If you suspect that a tampon is stuck inside your vagina, there are several signs and symptoms to look out for. These include:
- Foul odor
- Discolored and/or bad-smelling discharge
- Pain or itching
- Fever
- Redness of the skin or rash around the genital area
- Swelling of the vaginal area
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to remove the tampon as soon as possible to avoid any complications. However, it is recommended to consult a health professional if you have tried to remove it but failed, or if you have a foreign object in your vagina.
To remove a tampon yourself, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap.
- Insert two fingers and try to grasp 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.
It is important to use tampons with the right absorbency for your menstrual flow to make it easier to both insert and remove tampons at the appropriate time intervals. Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase the likelihood of the growth of bacteria that can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is a rare but serious potential complication of having a tampon stuck in the vagina.
