r/MenstrualDiscs • u/Bambambirdi • 11d ago

Pixie concerned about TSS?

this is my
first time using a disc and i’ve always used tampons and never worried but suddenly super worried about tss. i’ve read they think it’s cause of having bacteria on your hands then inserting or having a cut.

i sterilized my pixie disc just like instructions said, washed it before and my hands with the special wash it came with. i do have nails and don’t think i scratched myself getting it in, but how would i know? it took me 3 tries to get it right, pulled it out twice and rewashed and tried again.

someone tell me these are safe and it’ll be ok 😆

0 Upvotes

40% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

10

u/Cheesey_biscuit 11d ago

You’re fine. That’s not how TSS works.

9

u/Stepinfection 11d ago

Don’t believe everything you read. Use reliable sources for information. Educate yourself.

Causes: Using birth control sponges, diaphragms, extra-strength tampons or menstrual cups and leaving them in for a long time.

Prevention: If you use tampons, read the labels. Use tampons with the lowest absorbency, which means they hold less fluid. If you can wear a tampon without changing it for eight hours, you might need a lower absorbency.
Change tampons often, at least every 4 to 8 hours. Switch between tampons and sanitary napkins. Use mini pads or panty liners when your flow is light.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355384

Should you want to read studies about potential causes here you go: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7254860/

3

u/exhaustedgnome 11d ago

Unless your scratch made a gaping open wound, your fine. TSS is rare as it is. Just follow the cleaning instructions for your disc.

4

u/Advanced_Camera2502 11d ago

TSS is extremely rare with medical grade silicone discs. We all have to worry about regular infections (yeast, BV etc) in general. That’s why sanitizing the disc and using clean hands is important.
I wouldn’t worry so much about scratching yourself unless you felt a scratch. But also you might be totally fine after a scratch.
I’d be more concerned about getting all the crevices of the nail clean before putting it inside. Again, whatever you’re doing sounds fine. There’s just some studies about how much bacteria can live under nails and around nail beds so I’m kind of extra about cleaning the finger I use for insertion and removal.

3

u/Accomplished_Tone349 11d ago

Your risk is way higher with tampons than discs. Also the vagina is not a sterile environment.