Can you get TSS from wearing a tampon once?

Answer 1

If you follow the instructions, you are unlikley to get TSS.

The chance of getting TSS from a single use is tiny, unless you leave it in for way too long. Just don't leave it in for more than the recommended time.

Answer 2

No, you cannot get TSS if you remove the tampon straight away.

Tampon-associated TSS occurs when certain naturally occurring bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pyogenes are present in the vagina and multiply to unhealthy levels - this bacteria then starts to produce TSST-1 toxins that enter your bloodstream via vaginal tissues or damage caused to vaginal tissues from the drying effect of tampons, if a person lack antibodies to this toxin it goes on to overwhelm the immune system leading to high fever, low blood pressure and eventually major organ failure.

It's a myth that TSS only occurs from leaving tampons too long, even an hour is long enough for bacteria to multiply to a harmful level and start producing these toxins, it's just that the longer tampons are worn the longer bacteria and toxins have to accumulate. However you would still need to have had the tampon in long enough to have allowed bacterial growth - putting a tampon in then taking it straight back out again will not be long enough to effect bacterial growth.

Answer 3

Yes, you can get Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) whenever you use a tampon.

TSS occurs when certain strains of bacteria multiply and start producing toxins, those toxins enter the bloodstream and if a person lacks immunity the bacterial toxins overwhelm the immune system. Tampons are a cause of TSS as they encourage bacterial growth while preventing vaginal cleaning, they also damage vaginal tissues to give bacterial toxins direct access to the bloodstream.

You're actually more likely to contract TSS the first time you use a tampon than any other time, if you are lacking in TSST-1 antibodies then your first interaction with the bacterial toxins is most likely to be the time that you contract TSS as a result - the bacteria responsible aren't always present and don't always produce TSST-1 toxins, there are also other variables such as your health, so it doesn't always work like this but this is one reason why young people are most likely to contract TSS.

TSS is rare but still thought to occur in as many as 1 in 700 women, correct tampon use reduces the risk of TSS but doesn't prevent it all together, if you wish to avoid TSS it's best to avoid tampons.

Answer 4

Yes, TSS is always a risk with tampon use.

One factor that contributes to tampon-related TSS is that tampons dry-out vaginal tissues causing ulceration that gives TSST-1 toxins responsible for TSS a more direct route into your bloodstream. Using two tampons at once means twice the absorption so twice the damage, and thus far higher risk of TSS.

Answer 5

You cannot get Toxic Shock Syndrome if the tampon isn't in long enough to allow bacterial growth. Toxic Shock Syndrome can occur from within a few hours of use, not only from leaving too long.

If using tampons you should learn more about TSS and correct tampon use to reduce the risks.