What is TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) that is said to be caused by tampons and menstrual cups?
Both menstrual cups and tampons are period products that are inserted into the vagina. Therefore, it is important to use them hygienically. Some people who are thinking about giving up menstrual cups may be concerned about TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which is often written as a warning when using menstrual cups or tampons.
Using a menstrual cup safely is not difficult. To ensure safe use, we will introduce you to TSS and the correct way to use and care for your cup.
●What is toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?
Overview of TSS
TSS is an acute illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that is often found on human skin, in the nostrils, armpits, groin, and vagina. In most cases, it poses no health risk. However, in rare cases, it can produce a toxin that causes TSS.
Symptoms of TSS
Some of the symptoms of TSS are very similar to those of a severe case of influenza, and include:
- Sudden fever accompanied by rash and redness
- fatigue
- Vomiting and nausea
- diarrhea
- Mucosal hyperemia
- fainting or near-fainting symptoms
- muscle pain
- dizziness
- Confusion of consciousness, etc.
Although TSS is often caused by tampons, it does not only affect tampon users; it can occur in anyone, regardless of gender, gender, or child. It can also be caused by burns or cuts.
Why do tampons and menstrual cups have warnings about TSS on their instructions?
This is because there is a significant risk of TSS depending on how it is used. For example, not cleaning your hands when putting on and taking off a menstrual cup, forgetting to remove it and using it for an extended period of time, or not properly cleaning a menstrual cup, are said to cause Staphylococcus aureus to grow in the vagina and make it more likely to produce toxins. The risk of developing TSS can be reduced by following the instructions, such as cleaning your hands before putting on and taking off a menstrual cup, limiting the continuous use time, and properly disinfecting and cleaning the menstrual cup itself, so be sure to read the instructions before use.
What should I do if I think I might have TSS?
If you suspect you may have TSS, you should see a doctor immediately. If you use a menstrual cup, contact your local obstetrician or gynecologist immediately. Also, if you use tampons or a menstrual cup, remove them immediately and tell your doctor that you have been using them. It is important to receive appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible.
Menstrual cups and TSS
How the menstrual cup works
A menstrual cup is a flexible, cup-shaped sanitary product made from medical-grade silicone or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). It collects menstrual blood in the cup rather than absorbing it. It is a non-disposable sanitary product that is worn for a set period of time, then removed, washed, and reused.
Menstrual cup usage time
Menstrual cups can be used continuously for 8 to 12 hours (according to manufacturer standards). This long-term use is possible because the menstrual cup does not absorb menstrual blood and does not promote bacterial growth. However, it is important to use the menstrual cup hygienically, such as by boiling it to disinfect and wash it, and by cleaning your hands when replacing it.
Menstrual cup TSS risk
Research has shown that using a menstrual cup reduces the risk of TSS. This is because menstrual cups do not absorb menstrual blood and do not promote bacterial growth. Menstrual cups can also be used for up to 12 hours continuously, meaning they do not need to be changed as frequently as tampons, making them more convenient. A specific study was conducted in France in 2015. This study compared the risk of TSS between menstrual cups and tampons. The results of the study confirmed that menstrual cups have a lower risk of TSS than tampons.
Cases of TSS associated with menstrual cups
While cases of TSS associated with menstrual cups are extremely rare, some have been reported. For example, a 2015 French study reported three cases of TSS in menstrual cup users. These cases are likely due to failure to follow proper menstrual cup usage instructions and inadequate cup hygiene. Specifically, insufficient cleaning of the cup or failure to properly boil and sterilize it are believed to be factors.
Menstrual cup medical device certification
In Japan, menstrual cups were certified as medical devices in 2017 (tampons are also certified as medical devices). This certification ensures the safety and quality of the product, allowing you to use it with confidence. Menstrual cups certified as medical devices meet strict quality control standards and are designed to minimize the risk of TSS.
Benefits of menstrual cups
1. You won't have to worry about stuffiness or odors
Because it is worn inside the vagina, you are less likely to experience stuffiness or odor caused by sanitary products, which are often experienced with externally worn sanitary products.
2. Reduces replacement frequency
Once inserted, menstrual cups can be used for up to 8-12 hours (according to manufacturer standards). This improves quality of life by eliminating the need to change them frequently when going out or sleeping. This is especially useful in situations where frequent changes to menstrual products are not possible, such as during busy daily lives or travel.
3. Less luggage
If you use disposable sanitary products, or sanitary products that need to be changed frequently, you have to carry around multiple replacements, which can be discouraging for many people. Furthermore, when traveling when your period overlaps with your other travel dates, you may find yourself packing a considerable amount of sanitary products in your suitcase. With a menstrual cup, you can reuse the same product as long as you have an environment where it can be washed, so you can reduce the amount of sanitary products you need to carry.
4. Environmentally friendly
Menstrual cups are reusable, which significantly reduces waste compared to disposable menstrual products. While dozens to hundreds of regular pads and tampons are discarded each month, a single menstrual cup can be used for several years, making a significant contribution to environmental protection. As interest in environmental issues grows, more and more people are choosing menstrual cups as a sustainable choice, especially overseas.
5. Reduced replacement frequency makes it more economical
Menstrual cups can be purchased once and used for up to 10 years (depending on manufacturer standards), making them very economical in the long run. While disposable pads and tampons must be purchased every month, menstrual cups only require an initial investment. This reduces monthly expenses and can result in significant cost savings in the long run.
6. Comfortable for sports, hot springs, saunas, and other water-related activities during menstruation
Menstrual cups are a type of sanitary product that is worn inside the vagina, allowing you to lead an active life freely even during your period. Another major benefit is that you can enjoy activities such as sports, fitness, and swimming in the pool or ocean without any restrictions. What's more, if you find your period bothersome when bathing with children, wearing a menstrual cup in the bath at home can eliminate that hassle.
7. You won't feel uncomfortable wearing sanitary products
With external sanitary products, you may feel some discomfort when they touch your private parts or a wet feeling. However, with a menstrual cup, because it is worn inside the vagina, if it fits your body well, you won't feel any discomfort and may even forget that you're on your period.
In particular, the Murmo menstrual cup has a slim shape that makes it easy to use even for first-time users, and is designed to minimize discomfort inside the vagina. If you have previously experienced a foreign body sensation with a larger menstrual cup, we recommend you try the Murmo.
8. You can keep track of your menstrual flow using the memory.
Some menstrual cups have markings on the inside of the cup. Murmo's menstrual cup is also marked in 5ml increments, so you can know how much menstrual blood you have when you take it out. Keeping track of your menstrual flow over the long term can be a barometer of your health.
Summary
Some people may think that menstrual cups are a bad idea or are scary, but they are actually a very safe and comfortable period product. By learning how to use them correctly and choosing the right size, you can use a menstrual cup to have a comfortable period.
Murmo's menstrual cup was designed to be one size that is easy to use for first-time users, with prototypes being tested by people who have never used a menstrual cup before.
It may take some practice the first time you use it, but once you get used to it, you'll be able to appreciate its convenience and economic and environmental benefits.
If you're interested, please try the Murmo menstrual cup. We hope it will make your period more comfortable and free.
References:
- "Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) associated with menstrual cups: a French case series" ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556184/ )
- "What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?" (Japan Hygiene Products Industry Association: https://www.jhpia.or.jp/standard/tss/tss1.html )
- “Toxic Shock Syndrome” (Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/toxic-shock-syndrome )
- "Toxic Shock Syndrome - Symptoms and causes" (Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355384 )
