Indianapolis, Indiana – According to Dr. Cameual Wright, Vice President, Market Chief Medical Officer at CareSource, even though times are difficult, it is essential to use tampons exactly as instructed.
Keeping a tampon in for too long comes with serious consequences.
“Oftentimes, there is a risk of bacteria growing and certainly that could lead to infection,” she said. “That is most serious with tampon use and there is something called toxic shock syndrome, which can develop from a certain bacteria collecting in a tampon.”
Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition and occurs when the bacteria build up and enters your bloodstream through the uterus or vaginal lining.
According to Wright says, toxic shock syndrome is rare in the United States. However, if women are forced to use their menstrual supplies for longer than they should, we may start to see a rise in cases.
Wright suggests switching to pads, menstrual cups, or menstrual underwear, instead of rationing supplies.
