A common worry for tampon users is the fear of a tampon becoming “lost” or stuck out of reach. This concern often stems from a misunderstanding of female anatomy and tampon design. While a tampon can be difficult to retrieve, it cannot truly get lost or travel beyond a certain point.
Understanding the Female Anatomy
The female reproductive system includes the vagina, cervix, and uterus. The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the cervix to the outside of the body. It is a flexible tube, typically 3 to 5 inches long, expanding to accommodate tampons or during childbirth.
At the top of the vagina sits the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus. The cervix acts as a natural barrier, with only a small opening, called the cervical os, that allows menstrual blood to exit and sperm to enter. This opening is only a few millimeters wide, too narrow for a tampon to pass through. A tampon cannot enter the uterus or get lost beyond the vaginal canal.
Steps for Removal and When to Seek Help
If a tampon feels difficult to reach, the first step is to remain calm and relax your body, particularly your pelvic muscles. Tension in these muscles can make it harder to retrieve the tampon. Wash hands with soap and water before attempting removal to prevent introducing germs.
Changing your body position can help bring the tampon closer to the vaginal opening. Squatting, sitting on the toilet with knees apart, or standing with one leg elevated on a toilet seat can alter the angle of the vaginal canal, making the tampon more accessible. Bearing down, similar to having a bowel movement, can also help to push the tampon lower. Once in a comfortable position, gently insert one or two clean fingers into your vagina and sweep around to locate the tampon or its string. If you find the string, gently pull it to remove the tampon. If the string is not apparent, feel for the tampon itself and grasp it between your fingers.
You should seek professional medical help if you are unable to remove the tampon after multiple attempts. While generally not an immediate emergency, a retained tampon can lead to infection. Signs that warrant a doctor’s visit include:
Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge (yellow, green, pink, gray, or brown)
Pelvic pain
Itching or swelling in the vaginal area
Discomfort during urination
A fever
In rare instances, a retained tampon can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a severe bacterial infection. Symptoms of TSS can include:
A sudden high fever
A sunburn-like rash
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle aches
Dizziness
If you experience any of these severe symptoms with a suspected retained tampon, seek immediate medical attention.