Nowadays, there are a lot of women who suffer from different vaginal diseases. Toxic shock syndrome is one of those illnesses. Study shows that this vaginal disease is commonly caused by using menstrual products such as regular pads, tampons or menstrual cup. This is because of bacterial toxins that develop upon using these menstrual products often.
However, what is really the truth behind this illness? Is the menstrual cup dangerous to your reproductive health? As you continue to read, you will learn everything you should know about toxic shock syndrome and a menstrual cup.
Unzip the Truth About Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome can happen not only to menstruating women but also to anyone who has close contact with Staphylococcus aureus, or staph. It is a type of bacteria that is generally found in the body of a woman. Many women acquired this disease because of the frequent use of tampons and sanitary pads.
These products have chemical contents that imbalance the pH level of the woman's vagina, which allows the inhabitant of bacterias. According to the WebMD website, In 1970 and early 1980, many women died because of using tampons that causes TSS.
Until now, there are still a lot of women who are diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome, and this is because of continuously using tampons and sanitary pads. Mothers who have given birth are also prone to staph bacteria.
Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome
To deeply understand this disease, you must know the signs of having toxic shock syndrome are. The symptoms may vary, but most women who are diagnosed with this illness suffer from high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, or sunburn in their palms and soles.
Also, they experience confusion, muscle aches, seizures, headaches, and low blood pressure. Sever occurrence of these symptoms may result in complications such as shock, renal failure, and death.
How Using A Menstrual Cup Decrease the Risk Of Having TSS?
There are already a lot of women who are suffering from different vaginal problems caused by menstrual products. In late 1973, an American actress named Leona Chalmers invented and designed the very first menstrual cup to decrease the number of women died because of toxic shock syndrome from 1970 to 1980.
Today, women are already taking advantage of all the benefits of using a menstrual cup. It is flexible, reusable and can protect you from leaks up to 12 hours. Not only that, using a menstrual cup instead of tampons and sanitary pads will lower the risk of having toxic shock syndrome.
It works by collecting the menstrual blood from the inside instead of absorbing it. And because of this process, there is no chance for the bacteria to develop and stay in your vagina, unlike sanitary pads and tampons that causes moisture because it is not breathable. The moist allows the inhabitant of bacteria, which may lead to TSS.
Other Ways to Prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome
Aside from not using tampons and sanitary pads, you can also prevent this disease from happening by doing proper hygiene, especially to your private area. When it is your menstruation, do extra care to your vagina. Be careful in choosing a menstrual product by reading the manufacturer's label and know the materials used.
Remember that not all menstrual cups are safe to use. Make sure that you do your research about the brand before buying it. In case that you are not comfortable with using a cup, you can continue to use sanitary napkins or tampons - provided that you change it every four hours to prevent bacteria from inhabiting.
Wash your vagina with gentle liquid soap or water every time you are changing and keep the surrounding of your vagina, such as the bikini area dry, to avoid moisture that causes bacteria.
Also, avoid using sanitary pads for so long in a day to avoid bacteria, and it is best if you will switch to the menstrual cup. It is budget-friendly without compromising your health and eco-friendly. It is more convenient to use as it is reusable and can protect you from leaks up to 12 hours with whatever activities you will do.
However, you should remember that in switching from a product to a different product is not that easy. A lot of learnings and adjustments must be done, but practice makes perfect. So don't be afraid, go ahead and look for the best menstrual cup that suits you.
Takeaway
Millennial women have very busy lifestyles nowadays. However, we should not forget to take care of our bodies, especially our private area. Do not compromise your safety and always choose a menstrual product that is safe for you and at the same time, gives you a comfortable feeling that keeps you going in a day.
