What are my chances of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome...?!
Question: What are my chances of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome...?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Risk of TSS is low, if you had TSS you'd know it by now.
TSS is rare not because tampons are safe but because of what it takes to contract;
Bacteria responsible for TSS may be present in your body one month but not the next and so may not always be within your vagina. That bacteria then has to multiply - tampons encourage bacterial growth and prevent vaginal cleaning functions so this potentially harmful bacteria can grow freely. This bacteria then starts producing toxins, these then get into your body via the vaginal walls, and you'd either have to have no antibodies or a lowered immune system to contract TSS.
TSS can occur within two hours, the longer you leave the tampon the longer you give bacteria to multiply within your vagina so higher risk - leaving a tampon in this long if you had the bacteria within your vagina then you would have contracted TSS by now and have been seeing symptoms.
TSS is only one risk from tampon use, tampons are one of the biggest causes of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, this would be the biggest risk to you right now - you may notice unpleasant vaginal odour for a few days, this is common with tampons anyway because of increased bacterial growth, but your vagina is good at adjusting itself so it should pass. But if you notice unusual odour or discharge lasting a few days or a few days after menstruation see a doctor.
In the future you may want to consider menstrual cups, they're internal like tampons but much safer and more hygienic so no risk of TSS, infections or other health risks, they can even lessen flow and cramps. This also means cups can be worn with any flow, up to 12 hours and even if left for 19 hours there is still no known risk of TSS, they can be worn safely overnight too and even before your period, plus they don't leak like tampons, so a far better option.
Really low. I've known women that left a tampon in for a couple of weeks and haven't gotten TSS. Just don't let it happen again.