
These Facts About Toxic Shock Syndrome Might Make You Rethink Using Tampons

The moment tampons entered my life (no pun intended), my feelings towards my period changed forever.
I never knew the women closest to me to use anything other than pads, but when a college friend got my life together about what I was missing out on, I opted to give tampons a shot. Instantly, I fell in love with them. They are super discreet, I can move more freely, and, to top it off, I don't feel like I'm walking around with a wet diaper on. I chucked the deuces to pads with the quickness. In fact, I can count on one hand how many times I've used pads since.
What my dear friend nor any tampon user cared to share with me was the one health risk associated with tampon use that pad users don't have to worry about: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare condition caused by bacterial toxins that enter the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection.
While the chances of getting TSS are very rare, it is possible and potentially fatal if not caught early on. In a recent essay with InStyle, model Lauren Wasser recounted how she fell victim to the condition and literally had to fight for her life. The infection took over rather quickly, leading to gangrene (dead tissue caused by an infection or lack of blood flow) settling into her right leg. In order to save her life, Lauren's right leg had to be amputated at the time of her hospital admission. Five years later, she is faced with the possibility of her left leg having to be amputated as well due to the damage that the bacterial infection caused years prior. Developing this condition is literally a life or death situation so it's best we educate ourselves about it.
Here are a few things that every woman should know about TSS.
Size Matters... When It Comes To Tampons & TSS
Tampon, anyone?
While tampon usage overall puts you at risk for the condition, super-absorbent tampons put you at an even greater risk. The extra absorbency is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria looking for a home. If you tend to use super-absorbent tampons, try using regular tampons and changing them more often.
TSS Can Affect Anyone, Including Men & Children
Though TSS is primarily associated with menstruation, men can still get it by way of open wounds. This can happen as a result of cuts, burns, or bites. The same bacteria affiliated with TSS in women can enter wounds and cause a serious bacterial infection.
There's A Good Reason For The Expiration Date On A Tampon Box
As with most products intended for consumption, be wary of usage after the expiration date. For tampons, it usually takes about five years to expire and using one past its expiration date may put you at a greater risk of bacterial infection. Can tampons technically be used after their expiration date? Yes. However, tampons are not sterile and may potentially grow mold if not stored properly.
The Symptoms Are Not Easy To Connect Back To TSS
Some of the symptoms are very similar to what a woman may experience during her cycle, or even when having the flu. So, it's important to be knowledgeable of the many symptoms that TSS can lend itself to.
Some of the symptoms most commonly affiliated with TSS include:
- A sudden high fever
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Redness of your eyes, mouth, and throat
- Seizures
- Headaches
Lastly, It Is Preventable & Treatable
If you ask me, prevention is always your best bet. The best ways to prevent TSS are:
- To shy away from super absorbent tampons
- Change tampons regularly (every 4-8 hours)
- Opt to sleep with pads rather than tampons
- Switch it up between tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and other sanitary items during your cycle
Alongside prevention methods, it is important that we are more particular of the things that they put in our bodies. Just like Lauren penned in her essay, "It is time that we, as consumers, demandsafer products and more transparency about what is going into our bodies."
For more on TSS and how to prevent it, click here.
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At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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