A California woman, Lauren Wasser, is using her traumatic experience to warn others about a hidden danger linked to a common household product: tampons. In 2012, Lauren, then a 24-year-old model, was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms. But tests soon revealed something far more serious — toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins.
Doctors traced the source of the infection to a tampon that had been left in for several hours. Tampons, especially if worn for too long, can create an environment for harmful bacteria, leading to severe infections like TSS. Lauren fell into a coma for over a week, and when she woke up, she learned her leg had been amputated to save her life.
Since then, Lauren has become a powerful advocate for women’s health and product safety. She has taken legal action against the brand Kotex Natural Balance, which she believes contributed to her condition, and works tirelessly to raise awareness about the risks of extended tampon use. Her mission is to make sure other women don’t suffer the same fate.
In an interview, Lauren revealed that she later had to undergo a second leg amputation. “There’s nothing I can do about it. But what I can do is help make sure this doesn’t happen to others,” she told the Daily Mail. She also wrote for InStyle, emphasizing that the vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of the body and that consumers deserve transparency about the products they use.
Despite the immense challenges, Lauren remains resilient and continues to model, inspire, and advocate. After her second amputation, she posed with Paralympian Amy Purdy and shared on Instagram: “Life is about to be so different, again! I’m in great spirits though and ready for my next chapter.” Her courage serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, advocacy, and living life to the fullest — no matter the obstacles.