She Lost Both Legs After Using a Common Product
At just 24 years old, Lauren Wasser seemed to have the world at her feet. A successful model with major campaigns behind her, she was healthy, active, and focused on building her career. Then, in 2012, something frighteningly ordinary set off a chain of events that would change her life forever.
One day, Lauren began feeling unwell. At first, the symptoms felt familiar—fever, chills, nausea, body aches. Like many people, she assumed it was the flu and tried to push through. But within hours, her condition worsened dramatically. She collapsed in her apartment and was rushed to the hospital, slipping in and out of consciousness.
Doctors soon realized they were dealing with something far more serious. Lauren was diagnosed with menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS), a rare but life-threatening condition linked to certain types of tampon use. Despite using tampons as directed, bacteria had released toxins into her bloodstream, triggering septic shock and multiple organ failure. Her body began shutting down.
Lauren fell into a coma and remained there for over a week. When she woke up, she learned the devastating truth: to save her life, doctors had amputated both of her lower legs below the knee. The toxins had caused severe tissue damage and blood clots that left no other option. She had also suffered heart failure and was given only a slim chance of survival at one point.
The physical loss was overwhelming, but the emotional toll was just as profound. For a young woman whose career revolved around her body, the future suddenly felt uncertain. Lauren later spoke openly about the shock, grief, and anger she experienced—not only toward what had happened, but toward how little she had known about the risks.
Menstrual toxic shock syndrome is extremely rare, but it is real. It occurs when certain strains of bacteria produce toxins that enter the bloodstream, leading to rapid, severe illness. Early symptoms can mimic the flu, which is why diagnosis is often delayed. Prompt treatment is critical, as the condition can escalate within hours.
Rather than retreat from public life, Lauren chose to speak out. She became an advocate for transparency in menstrual health, calling for better education, clearer product warnings, and more research into safer alternatives. She has since returned to modeling, using prosthetic legs and redefining beauty and strength on her own terms.
Lauren Wasser’s story is not meant to spread fear—it is a reminder. Even common, everyday products can carry risks that deserve awareness. Her survival is a testament to resilience, and her voice has helped start conversations many had avoided for decades. Through unimaginable loss, she transformed her experience into a powerful call for knowledge, choice, and empowerment.
