At the young age of 24, model Lauren Wasser experienced a brush with death due to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), resulting in the loss of both legs. Lauren, based in LA, followed guidelines for tampon use and yet was still afflicted by TSS which rapidly shut down her body.

Presently, she’s 36 and is overturning the misconceptions that TSS only arises from leaving a tampon in for more than eight hours, arguing that even those who use them correctly are at risk. “People have a false sense of invulnerability. TSS can affect anyone, anywhere, anytime,” Wasser shared on the Life Uncut podcast with hosts Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne.
Lauren warns that current market tampons are laden with potentially harmful substances such as bleach dioxin, chlorine, and even the so-called 100% cotton ones may still contain pesticides. “Inserting these substances during a sensitive period is like a brewing storm,” she cautions. She added that if these toxins enter the body, they can induce flu-like symptoms and organ shutdown, making it lethal.

Lauren’s mission in life includes ensuring this information reaches everyone and encouraging open discussions about it because knowledge is the key. She regularly changed her tampon every four hours during her period in 2012 when she suddenly showed flu-like symptoms and fever. After an emergency check, Lauren was found lying unconscious in her apartment and was only moments away from death.

Upon reaching the hospital, she had two cardiac arrests, was put in a medically induced coma as her organs started failing, and was given a mere 1% chance of survival. A detective doctor ordered a tampon check leading to a diagnosis of TSS – a rare, deadly bacterial infection often misdiagnosed as its symptoms mimic other common diseases.
Although her life was saved, Lauren’s limbs were irreversibly damaged with gangrene, leading to the amputation of her right leg below the knee, some toes, and part of her heel on her left foot. Despite initial efforts to save her left leg, it caused her such pain in the following years that she had to undergo another amputation just before she turned 30.
The motive behind Wasser’s story is not to dictate what menstrual products one ought to use, but to ensure people are fully informed about their choices. She insists that no product on the market is 100% safe, and there’s a misperception that TSS only happens when a tampon is left in for over eight hours.

Lauren now uses pads and cautions individuals against tampon use if already unwell. She’s calling on everyone, including men and first responders, to familiarize themselves with TSS and its symptoms, as it resembles several other diseases in the early stage.
TSS happens when normally harmless Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus bacteria invade the bloodstream and generate harmful toxins, with symptoms such as high fever, low blood pressure, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. It most likely affects women who use tampons, with approximately one in 100,000 women suffering from TSS each year.
Lauren’s ordeal serves as a critical reminder to all women, and even men, about the importance of education and vigilance when it comes to TSS. It’s essential to understand the risks associated with tampon usage and the potential consequences of using them. As Lauren continues to advocate for TSS awareness, her story serves as a powerful reminder that it can happen to anyone and highlights the need for better regulation and transparency in the menstrual product industry. Educating ourselves and spreading awareness is crucial in preventing further cases of TSS and ensuring the safety and well-being of those who menstruate. So let’s continue to share Lauren’s story and educate others about this deadly infection, one conversation at a time. We can all play a part in making sure that no one else has to go through what Lauren Wasser experienced, and together we can strive for safer menstrual products for all.

While TSS may be a rare occurrence, it’s a reminder that we should always prioritize our health and well-being when it comes to using any products, especially those that come in contact with our bodies. It’s also essential for companies to be transparent about the ingredients used in their products and ensure that they are safe for human use. Taking the time to research and educate ourselves on proper tampon usage can also go a long way in preventing TSS.
In addition, Lauren’s story sheds light on the larger issue of menstrual health and hygiene. Many people around the world do not have access to safe and hygienic menstrual products, leading to serious health complications and even death. It is crucial that we advocate for better accessibility and education surrounding menstrual health, especially in underprivileged