Sometimes an object also known as a 'foreign body' can become stuck in the vagina, or you may simply forget it is there. Common objects that may get stuck include tampons, condoms or pieces of a condom if it has split , a contraceptive device such as a cap or sponge , or something inserted for sexual pleasure, such as a sex toy.
It is important for the object to be removed as soon as possible. If you have tried to remove it but failed, you should consult a health professional as soon as possible. Reasons for this may include:. The vagina is quite elastic so it is possible to have sex or insert a second tampon while one is still inside.
In these cases, the tampon can turn sideways so the string gets drawn in and it becomes difficult to remove. When a woman forgets to take a tampon out at the end of her period, it can again turn sideways and become lodged at the top of the vagina, next to the cervix. The string may still be noticeable.
A tampon cannot get lost in the abdomen. The cervix is at the end of the vagina and only has a tiny opening to allow blood or semen through. Damage cannot be caused to the vagina or cervix by using a tampon.
The main concern with a retained tampon is an infection or toxic shock syndrome TSS , but this is very rare. You should not attempt to remove a large, delicate or fragile object because you may damage your vagina. Instead, visit your doctor or emergency department as soon as possible. If you have a foreign object in your vagina, or you have lost a tampon or it has become stuck, and you have none of the symptoms listed above, you may want to try removing it carefully yourself.
Never try to remove an object with another object. You could damage yourself or develop an infection. First, make sure your hands are thoroughly washed before you try to remove anything because this will stop any outside bacteria from entering your vagina. However, TSS is pretty unlikely. How do you know if you've got a MIA tampon up there? The biggest giveaway is a foul-smelling discharge.
This discharge can show up within a few days or take as long as a couple of weeks—which means you may not make the connection that a forgotten tampon is the cause. The last three symptoms are signs of TSS. Again, this is a rare condition, but it's better to play it safe and call your gyno or head to the ER and be checked out, since it moves fast in your system.
Once you get over your shock and surprise, of course. To get our best wellness tips delivered to you inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter. Can't get the freaking thing out on your own? Toxic shock syndrome TSS is the most serious potential complication of having a tampon stuck in the vagina.
It is also very rare. Although many people may mistakenly think that leaving tampons in for too long can cause TSS, tampons do not cause the syndrome by themselves. For a person to develop TSS, bacteria must also be present, particularly the Staphylococcus aureus strain.
However, using tampons with a higher absorbency than necessary or leaving them in for too long can increase the likelihood of the growth of bacteria that can cause TSS. The symptoms of TSS include:. However, by — once super absorbent tampons were no longer on the market and new guidelines for tampon manufacture and use were in place — there were only between one and three cases per , females.
Some people may worry that a stuck tampon will hurt their organs. However, although a stuck tampon may feel sore, and a person may irritate the lining of the vagina while attempting to remove it, it is very unlikely to damage the cervix.
Once a person is aware that they have a tampon stuck in their vagina, it is important to get it out as soon as possible. A person can usually do this on their own, but they will need to be very gentle and careful. Use the following steps:. Using lubricant may make it easier to remove a stuck tampon. People should avoid using another object, such as tweezers, as this could cause injury. If they are not able to, a doctor or another healthcare professional can remove it.
Trained professionals will know what to do, and they are likely to have previous experience of helping people with this issue. If a person has any signs or symptoms of an infection, they should see their doctor.
These include:. Having a tampon stuck in the vagina can be very uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally, but it is not a rare problem. In most cases, the person can remove a retained tampon on their own, but when this is not possible, a doctor can help. Tampons that remain in the vagina for too long can raise the risk of infection and TSS, so prompt medical attention is key. A menstrual cup is a product that people can use instead of pads or tampons during their periods.
In this article, learn how menstrual cups work and….
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