Can Tampons Cause Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Tampon use is associated with it, though it is rare. The FDA describes toxic shock syndrome as a rare but serious bacterial infection associated with tampon use, especially when tampons are left in place too long, caused by a toxic substance produced by certain kinds of bacteria that can cause organ damage, shock and even death. It lists symptoms including sudden high fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness or fainting, or low blood pressure, and says anyone who has them should remove the tampon and contact a healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room.

The FDA says reported cases have declined significantly over the years, in part because it evaluates whether a tampon enhances the growth of the bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome before it can be legally sold, and because of labeling and education. To reduce the risk it advises using the lowest absorbency tampon needed, changing tampons every four to eight hours and never wearing one for more than eight, and using tampons only during your period. It says the only tampons it has cleared are single use, and it discourages reusable tampons, which may carry higher risks of infection.

On metals, a 2024 study led by a UC Berkeley researcher measured 16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands and found concentrations of all the metals tested, including arsenic and lead, though the university said it was unclear whether they contribute to any negative health effects. The FDA then commissioned a literature review and tested tampons in its own laboratories, and in July 2026 announced a peer-reviewed study in Toxicological Sciences that found that while trace metals are present in tampons, the amount released during use is too small to cause harm.

Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.

The sources behind this answer

  • Government sourceThe FDA says toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious bacterial infection associated with tampon use, especially when tampons are left in too long, with symptoms including sudden high fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness or fainting, or low blood pressure. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceThe FDA says toxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxic substance produced by certain kinds of bacteria that can cause organ damage, including kidney, heart and liver failure, shock and even death. US FDA ↗
  • Regulatory filingThe FDA says reported toxic shock cases associated with tampons have declined significantly, partly because it evaluates whether a tampon enhances the growth of the bacteria that cause it before the product can be legally marketed. US FDA ↗
  • Government sourceTo reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome, the FDA advises using the lowest absorbency tampon necessary, wearing a tampon for no more than 8 hours, and using tampons only during your period. US FDA ↗
  • Regulatory filingThe FDA says only single use tampons have been authorized, that reusable tampons may carry higher risks of infection, and that it discourages their use. US FDA ↗
  • StudyA 2024 study led by a UC Berkeley researcher measured 16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands and found concentrations of all the metals tested, including arsenic and lead. UC Berkeley School of Public Health ↗
  • StudyUC Berkeley said it was unclear whether the metals detected contribute to any negative health effects, and that future research would test how much can leach out of tampons and be absorbed by the body. UC Berkeley School of Public Health ↗
  • Government sourceIn July 2026 the FDA announced a peer-reviewed study in Toxicological Sciences of testing in FDA laboratories, which found that while trace metals are present in tampons, the amount released during use is too small to cause harm. US FDA ↗

Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.

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