Hyperabsorbent tampons may facilitate the infection because their prolonged intra-vaginal use enhances the bacterial growth.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Symptoms of TSS occur suddenly: a high fever (102�F, 38.8�C or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, a sunburn-like rash, red eyes, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle aches and drops in blood pressure, which may cause fainting. The infection can cause shock, kidney and liver failure. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

HOW IS IT TREATED? If TSS is suspected, hospitalization is recommended. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics will be administered.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED? You can reduce the risk of TSS by alternating your tampon or internally worn products with pads. Use a tampon with the minimum absorbency needed to control your flow. Review the information on absorbency of your tampon brand. Change the tampon or internally worn product as directed. If you have ever been diagnosed with TSS, you should not use tampons.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT TSS? At the first sign of a fever or rash, remove tampon immediately - as this may help prevent your symptoms from worsening. Seek medical care immediately.

References: Tampax package insert, 1998 Tampax Corp Hatcher, R., Guest, F., Stewart, G. Trussell, J., Bowen, S. & Cates, W. (2004). Contraceptive Technology, 18th Revised Edition. New York: Irvington. Wilson, Jean D., [et al.] Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine., 12th edition, 1991

Answer #2

Steph, was it scented at all? You could be allergic somehow to the perfume used, I always get irritated by scented tampons.

Answer #3

hey.

the previous comment was about TSS.

now,TSS is rare… so dont panic. im sure this pain your experiancing is nothing to worry about. but, you should really go to see a GP just to check that nothing is seriously wrong. but in the mean time, take some paracetamol and try to relax. hope you okay… x xx

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