Forgotten tampon or object in the vagina

Overview

A forgotten tampon causes a very strong odor and discharge, sometimes after days or weeks.

Toxic shock syndrome is rare but can start suddenly with high fever, rash, and low blood pressure.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Strong vaginal odor or discharge
• Tampon or object stuck or forgotten in the vagina

Less common

• Itching
• Spotting

When to get medical care

Causes

Forgotten tampon.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Possible complications

• Toxic shock syndrome

Diagnosis

A clinician can remove it.

Treatment

Try to remove it.

Self-care

• Wash hands, squat, and reach in with two fingers
• Wash your hands and try to remove it while squatting
• See a clinician if you can't reach it

Prevention

To prevent:

• Change tampons every 4 to 8 hours
• Use pads overnight if you tend to forget

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Teens: Use the lowest absorbency tampon you need.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Clears.

Removing it usually ends the odor in days.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need antibiotics?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Forgotten tampon or object in the vagina