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This is the important medical information section of the site, and that's why it sounds so serious. Stay with us, though.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious disease that has been associated with tampon use. Every tampon package contains important information about TSS; there's also a lot of information right here on the site. Please read it.
What are the symptoms of TSS? Sudden fever (usually 102° or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or near fainting when standing up, dizziness, and/or a rash that looks like sunburn. TSS is very uncommon, but when it does occur, it is serious enough to cause death. If you find yourself with any of the TSS symptoms listed above, discontinue tampon use and consult a physician immediately. You should also consult a physician before using tampons if you have had signs of TSS in the past.
Women using tampons during their menstrual period are susceptible to the risk of contracting TSS. The reported risk is higher among teenage girls and women under 30 years of age, but TSS can occur at any age. Toxic Shock Syndrome is estimated to occur in 1 to 17 per 100,000 menstruating women and girls per year. Studies indicate that higher absorbency tampons increase the risk of contracting TSS, so we suggest you use tampons with the minimum absorbency needed to control menstrual flow in order to reduce the risk of contracting TSS. The chart below will help you choose the right product for your varying needs.
You may avoid the risk of tampon-associated TSS by not using tampons, and you can reduce the risk by alternating tampon use with use of maxi pads or pantiliners during your period. Please consult a physician if you have any further questions.
Information About Tampon Absorbency
Tampons are available in several absorbencies to meet individual needs. The ranges of absorbency and their corresponding names (Regular, Super, Super Plus) are required to be used by all tampon manufacturers to indicate the amount of fluid absorbed using a standard laboratory test. You can use these standardized absorbency ranges and names to make comparisons between tampons of all the different manufacturers. Choose the lowest absorbency you need at a given time in your period in order to reduce the risk of contracting TSS.
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TAMPON ABSORBENCY RANGE |
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TAMPON ABSORBENCY TERM |
6 or fewer grams absorbed
6 - 9 grams absorbed
9 - 12 grams absorbed
12 - 15 grams absorbed
15 - 18 grams absorbed |
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Junior Absorbency
Regular Absorbency
Super Absorbency
Super Plus Absorbency
Ultra* Absorbency |
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| * Proposed name
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