Retained Tampon or Other Object

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.

Retained tampon

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

• Putting in a new tampon before taking out the previous one
• Having sex with a tampon in
• Simply forgetting about it at the end of a period.
• 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.

Signs of a retained object or tampon

It is possible for a woman not to know about or forget about an object or tampon being in her vagina. Signs that you may have a retained object in your vagina include:

• discharge from the vagina (it may be yellow, green, pink, grey or brown in colour)
• discharge that has a very bad smell
• a very bad smell from the vaginal area but no discharge
• a high temperature (40 degrees C or above)
• 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
• swelling of the vaginal area.

Do not attempt to remove an object or tampon if you have any of these symptoms.

For further advice, you should contact your doctor.