In an emotional plea, model Lauren Wasser has delivered a powerful warning about the dangers linked to tampon use. Lauren’s story is both shocking and eye-opening; she endured a near-fatal brush with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) despite using tampons exactly as recommended.
At only 24, Lauren’s life changed drastically. She was diligent about hygiene, meticulously changing tampons every four hours, but suddenly she felt extremely ill. At first, the symptoms were subtle—flu-like chills, a fever—but soon they intensified.
Alarmingly, within mere hours, her body was breaking down. Lauren described the terrifying rapidity with which TSS took hold, saying it doesn’t discriminate, and that even careful hygiene practices offer no absolute guarantee against the syndrome. She emphasized strongly, “Anyone can get TSS anytime—it doesn’t pick favorites.”
Contrary to common beliefs, Lauren explained that this deadly syndrome isn’t exclusively caused by leaving a tampon in too long. She said this misunderstanding dangerously shifts blame onto women, while the truth remains hidden behind vague product warnings.
Lauren also pointed to deeper issues within the feminine hygiene industry, raising concerns about harmful chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and pesticides present even in products labeled “100 percent cotton.” These substances, she argued, can create a dangerous environment inside a woman’s body, providing a breeding ground for toxins.
What started as mild discomfort quickly escalated into a life-threatening crisis. Lauren was found unconscious in her apartment, her organs on the brink of total shutdown. Doctors initially gave her only a slim chance of survival.
In hospital, Lauren suffered two heart attacks and was immediately put into a medically induced coma to stabilize her failing body. Her family braced for the worst, as medical staff struggled to determine the cause of her rapid deterioration.
It was only through a chance recommendation by an infectious disease specialist to check for a tampon that the mystery was solved. Lauren indeed had Toxic Shock Syndrome, a condition often overlooked due to symptoms that mimic more common ailments.
Lauren’s life was saved, but the consequences were devastating. Gangrene had irreversibly damaged her limbs, forcing doctors to amputate her right leg below the knee, along with several toes and part of her left heel.
Despite aggressive efforts to save her left leg, Lauren endured years of chronic and unbearable pain. Eventually, she faced another heart-wrenching decision—to amputate her second leg shortly before turning 30.
Today, Lauren is dedicated to spreading awareness, advocating passionately for better safety standards and greater transparency from hygiene companies. She insists women deserve clearer warnings and safer options, highlighting that even menstrual cups are not completely risk-free.
Moreover, Lauren advised strongly against tampon usage during illnesses, as the body is already compromised, leaving it especially vulnerable. “Your body cannot handle battling multiple threats at once,” she cautioned emphatically.