How Common Is TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) ?

Well, TSS is a serious complication from a bacterial infection but it's extremely rare. Anyone can get TSS (including men and children) but it's most commonly linked to menstruating women because of the association with tampon use. It's not actually known why tampons are an issue, except for the likelihood of a breeding ground for bacteria. This also extends now to contraceptive sponges and, I believe, diaphragms. As someone else stated, it's important to change tampons every 4-8 hours -- but it's also important to select the lowest absorbency level that is adequate for you. In other words, don't use super or super plus, if a medium/regular absorbency is enough. It's not something to worry about, though, given its rarity -- but we should still be aware and informed

Don't overreact! It's VERY uncommon. If you are referring to what I think you are, tampons, just make sure you don't leave the tampons inside of you for more than 8 hours. You need to change tampons every 4-6 hours to prevent dangerous levels of bacteria growth. If you are super scared to continue using tampons you should just use pads, or menstrual cups.

For safety, it is better to even change our feminine pad as frequently as possible. Because one of my classmate ever had encountered TSS. It makes her suffered a lot. When we are not changing our pad frequently, it become the breeding ground for bacteria. So, i think not only tampon users should change their tampons frequently, but also feminine pads users as well. Hope everyone will remember to change their tampons and feminine pads frequently for the care of their own health.

I'm not sure what's the morbidity rate for Toxic Shock Syndrome but using tampons makes you at risk for that.I suggest that you switch to more safer sanitary pads instead of tampons to lower your risk of getting TSS.

When I first started using these feminine products, my mother told me that the TSS warnings were caused by a spike in cases in the 80's from a certain brand of tampons that made the claim that you could wear them for 24 hours. Now, they warn you not to leave them in for longer than 8 hours and not to wear them when you're not menstruating (not on your period). I use them because they meet my needs, and I make absolutely sure not to leave them in for longer than 8 hours (most of the time I need to change them before that anyway). Also, the risk is greater for tampons the higher absorbancy you use, so make sure to use the lowest absorbancy for your personal needs. Anyway, the warning signs are clearly labeled on the box, just make sure you read the pamphlet and take any possible symptoms seriously. Follow the directions to the tee and call a doctor should you on the extremely RARE chance experience any warning signs. I have used them for years and never encountered any problems.