What causes Toxic Shock Syndrome? What is its relationship to tampon usage?
The direct cause of TSS is the presence of the bacterium s. aureus in the bloodstream. Research has concluded that s. aureus enters the blood through wounds in the vagina known as cervical erosion. Research done on ordinary tampon usage reveals that tampons dry out the vaginal mucosa, especially toward the end of your period, creating tiny invisible wounds that may lead to vaginal and cervical ulcers. This may explain the close connection between TSS and tampons. Sea Pearls sponge tampons do not have the same drying effects as ordinary tampons.
