Intimate protection products: What are the recommendations for use of ANSES?

Menstrual toxic shock syndrome is an extremely rare infectious disease (about 20 cases every year in France); but it is the main risk related to the wearing of internal intimate protection (tampons, menstrual cuts...).

It is entirely possible to prevent this risk by complying with certain good practices recommended by the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Safety (ANSES), in particular:

• Wash your hands before and after each change in intimate protection;
• choose a protection with an absorbent power adapted to your menstrual flow (specific recommendations can be provided by your gynecologist);
• avoid using internal intimate protection if you have been previously diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome by a healthcare professional;
• if you use a menstrual cup, empty it regularly (every 4 to 6 hours);
• adhere to the usage guidelines for each protection, especially those regarding wearing time (typically, wear each protection for up to 6 hours; use only one protection at a time and only during menstrual periods; and at night, use external protection such as sanitary pads).

The risk of developing menstrual toxic shock syndrome is increased by

• prolonged use of the same internal intimate protection;
• and/or by the use of internal intimate protection with a higher absorption capacity than necessary.

From 1^er April 2024, the packaging or package leaflet of intimate protection products must include:

• the maximum length of time to wear, for internal intimate products;
• a list of all the components of the product;
• the risk of menstrual toxic shock syndrome from the use of internal products;
• other health risks, linked inter alia to the composition of the product (in particular irritations, intolerances, allergies or micro-traumas);
• etc.