Definition A severe, Staphylococcus aureus toxin-mediated disease which is characterized by shock and multiple organ dysfunction. Alternative names TSS; Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome Causes, incidence, and risk factors Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by a toxin produced by certain types of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. While the earliest described cases involved mostly menstruating women using highly absorbent tampons, only 55% of current cases are associated with menses. This illness may also occur in children and in men. Risk factors include recent menstruation, recent use of barrier contraceptives such as diaphragms and vaginal sponges, vaginal tampon use (especially prolonged), recent child birth, recent surgery, and current Staphylococcus aureus infection. Prevention Menstrual TSS can be prevented by avoiding the use of highly absorbent tampons. Risk can also be reduced by using less absorbent tampons, and by using tampons only intermittently in the menstrual cycle. Oh and for me... Tampons all the way... lol