It’s common to wonder if a tampon is correctly in place or difficult to remove. Understanding typical sensations and recognizing signs of a potential issue can alleviate worry and guide appropriate action.
Understanding Tampon Sensation
A correctly inserted tampon should be barely noticeable. If placed properly, it rests higher in the vaginal canal, a region with fewer concentrated nerve endings compared to the vaginal opening. The outermost third near the entrance is typically more sensitive. Therefore, if you feel the tampon, it is often not inserted deeply enough.
This minimal sensation allows individuals to engage in daily activities without discomfort. If you experience discomfort, pressure, or a feeling of something being “there,” it suggests the tampon is not positioned correctly, often sitting in a more sensitive area of the lower vaginal canal.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
A frequent reason for discomfort or the feeling of a tampon being “stuck” is improper insertion. If not pushed in far enough, it can remain in the lower, more sensitive part of the vagina, causing a noticeable sensation or pain. This can also happen if the tampon is inserted at an incorrect angle, pressing uncomfortably against the vaginal wall.
Vaginal dryness can also contribute to discomfort during both insertion and removal. Tampons are designed to absorb fluid, and in cases of light flow or general vaginal dryness, they can absorb natural lubrication, leading to friction. This lack of moisture can make the tampon feel rough or difficult to move, causing a feeling of being stuck or pulled. Sometimes, individuals might accidentally insert a new tampon without removing the previous one, or have intercourse with a tampon still inside. While a tampon cannot get lost inside the body due to the cervix blocking further passage, these scenarios can push the tampon higher or sideways, making it harder to locate the string or the tampon itself.
Steps for Safe Removal
If a tampon feels difficult to remove, remaining calm is beneficial, as tensing pelvic muscles can make removal harder. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly to prevent introducing bacteria. Adopting a relaxed position, such as squatting, sitting on a toilet, or standing with one leg elevated, can help shorten the vaginal canal and encourage the tampon to move lower.
Gently bear down, as if having a bowel movement, which can help push the tampon closer to the vaginal opening. If the string is not visible, carefully insert one or two clean fingers into the vagina to sweep around and locate the string or the tampon itself. Once located, grasp the tampon or its string firmly and pull it out gently and steadily. If dryness is an issue, waiting for more menstrual flow or using a water-based lubricant on your fingers can aid in smoother removal.
Risks and When to Seek Help
Leaving a tampon in beyond the recommended 8 hours increases the risk of bacterial overgrowth and infection. Signs of infection include unusual vaginal discharge that may be brown, green, yellow, pink, or gray, often accompanied by a foul odor from the vagina. Other symptoms may involve itching, redness, swelling around the genitals, or abdominal and pelvic pain.
A serious, though rare, complication is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus. TSS symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly, including a high fever (often 102°F or 38.9°C or higher), flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea. A sunburn-like rash may also develop, particularly on the palms and soles.
Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you cannot remove a tampon after several attempts or experience any signs of infection or TSS. Prompt medical attention is necessary for diagnosis and treatment, which may include tampon removal and antibiotics. Healthcare providers are accustomed to assisting with tampon removal and provide care without judgment.