Lauren Wasser, a 36-year-old from LA, has issued a warning to tampon users after nearly dying from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) at 24. Despite changing her tampon regularly, she contracted the deadly illness, which caused her body to shut down in just hours. TSS can strike anyone, even if tampons are used correctly.
Lauren explained that TSS is not just caused by leaving tampons in too long. Many people think it’s safe if you change them every few hours, but TSS can still happen. “People think they’re invincible, but TSS can happen to anyone at any time,” she said in an interview.
She also pointed out that many tampons contain dangerous chemicals like bleach, dioxin, and pesticides, even those marketed as 100% cotton. She warned that these chemicals can enter the body and cause serious harm. “It takes just one of these toxins to get inside, and it can shut down your organs,” she added.
In 2012, while using tampons correctly, Lauren started to feel flu-like symptoms and a high fever. Her mother called for a welfare check, and Lauren was found hours later, just minutes from death. She was rushed to the hospital, where she suffered two heart attacks and went into a coma as her organs failed. Doctors thought she had only a 1% chance of surviving.
A test revealed that she had contracted TSS. Although her life was saved, she suffered severe damage to her limbs from gangrene. Doctors had to amputate her right leg below the knee and part of her left foot. After years of pain, Lauren had her remaining leg amputated before turning 30.
Lauren now wants people to be fully informed about the risks of period products. “I’m not saying what anyone should use, but there’s no product out there that is 100% safe,” she said. She urges people, especially first responders, to recognize the symptoms of TSS early. It can happen with any menstrual product, and knowledge is key to preventing it.
