TSS (a topic for the girls)

[vicky4]

Hello,

I am a bit embarrassed about typing this, but I do really need some help/support/advice.

I'm 29 and have never used tampons due to a massive fear of developing TSS. I have always wanted to use them, however, as I feel I'm restricted from doing certain activities at certain times of the month. Like a friend asked me to go swimming with her recently, but I was unable to and had to make an excuse. I have been reading up on this type of protection, but all you get is warnings of TSS all over the webpage and complete with horror stories.

Not sure how to get over this fear? Also, can anyone else relate?

Thank you

Vicky4

[guiltbabe]

Hi Vicky,

I never use tampons, hate em but that is just personal Anyway I was going to say why don't you buy unbleached organic ones and then no chance of TSS.

Something like these http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Organic-Tampons or these http://international.drugstore.com/p...param=sespider

Or alternatively you could try the mooncup http://www.mooncup.co.uk/

I'm sure there are other versions of same.

HTH

[DoomSong]

Well, I've always been told that it's really rare. There are other ways to get it besides tampon use, like various injuries..and it's still pretty rare, so I've never worried about it much. I read that a lot of doctors go their entire careers without ever seeing a single case of it.

[partlycloudy]

i think the best way to get over the fear is simply through it - wear a tampon!

i've periodically freaked out about tss, but i try to put it in the bin with all the other remote possibilities i face every day. to me, the convenience of tampons are worth the very slim possibility of tss, and i'm thinking it's probably worth it for you, too.

and tho it's embarrassing, there have been a couple of times i've accidentally left a tampon in for more than a day, and i am still alive.

[Oranges3]

TSS, though very dangerous, is extremely rare! I mean, if you think of all the women you know (co-workers, family members, friends) who probably use tampons, none of them have ever gotten TSS. Hell, it is probably easier to get cancer than TSS (sorry, that was harsh; but I think you get what I mean).

TSS occurs when you're using a tampon with a higher absorbency rate than you need. Sticking to a regular tampon during regular flow (or super during a heavy flow, light during a light flow) is the easiest way to prevent TSS.

If you don't use tampons because you don't like them, then that an acceptable reason; but to live in fear over a disease that you've never known anyone personally to have -- that's just madness

I say give them a try. You may find that they're much easier (and comfortable) to live with than pads. Try alternating tampons and pads to greater reduce your risk of TSS.

[Jacksmama]

Best way to get over your fears is to go ahead and use tampons. I couldn't physically use tampons until I was 18. Once I was able to use them, I never went back to that other stuff...Tampons are great. They say that the risk of TSS is increased when the tampon is in for more than 8 hrs...But like PartlyCloudy said, I think we have all had times where they are in for more than that, and we are all still here.

(No Longer a Siad Member)

General post was here..

[DoomSong]

Originally Posted by aussie-o

still cant wear em, they just dont work lol.. i must be a wrong shape

I was the same way for years. First time I tried to use one, I puked. It felt terribly uncomfortable and couldn't imagine walking around all day being so aware of it.Years later I was willing to try different ones till I found one that worked. I know many girls who had to try different brands and sizes before they found one that was comfortable and worked. A friend or two I have use types that I hate and they hate the kind I use.

I knew a girl once who swore that ones with a plastic applicators didn't work and felt bad. She tried the kind without applicators and she thought they were great.

[ali]

i think it is an OCD thought. I wouldn't worry about it. The more you think about it, the worse your fear will become. Just label it as OCD and move on.

(No Longer a Siad Member)

General post was here..