A ureteral stent is a temporary medical device used to ensure urine flows from the kidney to the bladder, often placed after kidney stone procedures or to bypass an obstruction. For individuals who menstruate, the presence of this internal device raises questions about continuing normal hygiene practices. The main concern is whether using an internal product like a tampon is safe and practical while a stent is in place. This article addresses the safety and provides practical considerations for managing menstruation with a ureteral stent.
Understanding the Ureteral Stent
A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube, usually made of plastic, that is temporarily inserted into the ureter, the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. The stent’s primary function is to keep the ureter open, allowing urine to drain properly and preventing potential kidney damage from obstructed flow. The device runs the entire length of the ureter, with one coiled end secured in the kidney and the other resting inside the bladder.
Stents are designed with coils to prevent migration or displacement. In some cases, a nylon string is attached to the end of the stent that extends out through the urethra, allowing for easier removal in a healthcare provider’s office or even at home. While the stent is entirely within the urinary tract, it is a foreign body and can cause side effects like bladder irritation and blood in the urine.
Using Tampons While Stented
The question of whether a tampon can be worn with a ureteral stent is generally answered with a yes because the stent does not physically occupy the same space as a tampon. Anatomically, the urinary tract, which houses the stent, and the vaginal canal, where a tampon is inserted, are completely separate pathways. This separation means that a tampon does not physically touch or interfere with the stent itself, its placement, or its function.
However, if the stent has a retrieval string visible outside the body, extra care is necessary during tampon insertion and removal. The string exits the urethra, which is distinct from the vaginal opening, but the two are in close proximity. There is a risk of accidentally catching or snagging the thin string when inserting or removing a tampon, which could cause discomfort or potentially pull the stent.
To mitigate this risk, individuals with a stringed stent should be mindful of the string’s location and move slowly and deliberately when changing a tampon. Any sudden or strong pull on the string could lead to a painful sensation in the bladder or kidney, signaling an irritation of the stent. While the stent is typically anchored with coils, caution remains the best approach to prevent accidental traction on the device.
Managing Menstrual Hygiene
While using tampons is anatomically safe, some individuals may choose alternative menstrual products due to discomfort or sensitivity. The stent itself can cause significant bladder irritation, leading to increased urinary urgency and frequency. This generalized pelvic discomfort might make the insertion or presence of a tampon feel irritating or simply undesirable for some users.
Pads, panty liners, or period underwear are reliable alternatives that eliminate the concern of accidental interaction with a stent string. These external products also avoid any potential discomfort that might arise from the pressure of an internal product near an already irritated bladder. Maintaining meticulous hygiene is important to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, which is already slightly more susceptible to infection while a stent is present.
Recognizing Issues Related to Stent and Tampon Use
The presence of a stent requires vigilance for specific signs that could indicate a complication. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), a common concern with any internal urinary device, include fever, chills, cloudy urine, or foul odor. These symptoms should prompt an immediate call to a healthcare provider.
Severe or worsening pain in the flank or lower abdomen that does not improve with prescribed pain medication is a cause for concern. Additionally, while mild blood in the urine is expected with a stent, a significant increase in the amount of blood or the passage of large blood clots warrants medical attention. Any suspicion that the stent string has been accidentally pulled or that the stent has moved should be reported to a urologist right away.