The sensation of pressure, fullness, or the feeling that a tampon is present when it should not be is a common and concerning experience. This feeling of something “stuck” or “falling out” often prompts people to seek answers. While the immediate thought might be a forgotten hygiene product, this physical sensation can signal a range of underlying issues. These causes vary widely, from mechanical problems to more complex structural changes within the pelvic anatomy.
The Literal Cause: A Retained Foreign Object
The most direct cause is the possibility of a forgotten tampon or another foreign object. Objects like tampons, menstrual cups, or pieces of a broken condom can migrate and become lodged high in the vaginal canal. The body’s reaction to this retained material causes recognizable symptoms.
The earliest sign of a retained foreign object is usually a foul-smelling, grayish, greenish, or brown discharge. This odor is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria feeding on the trapped menstrual blood and vaginal secretions. To check for a retained object, wash your hands thoroughly and gently insert a finger into the vagina, sweeping the canal to feel for the presence of the material or string.
If you are unable to locate or remove the object yourself, or if you develop systemic symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary. The most serious risk is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but rapidly progressing illness caused by toxins from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Warning signs for TSS include a sudden high fever, a sunburn-like rash, vomiting, and a rapid drop in blood pressure.
Structural Changes: Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When the sensation of fullness or something “falling out” persists without a foreign object, it points to a structural shift known as pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This condition occurs when the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor weaken, allowing one or more pelvic organs to descend into the vaginal space. The downward pressure exerted by the displaced organ against the vaginal wall creates the feeling of a lump or a slipping tampon.
There are several types of POP, named for the organ that has descended. These include a cystocele, where the bladder bulges into the front vaginal wall, a rectocele, involving the rectum pushing into the back vaginal wall, and uterine prolapse, which is the descent of the uterus and cervix. The feeling of pressure usually worsens with prolonged standing, coughing, or any activity that increases abdominal pressure.
Childbirth is a significant risk factor, particularly vaginal deliveries, which can stretch and tear supporting muscles and fascia. Other factors contributing to pelvic floor weakening include chronic straining from constipation, persistent heavy lifting, genetics, and the natural loss of tissue elasticity that comes with aging. For many, the condition is not painful but creates a constant, irritating awareness of vaginal fullness. Management options include non-surgical devices called pessaries, which provide internal support, and pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles.
Inflammation and Irritation
Another common source of fullness or pressure is localized swelling or irritation of the vaginal tissues, referred to as vaginitis. This inflammation causes the soft tissues lining the vagina to become engorged, effectively narrowing the canal and creating a sensation similar to a foreign object. Infectious causes, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV), are frequent culprits behind this irritation.
A yeast infection, caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi, presents with itching, redness, and a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. Bacterial vaginosis, the most common infectious cause of vaginitis, involves an imbalance in the vaginal flora and often produces a thin, grayish discharge with a distinct fishy odor. Both conditions cause localized swelling that can be perceived as internal pressure.
Allergic or chemical reactions can also trigger this inflammatory response. Contact with soaps, detergents, scented hygiene products, or latex in condoms or some spermicides can irritate the sensitive vaginal skin. This non-infectious inflammation can lead to redness, burning, and the feeling of internal pressure or fullness. Identifying and removing the irritating agent is the first step in resolving the discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While the sensation of vaginal pressure may be mild, it should not be ignored; a professional medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause. Schedule a routine appointment if the feeling of fullness or pressure persists for more than a few days, especially if accompanied by unusual discharge or an unpleasant odor. Chronic symptoms like pain during intercourse, difficulty emptying the bladder, or persistent lower back pain also warrant a non-emergency visit.
Certain symptoms are red flags that require immediate emergency medical care. These include sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially if accompanied by a high fever, chills, or confusion. Signs of a systemic infection, such as an unexplained rash, vomiting, or a rapid heart rate, demand urgent attention. If you suspect a retained foreign object and develop any of these severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately due to the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.