Period and toxic shock syndrome: what to know

Toxic shock syndrome occurs when bacterial toxins trigger a severe response in the body. It has been associated with tampon use, but it can also occur with other infections or wounds, so it is not limited to periods. Symptoms may appear quickly and can include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle aches, dizziness, confusion, a widespread rash, or skin peeling later. Feeling dramatically unwell matters even if the symptoms do not all appear together.

Remove a tampon or menstrual cup if you are using one, and seek emergency medical help immediately if toxic shock syndrome is possible. Tell the medical team about menstrual products, recent wounds, surgery, skin infections, or other illness. Do not wait to see whether rest or fluids improve rapidly worsening symptoms. Treatment may include hospital monitoring, fluids, medicines, and antibiotics such as those used for serious pelvic infections.

Call emergency services for sudden fever with faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, a widespread rash, repeated vomiting, or severe weakness during or soon after a period. Urgent assessment is also needed when a wound or infection is becoming painful, red, swollen, or associated with feeling very ill.

Could another infection explain these symptoms? Which menstrual products are suitable for me? How should I use products safely and what warning signs should I remember?