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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffResearchers don't know exactly how tampons may cause toxic shock syndrome. Some believe that when superabsorbent tampons are left in place for a long time, the tampons become a breeding ground for bacteria. Others have suggested that the superabsorbent fibers in the tampons can scratch the surface of the vagina, making it possible for bacteria or their toxins to enter the bloodstream.
It's not just young, menstruating women who can develop toxic shock syndrome. About half the current cases occur in nonmenstruating people, including older women, men and children. Toxic shock syndrome has occurred in women who had been wearing a diaphragm or a contraceptive sponge. It's possible for anyone to develop toxic shock syndrome in the course of a staph or strep infection. The syndrome may occur in association with skin wounds or surgery.
- Cosgrove SE. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 4, 2009.
- Moreillon P, et al. Staphylococcus aureus (including staphylococcal toxic shock). In: Mandell GL, et al. Principles and Practices of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/124020242-3/0/1259/1580.html?tocnode=51381930&fromURL=1580.html. Accessed March 5, 2009.
- Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/124020242-4/0/1524/147.html?tocnode=53759472&fromURL=147.html. Accessed March 5, 2009.
- Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women's Health. www.womenshealth.gov/faq/menstruation.pdf. Accessed March 5, 2009.
