Model Lauren Wasser Vows Never To Wear Tampons Again (You'll Never Believe Why)

In 2012, Lauren Wasser nearly died. She got toxic shock syndrome, allegedly from a tampon - and although she survived, she lost her leg. "Had I known toxic shock was real, and had I seen someone that had either lost limbs or spoke about it publicly, I would have never used tampons," she tells PEOPLE. The 27 year old model has vowed never to wear tampons again and hopes that women who do wear them, will be careful about it. "This is not just about me. It's about the future, and it's about these young girls that use tampons all the time," she says. As a result of TSS, she experienced organ failure, suffered a heart attack and contracted gangrene which required an amputation of her right leg, below the knee. "If people see the pain I've had to go through, maybe they'll be more cautious and they'll use pads, stop sleeping in them and just take care of themselves more." Although she is in pain everyday (and in the process of suing Kotex), she has found a sense of peace and purpose. "I feel like I'm here for a purpose. I want to show that this doesn't define who I am. I'm still who I've always been and I still have a big heart and I still have a life to live. This has given me even more of a fight." An important reminder for many of us women. Sure, tampons come with warnings but when was the last time you really thought about it? Wasser has me rethinking things, how about you?   Do you follow us on Instagram?