Ashley DeSkeere, a 43-year-old Texas woman, faced a life-threatening situation after wearing a tampon for eight hours at a friend’s wedding. Initially, she thought she had caught a stomach bug, waking up with chills and vomiting two days after the event. However, her condition worsened, and she soon found herself struggling to breathe. Upon reaching the hospital, doctors diagnosed her with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition linked to tampon use.

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by toxins released into the bloodstream, often from staphylococcal bacteria. Though rare, TSS can be life-threatening, with the CDC reporting that it occurs in only 1 in 100,000 individuals. The condition is most commonly associated with tampon use, as tampons can create an environment where bacteria thrive. If left untreated, TSS can lead to organ failure, shock, and death in up to 70% of cases.

A Close Call for DeSkeere

DeSkeere usually changes her tampon every four hours, but the busy day of the wedding led her to leave one in for eight hours, which she says is not her normal routine. “I will never use a tampon again. This absolutely terrified me,” she told.

After two-and-a-half days of worsening symptoms, DeSkeere made it to the hospital just in time. She was admitted to the ICU and treated with antibiotics and fluids to stabilize her condition. Her doctors told her that she was fortunate to have arrived when she did, as many people do not survive after two days with TSS.

A Warning to Others

Following her five-day ICU stay, DeSkeere is sharing her story to warn others about the dangers of prolonged tampon use. “Change them very frequently, ideally every time you go to the bathroom, and never use a higher absorbency tampon than you need,” she advises. She also plans to switch to alternative sanitary products in the future.

Preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome

To reduce the risk of TSS, health experts recommend changing tampons every two to three hours and avoiding wearing them overnight. Additionally, it’s best to use tampons with the lowest absorbency necessary to minimize dryness and bacterial growth.

While TSS is rare, DeSkeere’s experience serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about tampon use. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an ob-gyn at Yale University, advises that women shouldn’t panic, but should remain mindful. “The tampons themselves are not contaminated with bacteria… but it’s crucial to pay attention to your health and change tampons regularly.”

Conclusion

DeSkeere’s terrifying ordeal underscores the importance of proper tampon use. Her warning to others aims to prevent more women from facing the same risks, reminding them to change tampons frequently and pay close attention to their health.