If you suspect that you have a tampon stuck inside you, there are several signs to look out for, including:
- Discharge from the vagina that may be yellow, green, pink, grey, or brown in color
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- A very bad smell from the vaginal area but no discharge
- A high temperature
- Vaginal itching
- Pain or discomfort when passing urine
- Pain around the pelvis or abdomen (below the belly button and above the genital area)
- Redness of the skin or rash around the genital area
If you have any of these symptoms, its important to consult a health professional as soon as possible. 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. However, 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. Before getting started, make sure your nails are trimmed and smooth. This will prevent any small cuts in your vagina, which could lead to an infection. Once you’re ready, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Cover up any open cuts or scabs on your fingers with a bandage. Follow these steps to find the tampon:
- Squat down and insert one or two fingers into your vagina.
- Try to feel for the tampon or its string.
- Using lubricant might help to ease any discomfort.
- Pull the tampon out very gently.
- Check the tampon for any signs that a piece of it might still be in your vagina.
If you can’t find or remove the tampon, or you think there might still be some pieces in your vagina, see a doctor right away to have it removed. Without quick treatment, a stuck tampon can turn into a potentially life-threatening infection.
