Diva Cup and toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is an uncommon, serious illness that can occur with a menstrual cup, so follow product hygiene and seek urgent care for warning symptoms. It is linked to toxins produced by certain bacteria and can worsen quickly.

A cup does not make toxic shock syndrome inevitable, but leaving any internal menstrual product in place longer than the manufacturer's instructions may increase concern. Clean hands, careful insertion and removal, and thorough cleaning according to the product guidance reduce contamination.

Warning features can include sudden fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, dizziness, faintness, muscle aches, confusion, a widespread rash, or severe weakness. These symptoms can have other causes, but the combination with cup use needs urgent attention.

Wash your hands before and after handling the cup. Empty, wash, and sterilise it as the instructions advise, and check it for damage before use. Use the smallest practical duration recommended for that product, and remove it if you develop unusual pain, irritation, fever, or feel unwell.

If you suspect an infection or another pelvic problem, a clinician may discuss Antibiotic Treatment for Pelvic Infection. Antibiotics should be prescribed after assessment; do not use leftover medicine.

Remove the cup and seek emergency medical care immediately if you develop sudden fever with vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, confusion, a rash, or severe weakness. Tell the team that you were using a menstrual cup and when you removed it.

Do my symptoms need urgent assessment? Could another infection explain them? When is it safe to use a menstrual cup again, and what cleaning or product changes would you recommend?