Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

How to use Herbox tampons

Herbox tampons are comfortable, hygienic, and they are an effective product for menstrual protection. It is common for women using them for the first time to try several times before being able to insert the tampon easily and comfortably. If you are using a tampon for the first time, we recommend using Herbox Regular or Super tampons. Relax and follow the instructions. Also, look at the illustrations for further clarification.

1.

Each tampon has its own hygienic packaging. Wash your hands and remove the lower part of the transparent packaging (from the part with the string) by taking out the middle section. Hold the lower part of the tampon with the string in your hand. Roll the tampon's string completely from where it is rolled up and make sure the ends of the string are tied together or knotted (knot on the string).

2.

Hold onto the string securely. The rounded tip is in your other hand, still in its packaging. Twist the string right under the tampon so that the lower part gets a little larger.

3.

Place your index finger against the lower part and hold the bottom of the tampon securely between your thumb and index finger. This ensures good control during insertion.

4. 

With your other hand, remove the hygienic packaging that covers the outer part of the tampon.

5. 

Relax and place your foot on a chair; if necessary, bend slightly at the knee of the leg supporting you to ensure that the muscles are completely relaxed. The first time you insert a tampon it may be a little uncomfortable. If you breathe calmly, you won’t encounter any problems. Gently push the tampon - with the rounded tip - as
far into your vagina as possible. If you feel any discomfort, take it out. Then insert a new tampon the same way as described above, but try to insert it a little further.

Herbox Tampons

Choose the type that suits you best: Herbox Regular or Super. Herbox Regular is for light to medium flow, while Super is for days when your flow is medium to heavy. Always use the tampon with the lowest absorbency necessary for your menstruation. Thanks to their benefits, all types of Herbox tampons offer excellent protection and meet your needs. They are made from 100% organic cotton and provide comfort and safety. Herbox is also very discreet.

Use the chart to choose the smallest absorption to manage your
menstrual flow.

ABSORPTION in grams

JUNIOR (less than 6)
REGULAR (6 to 9)
SUPER (9 to 12)
SUPER PLUS (12 to 15)
ULTRA (15 to 18)

EU TERMS FOR ABSORPTION

REGULAR
SUPER PLUS
SUPER

TERMS IN AUSTRALIA

Approximately 8g absorption. (Suitable for lighter flows)
Approximately 11g absorption. (Suitable for medium flows)
Approximately 14g absorption. (Suitable for heavier flows)

when to change your tampon

You should change your tampon every 4-8 hours. To remove the tampon, bend your knees slightly with your legs open and relaxed. Pull the string outside your body, in the same direction you inserted the tampon. If you feel discomfort when removing the tampon and you can see white fibers, it may not be saturated. Always use a tampon with an absorption capacity that is less than your flow. At night, we recommend using Herbox pads or panty liners. Always ensure you have removed the last tampon before inserting a new one. Check that you remove the last tampon at the end of your period, and do not use tampons before or between periods. Never use two tampons at the same time. Do not flush your used tampon down the toilet, throw it in
household waste.

What You Should Know About Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

TSS is a rare but serious illness. It is caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium typically found on the skin and inside the nose and vagina. TSS can affect women, men, and children. The risk of developing TSS is higher in teenagers and women under 30 than in older women. Although it is uncommon, it is important to know what to do if needed. Early recognition of symptoms and treatment is crucial.

Symptoms that Indicate Possible TSS Infection Include:

• Sudden, high fever (39°C/102°F or higher)
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Muscle aches
• Skin irritations resembling sunburn.

Not all symptoms may be present, only some. In more advanced stages of the illness, the skin may start to peel. TSS can occur during the menstrual period or shortly thereafter. It can rapidly progress from flu-like symptoms to a severe, potentially fatal illness. If you have one or more of these symptoms, immediately remove the tampon and consult a doctor.

Inform your doctor that you have used tampons and that you are concerned about TSS. You should consult your doctor before resuming the use of tampons. You can reduce the risk of menstruation-related TSS by using tampons with
lower absorption capacity that meet your needs and by regularly changing tampons every 4-8 hours. You can also alternate with the use of a sanitary pad instead of a tampon at least once a day. If you do not use tampons, the risk of TSS is reduced but not completely eliminated.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT TSS

What is TSS?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious condition that can lead to death. It is caused by a toxin (a type of biological poison) produced by a type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). These bacteria are found in the nose of about one third of the population. They can also be present on the skin, and sometimes in the vagina, without causing harm.

Who is at risk?

TSS can affect both men and women of all ages but is more common in young women who use tampons during their menstrual period.

What are the symptoms of TSS?

The early symptoms of TSS can start suddenly and resemble the flu. Remember, early recognition of these symptoms is very important.

– FEELS VERY SICK, HEADACHE, MUSCLE ACHES
– HIGH FEVER AND CHILLS, USUALLY 39°C (102°F) OR HIGHER
– VOMITING, DIARRHEA, OR BOTH
– FAINTING, DIZZINESS, WEAKNESS, OR CONFUSION
– SUNBURN-LIKE RASH

What should I do if I think I have TSS?

If you have any of the above symptoms during your period or shortly thereafter, REMOVE YOUR TAMPON AND SEEK A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. Remember that it is very important to tell the doctor that you have used tampons. If you have ever had TSS, you should not use tampons until you have discussed the matter with a doctor. You may not have developed resistance to the toxin and could get TSS again.

How does TSS occur?

If the toxin is produced in the vagina or a wound, and absorbed from there into the bloodstream, a person who is not resistant to the toxin can become ill. Most people develop resistance to the toxin (which is why the condition is so rare) and in these individuals, there is no harmful effect. The symptoms of TSS can develop quickly. Early recognition and treatment of these symptoms can usually prevent serious illness.

Do tampons cause TSS?

The simple answer is no. Tampons do not carry the bacteria that cause TSS. However, the use of tampons has been linked to an increased risk of TSS. Although TSS can occur with the use of tampons of any absorbency, the risk increases with higher absorbency tampons. Note that tampons are not sterile and neither are your hands or vagina. Tampons, even though they contain very small amounts of bacteria that are normally present in the air, have not been shown to carry the bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Precautions for Using Tampons

1. You should use the tampon with the lowest absorbency for your comfort and
   flow level. Only use one tampon at a time.
2. Wash your hands before opening and inserting a tampon, and again afterward.
3. Open a new, clean tampon right before use - handle it no more than necessary or place it on any surface.
4. Do not insert a tampon if it is painful.
5. Removing the tampon should be easy: if the tampon is dry and difficult to remove, the absorbency is too high or the tampon has not been in place long enough. Tampons should be changed as often as you need but should not be left in for longer than 8 hours.
6. Remove the used tampon before inserting the next one and do not forget to remove the last tampon used at the end of your period.
7. Only use a tampon when you are menstruating.
8. Ask a doctor if it is okay to use tampons if you have recently given birth, had a cesarean section, a miscarriage, an abortion, or any surgery on your reproductive system.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR AUSTRALIA

Where can I get more information about TSS?

More information is available free of charge from the Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service, a web-based service at www.toxicshock.org.au.

Do you have any questions regarding our menstrual products?

Herbox AB (Sweden)
Reg. No: 559320-7037
Address: Sven Hultins Plats 5, 412 58, Gothenburg
info@herbox.se