Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is an uncommon, life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after a bacterial infection and can cause extensive damage to the lungs, kidneys and liver. Typically, women suffer from toxic shock syndrome more than men, according to MayoClinic.com. (See References 1) Previously, it was believed that TSS is strictly related to superabsorbent tampons. But some cases of toxic shock syndrome have been reported among contraceptive sponge and diaphragm users. (See References 3)
Superabsorbent Tampons
Toxic shock syndrome may occur when bacteria get into parts of the body, most often through contact with infected wounds or sores on the skin. It results from the inflammatory response to pyrogenic exotoxins produced by the staph or strep bacteria, for example, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogene. (See References 5) The use of superabsorbent tampons is most implicated in TSS because these organic cottons, if left in place for a long time, can become the breeding ground for the TSS bacteria, notes MayoClinic.com. (See References 2)
Surgical Wounds
Toxic shock syndrome may also occur in individuals with weakened immune system, especially due to the complications of infected surgical wounds, such as a biopsy. Bacteria can get past the defense system and enter into the deep tissues and occasionally in the bloodstream, known as sepsis, via surgical incisions. Toxic shock syndrome that is associated with wound infections is commonly caused by Streptococcus bacteria. (See References 1 and 4)
Nasal Surgery
TSS can affect a person who has undergone septoplasty, a nasal surgery performed to straighten the nasal septum that creates partition between two nasal passages. The patients usually develop a rash and a high fever. Although tampons were identified as a major risk factor, the prevalence of toxic shock incidence due to septoplasty is 16.5 per 100,000, much higher than the incidence in menstruating women, according to the National Institute of Health.
