Menstrual cups and Toxic Shock Syndrome

Menstrual cups and Toxic Shock Syndrome

Menstrual Cups - are they safe to use?


Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare though serious and sometimes fatal disease. If you experience the TSS symptoms below while using the Eco Cup menstrual cup, take it out and seek medical advice immediately.


  • Do not use any internal vaginal devices, including the Eco Cup, if you have been previously diagnosed with TSS
  • Clean your Eco Cup thoroughly before using it for the first time and between periods, as described in the Usage Guide.
  • Remove, wash and reinsert your Eco Cup at least every 4-8 hours during your period. This means that you will need to do this at least 3 times in 24 hours
  • Wash your hands before and after handling your Eco Cup


TSS symptoms often mimic flu and can include:

  • sudden high fever
  • vomiting
  • diarrhoea
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • rash rather like sunburn during your period or some days after

A recent study by Patrick M. Schlievert, "Effect of non-absorbent intravaginal menstrual/contraceptive products on Staphylococcus aureus and production of the superantigen TSST-1", looked at various intra-vaginal period products, including tampons, diaphragms, menstrual discs and menstrual cups and found that whilst tampons carry some risk of producting TSS-1 super antigen (the bacteria that causes Toxic Shock Syndrome, menstrual cups did not produce TSS-1.

The study found that TSS-1 production requires oxygen, which is why there is increased risk of TSS from use of tampons, due to the trapped air within the tampon fibres.  

The study reinforced the recommendation of limiting wear time of menstrual cups to 12 hours between emptying.  Here at Eco Period, we generally recommend emptying every 4-8 hours if possible (leave it in while you are sleeping, but empty before you go to bed and on waking).

If you have more questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome, please contact our team at or speak to your doctor.