Skip to main content

Are Tampons Safe?

Question: I want to use tampons but my mum says it’s not safe. I hate wearing pads. They make me feel wet and yuck. What can I do?

Dr. Farah Kroman: Some years ago there were a few women who died from a condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). This condition is caused by a bacterial infection called Staphylococcus aureus which is a bug that is often found on the skin and in your nose. When the bug gets into the blood, it can cause TSS. It can be from many causes, even after a scratch or bite. It can affect men, women and children and is very rare. It was thought that these particular women got their infection from the tampons they were wearing. This of course put fear into many women.