To bring attention to the risks of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) for women everywhere, California model Lauren Wasser has shared her personal story, featuring pain, perseverance and her goal to help others understand the condition.
Lauren first began to feel sick in 2012 when she was 24 years old with flu-like symptoms like fever, body pain and tiredness. With her health declining quickly, she went to the hospital and doctors suspected it was a serious case of the flu. But, after additional tests, Lauren was found to be suffering from toxic shock syndrome, an illness caused by toxins from the staph bacteria.
The culprit? A tampon.
Long-term use of tampons can result in bacteria breeding inside you. The bacteria that Lauren contracted spread through her blood, resulting in a range of serious problems. Before long, her body began to shut down completely. She went into a coma and lay unconscious for over a week.
When she finally came out of the coma, Lauren learned that her right leg was missing from below her knee. The wound was so terrible that the limb was lost. A few years after that, in 2018, she was also needed amputation of her left leg because it was still greatly affected by the infection.
In interviews, Lauren has revealed that she almost died. “All resulting from something many women experience as a normal part of their lives.”
Rather than keeping a low public profile, Lauren chose to speak up about the importance of hygiene safety for women. She has urged companies that make feminine products to be transparent, increase education about their products and invest more in women’s health.
She participates in many public discussions, takes part in campaigns and shares her experience in interviews and on the internet to show the concealed dangers of using tampons longer than they are intended.
She makes it clear that this shouldn’t happen to another person. It can be stopped if people are more aware.
Lauren experienced a lot of trauma in her career, yet she has continued to model and influenced the ideas of beauty. Since she wears prosthetic legs on the runway and in front of the cameras, she now inspires others by showing resilience and courage.
Many people, both women and men, have been inspired by Marsha’s experience to understand their health better and make better selections when buying everyday brands.
Although it’s a very rare and serious problem, it is mainly linked to people who wear tampons. The disease happens when staphylococcal bacteria travel through the body’s mucous membranes to reach and infect the bloodstream.
Signs of disease can be asthma, extreme dizziness, coughing or difficulty breathing, fever beyond 101°, drooping eyelids, blurred vision and a sunburn-like rash.
To lower the risk, it is advised to use a lower-absorbency tampon, change tampons every few hours, use pads when you can and avoid using tampons overnight. It is also very important to notice the first signs and get prompt care from a doctor.
Lauren Wasser’s experience shows us how important it is to act now. In focusing on her message, we can clearly see why more education, diligence and reform are needed to protect millions of people.
Lauren wishes that no one should suffer from toxic shock syndrome and that with enough awareness, it won’t affect people in the future.
