What is a retained tampon or other object?

Sometimes a tampon or another object, also known as a foreign body, can become stuck in your vagina. You may also forget a tampon is there.

Other objects that may get stuck in your vagina include those that are there for medical reasons, or during menstruation such as:

• condoms, or pieces of a condom if it has split
• other contraceptive devices, such as a diaphragm
• a menstrual cup

Objects such as a sex toy can also become stuck in your vagina.

If an object becomes stuck in your vagina, it's important that you remove it as soon as possible. If you can't easily remove the object yourself, see a doctor.

What is a retained tampon?

A tampon is 'retained' when it has been inserted but later becomes either stuck or lost. Reasons for this may include:

• putting in a new tampon before taking out the old one
• having sex with a tampon in
• forgetting that you have a tampon in

Although it's not recommended, it is possible to have sex with a tampon in or insert a second tampon. This can cause the string of the tampon to get drawn in, making it difficult to remove.

If you forget to take a tampon out at the end of your period, it can become lodged at the top of your vagina, next to the cervix. The string may still be noticeable.

Don't panic if a tampon gets stuck inside your vagina. It's not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you. Your cervix, at the end of your vagina, only has a tiny opening to allow blood or semen through.

What symptoms are related to a lost tampon or other object?

Symptoms of a retained object in your vagina include:

• vaginal discharge — the discharge may be yellow, green, pink, grey or brown in colour
• a bad smell from your vagina
• vaginal itching or redness
• pain or discomfort when passing urine (peeing)
• pain around your pelvis (below your belly button and above your genital area)

When should I see my doctor?

You should visit your doctor or practice nurse if you:

• have an object in your vagina which you can't easily remove yourself
• think part of an object is still in your vagina
• think you have put a tampon in and forgotten about it

You should also visit the doctor if you have an object in your vagina and other symptoms, such as:

• pain, swelling or redness
• an unpleasant smell
• abnormal vaginal discharge
• pain when you urinate (pee)
• pelvic pain

You should not attempt to remove large, delicate or fragile objects yourself because you may damage your vagina. Instead, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

When to seek emergency care

Get emergency care if you have a retained object in your vagina, as well as:

• a fever (a temperature of 38℃ or higher)
• a skin rash
• dizziness
• confusion
• difficulty breathing
• muscle aches
• diarrhoea
  
  

If a fragile object breaks in your vagina, do not try to remove it any further — go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

There's no need to be embarrassed. Remember, the doctors and nurses have helped people in these situations before.

How do I remove a lost tampon or other object?

If you have lost a tampon in your vagina, try removing it carefully yourself.

Self-care at home

To remove a tampon or other object yourself, you should:

• wash your hands
• squat down and push as if you are trying to have a bowel movement (poo) — this might help push the object down
• insert one finger into your vagina and make circular movements
• try to remove the tampon or object
• if you can't remove the tampon using 1 finger, try inserting 2 fingers — trap the object between your fingers and pull it out gently

If you can't remove the stuck tampon or other object yourself, see your doctor.

Never try to remove an object with another object. You could hurt yourself or develop an infection.

What are the complications of a retained tampon or other object?

A retained tampon can increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Although TSS is a very rare infection, the risk is higher when using tampons.

To help prevent infection, you should:

• change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours depending on your flow. Most tampon manufacturers advise not leaving a tampon in for more than 8 hours.
• wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon
• never insert more than one tampon at a time
• always remove tampons at the end of your period

Resources and support

Learn more about causes and prevention of toxic shock syndrome on the Sepsis Alliance page.

For further advice, you should contact your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.