title: The pathology of tampon usage and of the toxic shock syndrome.
abstract: Tampon usage is commonly associated with the development of transient, asymptomatic focal vaginal abnormalities such as dehydration, epithelial peeling and micro-ulceration. These abnormalities occur most commonly with superabsorbent tampons and are probably due to a fluid shift across the vaginal epithelium. Clinically apparent vaginal ulceration due to tampon usage is rare: these ulcers may develop from asymptomatic tampon-induced micro-ulcers. The pathological changes seen in the toxic shock syndrome are inconsistent but are, in general, due either to reduced tissue perfusion, or to the effects of a toxin. Cervico-vaginal ulceration in women with the toxic shock syndrome is probably a consequence rather than a cause of toxin entry into the systemic circulation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013630:Tampons, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014621:Vagina / Q000473:pathology; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*