In a harrowing story of survival, Lauren Wasser, a model from Santa Monica, California, lost both her legs after developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening illness linked to tampon use. Wasser’s experience serves as a stark warning about the dangers that tampons, menstrual cups, and other period products can pose, even when used correctly. Her story sheds light on the importance of education around TSS and the need for safer menstrual products.
What Happened to Lauren Wasser: A Tragic Story of Toxic Shock Syndrome
Lauren Wasser lost her legs from Toxic Shock Syndrome. Credit: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis / Getty
In 2012, Lauren Wasser was a healthy, active 24-year-old. She followed the standard guidelines for tampon use, changing them every four hours. But one day, she suddenly started experiencing severe flu-like symptoms, including a high fever. Within hours, her condition worsened, and she was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had developed Toxic Shock Syndrome.
TSS, which occurs when toxins produced by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter the bloodstream, quickly ravaged her body. Wasser suffered two heart attacks, kidney failure, and tissue damage so severe that her right leg had to be amputated. Six years later, she also lost her left leg due to ongoing complications. Now 36 years old, Wasser is using her platform to raise awareness about the dangers of TSS and advocate for safer menstrual products.
What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)? Understanding the Illness
Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but dangerous condition that can develop when certain bacteria, typically staphylococcus aureus, overgrow in the body and release harmful toxins. According to the National Library of Medicine, TSS is an “acute-onset illness characterized by fever, hypotension, sunburn-like rash, and end-organ damage.” If left untreated, it can quickly become life-threatening, leading to organ failure or death.
While TSS is most commonly associated with tampon use, it can also be triggered by menstrual cups, infected wounds, or surgeries. The bacteria can grow rapidly in environments where there is blood, warmth, and little oxygen—conditions that can arise when a tampon or menstrual cup is inserted for long periods.
How TSS Can Happen to Anyone, Even with Proper Tampon Use
One of the most alarming aspects of Lauren Wasser’s story is that she was using her tampons correctly. Many people believe that TSS only occurs when tampons are left in for too long, but Wasser’s case shows that even following the recommended guidelines doesn’t eliminate the risk.
Wasser’s experience has sparked critical conversations about the safety of menstrual products. She points out that many tampons are made with materials like bleach dioxin and chlorine, which can create a toxic environment inside the body. “We’re putting that inside of us at such a delicate time,” Wasser said, emphasizing the vulnerability of the body during menstruation.
TSS can happen when using a tampon or menstrual cup, or from an infected wound. Credit: NurPhoto / Getty
She also highlights the dangerous misconception that TSS only happens when a tampon is left in for over eight hours, a warning that many brands place on their packaging. Thousands of women have developed TSS—even after using tampons as directed.
The Importance of Knowing the Symptoms of TSS
Toxic Shock Syndrome can present with symptoms that mimic the flu, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Symptoms of TSS include:
- High fever
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A rash resembling sunburn
- Muscle aches
- Confusion or disorientation
Since TSS can escalate quickly, knowing these warning signs is crucial. Wasser has made it her mission to educate women and people who menstruate about the importance of recognizing the early symptoms. She also stresses the need for first responders, including police and paramedics, to be trained to identify the condition, as it can be mistaken for other common infections.
Raising Awareness for Safer Menstrual Products
In the decade since her infection, Wasser has shifted her focus to advocating for safer menstrual products and increasing public awareness of TSS. She emphasizes that the menstrual cycle products on the market are often far from safe, with many containing chemicals that may increase the risk of TSS.
“I’m not here to say what anyone should do,” Wasser explains, but she does want to spark conversations about the hidden dangers of period products. She warns that even alternative products like menstrual cups can carry risks. “There’s nothing on the market that’s safe 100 percent, and that’s what I fight for,” she says.
Wasser has encouraged women to consider alternatives like pads, which do not carry the same risk of introducing harmful bacteria inside the body. While pads are not entirely without risk, she believes they are a safer option, particularly for those who are sick or prone to infections. “If you’re sick, don’t ever use tampons,” she advises, noting that the body’s immune system is already compromised when fighting illness, making it more susceptible to infections like TSS.
The Misconception Around Tampon Use and TSS
One of the most persistent myths about TSS is that it only occurs when tampons are left in for an extended period. However, as Wasser’s case illustrates, this is not entirely true. The bacteria that cause TSS can grow in as little as a few hours, and using a tampon for the recommended time doesn’t necessarily protect against the risk.
Wasser has refocused her life’s work to advocate for education on tampons. Credit: Edward Berthelot / Getty
“People think they’re invincible,” Wasser said, highlighting the dangerous assumption that TSS won’t happen to them. Her mission is to dispel these misconceptions and ensure that women have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their menstrual health.
Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Awareness and Education
Lauren Wasser’s life changed forever when she developed Toxic Shock Syndrome, a devastating condition that cost her both her legs. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that TSS can happen to anyone, regardless of how carefully they follow tampon usage guidelines.
Wasser’s advocacy for safer menstrual products and greater education around TSS is critical. Her message is clear: Women need to be informed about the potential dangers of the products they use, and more conversations must be had to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate.
The fight for awareness, education, and safety continues, and it’s essential for everyone, from healthcare professionals to product manufacturers, to take the risks of TSS seriously.
