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Can you get toxic shock syndrome from a Diva Cup?

Author

Sophia Bowman

Updated on March 09, 2026

Can you get toxic shock syndrome from a Diva Cup?

Toxic shock syndrome—or TSS—is a potentially deadly condition that occurs when a type of strep bacteria on the tampon emits toxins that overwhelm the body. But luckily, TSS is very rare. While rare, TSS from a menstrual cup can happen: in a review of published studies, researchers identified five cases.

Similarly, you may ask, can menstrual cups cause infections?

Infection is a rare complication of menstrual cup use. And when infection does occur, it's more likely to result from the bacteria on your hands and transferred to the cup than from the actual cup. You can reduce your risk by washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap before handling the cup.

Beside above, are menstrual cups safer than tampons? Now, a new review study has some good news for menstrual cup fans: The flexible cups that collect menses blood appear to be a safe option for managing periods, and they may be as effective as pads and tampons for preventing leakage.

Moreover, how long can you leave a menstrual cup in?

12 hours

Why is Diva Cup bad?

Because menstrual cups collect rather than absorb blood, you're not at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use. Menstrual cups hold more blood. A menstrual cup can hold about one to two ounces of menstrual flow.

Can a menstrual cup cause damage?

Here are some disadvantages to using a menstrual cup: It can cause irritation. A 2011 study found that cup users had more irritation down there than those who wore tampons. The more they used it, though, the fewer problems.

Are menstrual cups messy?

Inserting and removing a menstrual cup can be messy when a person is first using one. However, TSS is extremely rare when using menstrual cups or tampons. Using the cup as intended and emptying and washing it frequently can help reduce the risk of infections.

What happens if you leave your menstrual cup in too long?

Tampon use has long been associated with this rare disease, but this alternative may carry the same risks. If you're of a certain age, you may remember all the news reports about toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially deadly condition caused by a type of bacteria that produce toxins.

Do cloth pads cause yeast infections?

Cloth menstrual pads need to be washed, dried, and cared for. Special care may need to be taken if the user has a candidiasis (yeast) infection. Pads can cause reinfection if not sterilized.

Will my period flush out a yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections often clear up on their own without treatment, usually when menstruation begins. Menstrual blood raises the vaginal pH, causing the number of yeast cells to decrease because they can't grow in the pH present during menstruation.

How much blood do you lose during a period?

Most women will lose less than 16 teaspoons of blood (80ml) during their period, with the average being around 6 to 8 teaspoons. Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as losing 80ml or more in each period, having periods that last longer than 7 days, or both. But it's not usually necessary to measure blood loss.

Do menstrual cups increase cramps?

Share on Pinterest Menstrual cups are a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Cups tend not to cause vaginal dryness, which is a common complaint about tampons. Fewer cramps: There are some anecdotal reports of people having fewer or less painful menstrual cramps while using a cup.

Do diva cups shorten your period?

Try the Menstrual Cup, Scientists Say. The reusable, bell-like devices unfold in the vagina to stanch menstrual flow. They are as effective as sanitary pads and tampons, according to a new analysis — and less expensive.

Can you get toxic shock from pads?

The majority of cases of TSS occur in women during menstruation, mostly associated with tampon use. This explains why women using pads, men and children can get TSS. However, women who use tampons during their period have a higher risk of TSS than women who do not.

How soon do toxic shock syndrome symptoms appear?

In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in women who are menstruating and using tampons. If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.

How can you prevent toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome: Prevention

Consider using sanitary pads instead of tampons during menstrual periods or use pads at night.
Women who use tampons during their menstrual periods should change them often.
Use a tampon with the lowest absorbency required for your flow.
Do not use tampons when you are not menstruating.

Can I sleep with a menstrual cup in?

Yes, you can! Sleeping while wearing a menstrual cup is a great alternative to wearing bulky maxi-pads or wearing a tampon for more than 8 hours. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, so pop a cup in just before bed and rest easy (1,2).

How many ml does a menstrual cup hold?

Depending on the brand and type, your menstrual cups may hold anywhere from 30 to 60 milliliters at a time. If your cup doesn't have volume markings, you can research the manufacturer's website to find out more. When it's time to empty your cup, take note of how much fluid it contains.

How much does a diva cup hold?

The DivaCup holds one full ounce, which is about twice as much as many high absorbency tampons. Those with heavy flow simply need to empty their cup more often than those with lighter flow. For most, the cup is not even half full after 12 hours.

Can menstrual cups cause cervical cancer?

Menstrual cups don't contain chemicals found in tampons and pads, such as bleach and dioxin. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , some dioxins are known to cause cancer in humans.

How do you test for TSS?

Diagnosis. There's no one test for toxic shock syndrome. You may need to provide blood and urine samples to test for the presence of a staph or strep infection. Your vagina, cervix and throat may be swabbed for samples for laboratory analysis.

Why are menstrual cups better?

Advantages of menstrual cups include:

Some cups are designed for long-term use – even years – providing a significant cost savings over tampons and pads. Since you can reuse them, there's less waste to clog up our landfills and fewer trees sacrificed to make the paper-based alternatives.

What is flex period?

Flex is the Menstrual Cup That Lets You Have Mess-Free Period Sex. The need for something better is what lead Flex founders, Lauren Schulte and Erika Jensen, to create a new kind of menstrual cup, a spherical disc with an inset plastic catch that promises mess-free periods and a happy vagina.

Is menstrual cup safe for swimming?

When you get out of the water your period will flow again normally, so it's a good idea to use a tampon or menstrual cup while swimming. Pads and pantyliners aren't a good option because they will absorb water and become ineffective.

What does toxic shock syndrome do to your body?

Toxic shock syndrome is a sudden, potentially fatal condition. It's caused by the release of toxins from an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, which is found in many women's bodies. The body responds with a sharp drop in blood pressure that deprives organs of oxygen and can lead to death.

Are pads safe?

“There is no research that unequivocally declares these feminine hygiene products are safe, and independent studies by women's health organizations have found chemicals of concern like dioxin, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins in tampons and pads,” Maloney wrote in April in an op-ed piece in The Guardian, a British

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