Doctors Urge Caution Over Toxic Shock Syndrome After Teen’s Illness

A serious incident involving a 16-year-old girl has prompted health professionals to issue a warning regarding toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and the use of tampons. The teenager was hospitalized for six days in the intensive care unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Ireland, displaying severe symptoms including fever, vomiting, and a rash.

Upon her admission, the young patient presented with low blood pressure, a racing heart, and confusion. Initial tests ruled out meningitis, but it took multiple examinations to identify the cause of her deteriorating condition. Ultimately, she received successful treatment involving a comprehensive range of medications and antibiotics, highlighting the urgency of recognizing TSS.

TSS is a rare but serious condition often associated with bacterial infections, particularly following tampon use. The most common contributing factor is the prolonged use of tampons, particularly high-absorbency varieties that have since been banned. In this case, reported in the Irish Medical Journal, the patient had used tampons but did not leave one in for an extended period. She inserted her first tampon just 18 hours prior to going to the hospital, although she had already begun to feel unwell before that.

Understanding Toxic Shock Syndrome

Doctors involved in the case emphasized that TSS can occur even when menstrual products are changed regularly. “This case demonstrates the importance of early recognition and management of TSS and reinforces that TSS can occur even without a retained tampon,” they noted. They stressed the need for public awareness regarding safe tampon use and the importance of early clinical suspicion to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with TSS.

The report draws attention to concerning statistics in Ireland, where approximately 50 percent of girls aged 12 to 19 have reported experiencing period poverty. This situation, defined as limited access to menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints, may lead to the extended use of tampons, potentially putting around 85,000 women at risk.

Addressing Public Health Concerns

Notably, TSS is not a notifiable condition in Ireland, which complicates efforts to understand the true incidence of cases. The report also referenced an inquest in 2024 that found a young mother from Dublin had died from TSS linked to tampon use the previous year. While instances of TSS have been reported in connection with menstrual cups in other countries, there have been no documented cases associated with the use of period pants.

As awareness grows, health professionals are advocating for improved education on the risks associated with menstrual products and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. These actions are critical in ensuring the health and safety of women during their menstrual cycles.