A young woman has revealed the horrifying consequences of leaving a tampon in for an entire month, sparking urgent warnings from medical professionals about the risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
The unnamed patient, believed to be in her 20s, initially dismissed her symptoms—including fever, dizziness, and a foul odour—as minor issues. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated, forcing her to seek emergency medical care.
What Happened?
After weeks of discomfort, doctors discovered the forgotten tampon, which had triggered a severe bacterial infection. "I had no idea it was still inside me," the woman admitted. "I just assumed I was run down or had a mild flu."
The Dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome
TSS is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- A rash resembling sunburn
- Confusion or dizziness
- Muscle aches
"This case highlights why women must change tampons regularly," said Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a leading gynaecologist. "Leaving one in for more than 8 hours significantly increases TSS risk."
Prevention Tips
Experts recommend:
- Changing tampons every 4-6 hours
- Alternating with sanitary pads
- Using the lowest absorbency needed
- Seeking immediate help if symptoms appear
The woman has since recovered but hopes her story will prevent others from making the same dangerous mistake.
