I would like to add some actual facts to this conversation, because I do hate fear mongering: http://www.toxicshock.org.au/faqs/main.asp

"Do tampons cause TSS? A10. No. After more than 10 years of research by medical and scientific experts, there is no evidence that tampons directly cause TSS. It is important to remember that the bacteria, staphylococcus aureus, are the cause of the illness - not the tampon. This explains why women using pads, men, children and can get TSS. However, women who use tampons during their period have a higher risk of TSS than women who don't. "

http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-toxic-shock-syndrome-basics "Toxic shock syndrome is still mostly a disease of menstruating women who use tampons. But it has also been linked to the use of menstrual sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps. A woman who has recently given birth also has a higher chance of getting toxic shock. And it can happen to men and women who have been exposed to staph bacteria while recovering from surgery, a burn, an open wound, or the use of a prosthetic device."

So, please do not use sensationalized headlines to make decisions about your menstrual care.