Suspecting you might have inadvertently inserted two tampons can be concerning. This article offers clear, practical steps to help you determine if a second tampon is present and guides you on appropriate actions.
Signs You Might Have Two Tampons In
Recognizing certain physical sensations can suggest an additional tampon. You might experience a feeling of abnormal fullness or pressure within the vagina, which differs from the usual sensation of a correctly inserted tampon. Discomfort during movement or sitting can also occur. An inability to comfortably insert a new tampon, or difficulty with its placement, can signal another tampon is already occupying space. The string of a previously inserted tampon might also become less visible or even disappear inside the vagina.
A distinct, unpleasant odor from the vaginal area is another indicator, often described as fishy. This can develop from bacterial growth if a tampon has been retained too long. Unusual or discolored vaginal discharge, appearing yellow, green, pink, grey, or brown, may accompany these signs.
How to Safely Check
If you suspect a second tampon, a careful self-check can resolve the uncertainty. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for hygiene. Find a comfortable position, such as squatting, sitting on the toilet with knees apart, or standing with one foot elevated. These positions can help shorten the vaginal canal and bring any tampons closer to the opening.
Gently insert one clean index finger into your vagina and sweep it around, feeling for any foreign objects. The vagina is a self-limiting canal, meaning a tampon cannot get lost beyond the cervix, so you will be able to reach it. If you feel a tampon or its string, try to grasp it gently. If one finger is insufficient, try inserting two fingers for a better grip. Bearing down, as if having a bowel movement, can also help push the tampon lower and make it easier to reach.
What to Do After Checking
After performing a self-check, your next steps depend on what you discover. If you locate and successfully remove a second tampon, ensure you wash your hands again and dispose of the tampon properly. If you find no additional tampon but continue to experience discomfort or unusual symptoms like itching, redness, or persistent discharge, consider other potential causes of vaginal irritation or infection.
If you are unable to locate or remove a suspected second tampon, or if you experience severe symptoms such as a high fever, sudden confusion, a rash, or flu-like symptoms, contact a healthcare professional immediately. These symptoms could indicate a rare but serious condition like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which requires prompt medical attention. Healthcare providers are accustomed to assisting with retained tampons and can safely remove them, often with minimal discomfort.