A California woman, Lauren Wasser, is using her powerful story to raise awareness about a health risk many are still unaware of — and it’s all tied to a product millions of women use every month.
Back in 2012, Lauren, then a 24-year-old rising model, checked into a hospital with severe flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t let up. But what doctors discovered shocked everyone: it wasn’t the flu at all. Lauren had developed Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) — a rare but potentially deadly condition triggered by bacterial toxins.
The source of the infection? A tampon.
Tampons left in for extended periods can create the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow. In Lauren’s case, the infection spread so quickly and aggressively that she fell into a coma. When she awoke more than a week later, doctors had no choice but to amputate one of her legs to save her life.
Since that life-altering moment, Lauren has made it her mission to warn others. She began publicly advocating for better transparency and regulation in feminine hygiene products, and even pursued legal action against Kotex Natural Balance, the brand she believes caused her medical crisis.
“I know I’ll be losing my other leg soon — there’s no avoiding it,” she told The Daily Mail. “But what I can do is help make sure no one else has to go through what I did.”
Lauren has also written candidly about the issue for InStyle, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks:
“The vagina is the most absorbent part of the female body, and it connects directly to vital internal systems. It’s critical that people know the potential dangers.”
True to her spirit, Lauren has continued to live boldly. After undergoing a second leg amputation, she posed with Paralympic athlete Amy Purdy, celebrating resilience and strength.
“Life’s about to change again,” she wrote on Instagram, “but I’m in good spirits and ready for the next chapter.”
Lauren’s journey is not just one of survival — it’s a call to action. Her bravery in sharing such a personal and painful experience is helping to inform, protect, and empower women everywhere.
