Toxic shock syndrome associated with menstrual cup use

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition. It occurs when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonizing the vagina of a healthy woman, produce toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 activating the immune system and leading to multiorgan failure. Menstrual cups also known as vaginal cups are usually used as alternatives to other intravaginal products for menstrual blood collection. In rare cases, they can also lead to toxic shock syndrome. We report a case of toxic shock syndrome associated with vaginal cup use in a healthy menstruating woman. The diagnosis was made based on the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria of the syndrome and confirmed with a vaginal cultural growth of Staphylococcus aureus.