The convenience of tampons has long been celebrated as a breakthrough in menstrual hygiene, offering millions of people a discreet and practical way to manage their periods. These small but effective products have revolutionized daily life, allowing individuals to maintain their routines without disruption. However, one woman’s tragic experience serves as a stark reminder that even when used according to instructions, tampons can pose unforeseen dangers.
Lauren Wasser, a vibrant young woman with a promising future, followed all the guidelines printed on the box of her tampon product. Yet, she found herself battling for survival, with doctors giving her only a one percent chance of making it through the night. Today, she shares her harrowing ordeal in the hope of preventing others from facing a similar fate.
A Shocking Turn of Events That No One Saw Coming
At the age of 24, Lauren Wasser was just like any other young woman managing her monthly cycle. She was diligent about changing her tampons regularly, making sure to replace them every four hours, precisely as medical professionals recommend. Despite this, her body soon exhibited alarming symptoms that would lead to a downward spiral beyond her worst nightmares.
What began as what seemed to be a simple case of flu-like discomfort rapidly escalated into a life-threatening medical emergency. Fever, chills, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue set in, rendering her unable to function normally. Friends who had been with her earlier in the day noticed her worsening condition and advised her to rest. But as hours passed with no sign of improvement, concern mounted.
Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, Wasser’s body was already in the grips of a rare but deadly condition known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS). While she lay alone at home, her condition deteriorated at an alarming rate, and soon, she was teetering on the brink of death.
A Race Against Time and a Mother’s Instinct
Wasser’s mother, sensing something was terribly wrong after multiple unanswered calls, acted on a gut feeling that no parent would ever want to experience. Fearing the worst, she contacted the police to conduct a welfare check on her daughter.
When authorities arrived at Lauren’s home, they found her in a distressing state, but her illness was not immediately deemed severe enough to warrant emergency intervention. The true danger lurking beneath the surface remained undiagnosed. Meanwhile, Lauren was unknowingly losing the battle against her own body’s response to the bacterial infection spreading within her.
The situation took a devastating turn when she collapsed, unconscious and unresponsive. By the time medical personnel rushed her to the hospital, she was reportedly just ten minutes away from death. Her fever had skyrocketed to a staggering 107°F (41.5°C), a level at which the human body begins to shut down entirely.
A Fight for Survival Against Impossible Odds
Doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize Lauren, but the extent of the damage her body had sustained was far greater than they had initially anticipated. Within a short span of time, she suffered multiple organ failures, two heart attacks, and severe tissue decomposition. Her kidneys had ceased to function, and her limbs bore the brunt of the infection’s wrath.
Medical staff were left baffled by how a perfectly healthy young woman had so rapidly declined into a critical condition. The devastating truth would soon come to light—Lauren had fallen victim to toxic shock syndrome, an illness linked to a bacterial infection that can sometimes occur when using tampons, menstrual cups, or even from infected wounds.
Despite their best efforts to save her limbs, doctors were forced to make an unthinkable decision. The infection had caused irreparable damage to her legs, leaving them no choice but to amputate her right leg below the knee. As if that wasn’t heartbreaking enough, she also lost several toes and part of her heel on her remaining foot.
An Ongoing Battle and a Painful Second Amputation
For years following her initial amputation, Lauren continued to suffer from chronic, excruciating pain. The lingering effects of TSS did not disappear with her first surgery. The remaining portions of her left foot were deteriorating, and the agony became unbearable.
By 2018, six years after her initial hospitalization, she had no choice but to undergo a second amputation—this time removing her left leg entirely. It was a moment that changed her life forever. The reality of living without both legs was something no one could prepare for, yet Lauren refused to let her circumstances define her.
The Dangerous Truth About Toxic Shock Syndrome
The condition that nearly cost Wasser her life, toxic shock syndrome, remains one of the most insidious health risks associated with tampon use. While incredibly rare—affecting approximately one in 100,000 menstruating individuals annually in the United States—TSS is an unpredictable and life-threatening condition.
According to medical experts, TSS is caused by toxins released by bacteria, often associated with prolonged tampon use. However, Lauren’s case dispels the myth that only those who forget to remove tampons are at risk. She followed every guideline yet still fell victim to this dangerous illness.
The NHS states that symptoms of TSS can develop suddenly and progress rapidly, often mimicking flu-like signs before escalating into severe complications. The warning signs include high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, and a rapid drop in blood pressure. Anyone experiencing these symptoms while using a tampon or menstrual cup should seek immediate medical attention.
A New Chapter: Triumph Over Adversity
Though Lauren’s life was irrevocably altered, she refused to let tragedy dictate her future. Instead, she has emerged as an advocate for menstrual health awareness, determined to educate others about the risks of TSS and the importance of being informed.
Now widely recognized as the “girl with the golden legs,” Wasser has forged a remarkable career in the modeling industry. She has graced the runways of prestigious fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, and has been featured in high-profile publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour.
More than just a model, she has become a symbol of resilience, proving that strength is not just about physical ability but about an unbreakable spirit. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, showing that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it is possible to rebuild and redefine one’s life.
Spreading Awareness and Challenging the Narrative
Lauren remains outspoken about the dangers of TSS, advocating for better awareness, more stringent regulations on menstrual products, and open conversations about menstrual health. She wants to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate simply due to a lack of awareness.
“It’s my life’s mission to make sure that this information is out there,” she says. “Women need to talk about this. We need to check in with each other, share our experiences, and educate ourselves. No one is immune, and the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves.”
By turning her pain into purpose, Lauren has sparked a much-needed dialogue about the safety of menstrual products and the importance of proactive health awareness.