COVID-19 is a serious global pandemic. The South African government has created an online resource and news portal to educate South Africans about the virus, preventative measures, symptoms and treatment. Please click here to visit the website and find out more.
What is toxic shock syndrome? Symptoms, precautions, and more
Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS, is one of those conditions that many of us have heard of, but few people know a lot about. We know that it's incredibly rare, and in truth, TSS is a dangerous illness that can sometimes even be fatal. First things first, what causes TSS? And how do you know if you have it?
TSS is believed to be caused by a toxin-producing strain of the bacteria ‘Staphylococcus aureus’ and can occur in both men and women of any age as a result of burns, insect bites, or surgery. However, half of all cases occur in people who have a menstrual cycle, so it’s especially important to take note of the symptoms, and take the necessary precautions to avoid it. The good news? There are many ways to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome and you can find them here.
Toxic Shock Syndrome symptoms can develop very quickly and may seem like flu.
Look out for a sudden, high fever (usually over 39°C), dizziness, fainting, vomiting, diarrhoea, sunburn-like rashes, sore throat, or muscle ache
Of course, all of these symptoms might not occur at the same time. If you’re experiencing some of them during your period and are feeling worried about TSS, remove your tampon and seek medical advice immediately.
Just so that you know, we also provide information about TSS inside every packet of Lil-Lets tampons. We’re always updating this information too, so it's important to read the leaflets regularly, especially if you’re new to tampons, or have taken a break from them after pregnancy or childbirth.
Fortunately, Toxic Shock Syndrome is treatable and most people recover fully. For more info on Toxic Shock Syndrome, www.tssis.com
Yes you can. In rare instances, you can still get pregnant. You should also bear in mind that you can still catch a sexually transmitted disease when on your period
You might notice a slight odour when you're on your period. Tampons can help with this because they're worn inside your body. If you prefer to use pads, make sure to change them regularly if you notice a strong odour.
Some brands of contraceptive pills can reduce your flow or shorten the length of your period. Your doctor or nurse will discuss this with you during your consultation.
You’ve got a few options available. Lil-lets Super Plus tampons have the highest absorbency in our range and are great for heavy periods. If you prefer to use an applicator tampon, our super tampons are a really good choice for medium to heavy flow. If you use pads, we suggest using our Night Maxi Pad, which is the highest absorbency pad within our range
Although you may not feel like doing it at the time, stretching or gentle exercise will ease this discomfort. Healthy eating is also known to help relieve any period pain. Alternatively, treat yourself to a relaxing bath or cuddle up on the sofa with a hot water bottle. If none of these help, your local pharmacy can give you guidance on suitable pain relief.
This can vary from 2 to 5 days and could be up to 10.
Yes, it's important to keep yourself clean during your period and hot water can help soothe cramps too!
Menstrual cramps vary from menstruator to menstruator. For some, period cramps are little to no pain, whereas for others, it can be a truly excruciating experience. Thus dealing with period cramps can vary. We recommend exploring to opt for home treatments instead of relying heavily on over-the-counter medicine. These two options can assist with cramps:
• Getting regular exercise can help with blood flow and may reduce cramping.
• Put a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your belly, or taking a warm bath. The heat improves blood flow and may ease the pain.
However, if pain does persist, it is recommended to chat to your doctor or gynae
You totally can! We've often been fed a lot of misinformation. That's not the case - you can take care of yourself (including washing your hair, why not throw in a face mask?), exercise if you're up to it, be around your loved ones and work as normal. Besides the pain and discomfort which accompanies some people's periods, you can continue on as normal.
Swimming during your period isn't a problem. However, you will want to use a tampon when swimming so you don't bleed on your swimsuit. Pads won't work and will just fill with water. The tampon won't fall out if it is inserted correctly. Go and make a splash!
Got a question you’ve been too embarrassed to ask? Wondering if what you are experiencing every month is normal?
Join our Lil-Lets Talk community for empowering conversations for people with periods.
If you find yourself wondering "what does irregular period mean?", then visit Lil-Lets' website for more information on all things menstrual cycle!
Find out more