Pads and toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome can occur when certain bacteria produce toxins that enter the bloodstream. It has been associated with tampon use, but it can also follow skin wounds, surgery, childbirth or other infections; pads do not make the condition impossible. Symptoms may begin suddenly and can include high fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, confusion, a widespread rash or low blood pressure. These features can overlap with other severe illnesses, so the pattern needs urgent assessment.

If toxic shock syndrome is possible, stop using a tampon or menstrual cup and tell the clinician what products you have used. Seek emergency medical help rather than waiting for symptoms to pass. Do not rely on changing to a pad, taking leftover antibiotics or treating fever at home. Keep a note of when symptoms began, recent wounds or procedures and current medicines if you can do so safely.

Get immediate help for sudden fever combined with faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, a widespread rash, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness. Urgent assessment is also needed when fever follows surgery, childbirth, a wound or a possible pelvic infection. Call emergency services if you may collapse, and do not drive yourself while dizzy or confused.

Ask whether your symptoms could reflect toxic shock syndrome or another infection, what tests and treatment are needed, and whether a wound or pelvic source needs examination. If antibiotics are prescribed, ask how to take them and which changes mean you should return urgently.