Which instruction best helps prevent toxic shock syndrome in adolescents using tampons?

• A. Wash your hands before inserting a tampon.
• B. Use super absorbent tampons.
• C. Wear cotton underwear.
• D. Douche every month following menstruation.

Answer: (A)

Preventing toxic shock syndrome from tampon use hinges on reducing bacterial contamination when handling tampons. Washing your hands before inserting a tampon minimizes the transfer of bacteria from skin or surfaces into the vagina, which lowers the chance of toxin-producing bacteria causing TSS. Other measures matter too—using the lowest needed absorbency, changing the tampon every 4 to 8 hours, and avoiding overnight use help reduce risk—but hand hygiene at insertion is the most protective step. Douching can disrupt vaginal flora and isn’t recommended, and choosing overly absorbent tampons or relying on cotton underwear alone doesn’t prevent TSS.