Blood poisoning from tampons: what should you know?

Tampon-associated toxic shock is an uncommon but serious illness caused by toxins made by certain bacteria. It can worsen quickly and may involve Fever, Chills, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle aches, dizziness, confusion, a widespread rash or marked Generalised Weakness. The symptoms do not prove the cause, and other infections can produce a similar picture. Sepsis describes a dangerous whole-body response to infection; related infections include Cellulitis, Pneumonia and Urinary Tract Infection.

Remove the tampon if it is still in place and do not insert another one. Contact emergency medical services or go to an emergency department if you have sudden fever with vomiting, faintness, rash, confusion or severe weakness. Tell clinicians when the tampon was inserted and removed, what menstrual products you used, and any medicines or medical conditions. Do not stay alone if you feel faint or rapidly worse.

Treat rapid deterioration, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, cold or clammy skin, severe weakness, or inability to keep fluids down as an emergency. Seek urgent advice for fever or feeling generally unwell during or soon after tampon use, even if the tampon has been removed. Symptoms may have another source, but waiting to see whether they pass can be unsafe.

Ask whether your symptoms fit toxic shock, another infection or a different problem, and what monitoring or treatment is needed. Discuss future menstrual-product choices and any history that could affect infection risk.