Model loses both legs after using common tampon—now she’s warning others
Lauren Wasser’s battle with toxic shock syndrome turned her life upside down. Today, she’s using her voice to make sure no woman suffers in silence.
A young model’s life changed forever after a severe reaction to a tampon left her fighting for survival—and eventually cost her both legs. Now, she’s speaking out to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of menstrual products.
In 2012, 24-year-old model Lauren Wasser from California felt like she was coming down with the flu. But what seemed like a regular illness quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency. She collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had developed menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS)—a rare but deadly condition caused by bacterial toxins linked to tampon use.
Lauren was in a coma for over a week. By the time she woke up, her body had gone into septic shock, and doctors were forced to amputate her right leg. She later suffered a second amputation, losing her left leg as well.
“I almost died using a product millions of women trust”
Lauren had been using Kotex Natural Balance tampons, following the instructions carefully. She had no idea that a product designed for hygiene could put her life at risk.
“I had a 42-degree Celsius fever, my organs were failing, and I had two heart attacks. I was given just a one-percent chance to live,” Lauren told Harper’s Bazaar.
Later, in InStyle, she warned: “The vagina is the most absorbent part of a woman’s body and a gateway to many vital organs. It’s crucial that consumers understand the risks.”
From despair to purpose
At her lowest point, Lauren considered ending her life. She had lost her career, her mobility, and her identity. But the thought of her little brother finding her kept her going. “That single thought saved my life,” she said.
As she recovered, Lauren discovered that mTSS had silently taken the lives of many women over the years. Outraged and heartbroken, she found a new mission: to speak up and protect others from suffering the same fate.
“I should still have my legs,” she said. “No woman should have to risk her life by using a tampon.”
Turning tragedy into art and advocacy
Over time, Lauren found strength in self-acceptance. Inspired by rapper A$AP Rocky, she had her prosthetic legs plated in gold—transforming them into symbols of resilience and beauty.
“Why not wear gold jewelry all the time?” she laughed. These days, Lauren is back in the spotlight—running, playing basketball, hiking with her dog, and even starring in a global lingerie campaign.
“There’s nothing I can’t do,” she proudly declares. “Plus, I don’t need any pedicures.”
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Inspiring others to “own who you are”
Lauren’s story is not just about survival—it’s about reclaiming your life after trauma. She wants others to know that strength often starts in your lowest moments.
“Own who you are,” she says. “Walk out that door every day with a smile—even if you don’t feel like it. You’ll inspire others by simply being yourself.”
Grounded in faith and determined to challenge social norms, Lauren urges everyone to stop chasing perfection and start embracing authenticity.
Lauren Wasser continues to use her platform to raise awareness about the risks of tampon use and the importance of knowing the signs of toxic shock syndrome. She’s also advocating for better product transparency and stricter health standards in the feminine hygiene industry.
Her message is clear: “This shouldn’t have happened to me—and it shouldn’t happen to anyone else.”
Please share Lauren’s story. You might just save a life.
