Do menstrual panties protect against toxic shock?
Long under-reported in the media, toxic shock syndrome is nonetheless extremely dangerous. Let's take a look at its causes and symptoms, and see how menstrual panties can help prevent it.
What are the symptoms of toxic shock?
It's not always easy to spot the onset of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), because the symptoms are similar to those of the flu, combined with digestive problems. If these symptoms appear during your period or menstrual cycle, be particularly vigilant:
- Feeling sick or dizzy;
- Headaches;
- Nausea;
- Diarrhea;
- Vomiting;
- Fever in certain cases ;
- Muscle or joint pain;
- Skin rash similar to sunburn.
These are the first signs of toxic shock. In a second stage, other symptoms may appear:
- Lowered blood pressure;
- Accelerated heart rate;
- confused thinking.
The bacteria responsible for toxic shock
Toxic shock is caused by a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus. It likes to settle and develop in "mucocutaneous microbial" sites such as :
- navel ;
- nostrils ;
- armpits
- scars ;
- throat
- perineum ;
- anus and vagina.
The most pathogenic variety, staphylococcus aureus is present in 40% of the population, but most people are healthy carriers. However, the situation can worsen if the bacterium reaches internal mucous membranes. In this case, the microbe produces a toxin, TSST-1, which spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. It can then infect organs until they are completely unable to function.
What are the main causes of toxic shock?
There are several possible causes of toxic shock:
- The use of internal sanitary protection: tampons or menstrual cups prevent the blood from circulating and draining away. If the bacteria is present, it will be in an environment highly conducive to its development;
- The bacteria are already present in the vagina;
- The person does not produce any antibodies against the TSST-1 toxin.
The sanitary protection chosen for absorption therefore has a major impact on the onset of toxic shock. They can create the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria and, consequently, the toxin.
Can menstrual panties prevent toxic shock?
The risk of internal protection is that itprevents blood from draining away. This warm, moist environment is conducive to the proliferation of staphylococcus aureus. When you wear menstrual panties, you won't have this problem, since blood doesn't stagnate. Instead, it flows into the absorbent panties. It's also easier to control the composition of a menstrual panty. At Elia, we use organically grown fabrics. They have received numerous certifications for optimal respect of intimate mucous membranes. Menstrual briefs therefore limit the risk of toxic shock.
Other advantages of menstrual pants
In addition to protecting against the risk of toxic shock, menstrual pants offer a host of other advantages for everyday use:
- First and foremost, they are environmentally friendly: Elia menstrual pants can be used for 5 to 7 years, as they are washable. That's equivalent to about 3,000 disposable sanitary pads. What's more, they're chemical-free.
- It's also economical: your purchase will pay for itself in just 3 months.
- Very comfortable: period pants are easy to wear every day. You can slip them on like normal underwear. A wide range of models are available in our catalog. Shorty, panty, cyclist, but also models for teenagers or even swimwear. We offer a wide range to suit every need.
Our Elia menstrual briefs are available for light, intermediate and heavy flows. You can also wear them during the post-partum period to absorb urine leakage, vaginal discharge or the bleeding often endured following childbirth.
What to do in the event of toxic shock syndrome?
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, the first thing to do isremove your internal sanitary protection immediately. Then visit a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome. He or she will prescribe the appropriate treatment. Fortunately, antibiotics are sufficient to cure the infection. However, they must be received in time to completely eradicate the bacteria. Antibiotics eliminate the toxin, preventing it from circulating through the body and damaging organs. Treatment is administered intravenously, so hospitalization will be necessary.
Our advice for avoiding toxic shock
The good news is that there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid toxic shock:
- If possible, don't use internal sanitary pads. Instead, use sanitary towels or menstrual panties to allow the blood to drain away.
- In all cases, be sure to observe the indicated periods of use. Change your pads every 4 to 6 hours at most.
- Avoid using tampons at night. When changing your protection, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to avoid exposing your vaginal mucosa to potential bacteria.
A serious disease, TSS can be prevented or cured if caught early. So it's vital to learn how to spot the symptoms. With menstrual panties, you can limit the risk of toxic shock by letting the blood drain away.
FAQs on menstrual panties and toxic shock
How can I avoid toxic shock with menstrual panties?
To limit the risk of toxic shock, menstrual panties are ideal because they let the blood circulate. It doesn't stagnate, so bacteria can't develop. Menstrual panties are practical to use. They're easy to clean for optimum hygiene.
How to avoid toxic shock with a tampon?
If you prefer to wear a tampon, never keep it in for more than 6 hours at a time. Change them regularly. Wash your hands well each time to limit the number of bacteria in contact with your intimate mucosa.
How to avoid toxic shock with a menstrual cup?
If you use a menstrual cup, make sure you choose the right size for your flow. This way, you can change the cup regularly to evacuate any blood. Clean it thoroughly at each change, but especially before re-using it at the start of your period.
