What is a stuck tampon?
A stuck tampon is when a tampon becomes lodged inside the vagina and cannot be easily removed. This can happen if the tampon is left in too long (longer than the recommended 4-8 hours), if it was inserted incorrectly, or if it gets pushed up too far into the vagina.
Some signs that a tampon may be stuck include:
- You are unable to locate or grasp the tampon string
- You feel soreness or pain in the vagina
- You have an unpleasant vaginal odor
- You have vaginal bleeding despite the tampon being in place
Having a retained tampon is not only uncomfortable, but it can also lead to more serious health issues. Leaving a tampon in for too long increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome, which is a rare but potentially fatal condition caused by bacteria multiplying and releasing harmful toxins.
Why can tampons get stuck?
There are a few reasons why tampons may become stuck or retained in the vagina:
- Forgetting it’s there – If you forget about a tampon and leave it in too long, it can get pushed up into the vaginal canal by your body’s natural movements.
- Inserting it incorrectly – Tampons need to be inserted at an angle aiming towards the small of your back, not straight up. Inserting it at the wrong angle can cause it to get lodged in the canal.
- Using too high of an absorbency – Using a higher absorbency tampon than needed can make it expand and get stuck.
- Fibroids or vaginal scarring – Fibroid tumors or scar tissue from childbirth, surgery, or injury can prevent the tampon from sliding back out.
- A tight pelvic floor – Some women have an overly tight pelvic floor which causes spasms that can essentially clamp down on the tampon.
If a tampon is inserted correctly into the vagina, it should not get lost or stuck. But mistakes can happen, which is why it’s so important to pay close attention when inserting, wearing, and removing tampons.
Can you remove a stuck tampon yourself?
You may be able to carefully remove a tampon yourself if you can locate the string and gently pull it out. It’s important not to force it or pull too hard as this can cause injury. You can try:
- Washing your hands thoroughly and inserting a finger into your vagina to try and locate the bottom of the tampon.
- Bearing down with your pelvic muscles, like you are having a bowel movement, to try and push it lower in the vagina.
- Relaxing in a warm bath to soothe the vaginal muscles and help the tampon dislodge.
- Very gently pulling on the string little by little to ease the tampon out.
However, if you are unable to grasp the string or feel any part of the tampon, or if you experience significant pain, bleeding, or discomfort, you should seek medical assistance. Do not continue forcefully trying to remove it yourself.
When to call a doctor about a stuck tampon
You should contact your doctor or gynecologist right away if:
- You are unable to locate the tampon string or any part of the tampon in the vagina
- You have pain, soreness, or bleeding in the vagina
- You have symptoms of infection like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling discharge
- You think part of the tampon may have broken off inside you
- It has been in place for more than 8 hours
- Gentle self-removal attempts are unsuccessful
Leaving a tampon in for too long poses serious health risks, so it’s important to seek medical help to safely remove it. Don’t wait and hope it comes out on its own if you suspect it is stuck. Call your doctor right away, even if after office hours, as retained tampons are considered a medical emergency.
What happens at the doctor’s office?
When you go to the doctor for a stuck tampon removal, here is what you can expect:
- Medical history – The doctor will ask some questions about the circumstances surrounding the retained tampon. When it was inserted, if you have been able to feel the string, what removal attempts you’ve made, and any symptoms you’re having.
- Pelvic exam – They will perform a pelvic exam by inserting a speculum into the vagina and examining the walls and cervix for any signs of the tampon.
- Removal attempts – They may first try to locate and remove it using forceps, clamps, or other tools. If unable to grasp it, they may have to use other techniques.
- Imaging tests – If they cannot visualize the tampon, imaging like an ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI can be used to locate it.
- Dilating the cervix – Your cervix may need to be dilated (opened up) in order to pull the tampon through if it is trapped above it.
- Surgical removal – As a last resort, surgery such as a vaginotomy (making an incision in the vaginal wall) may be needed to locate and retrieve a tampon high in the vaginal canal.
Throughout the process, your doctor will communicate what they are doing to try and remove the tampon safely and minimize discomfort.
What techniques can doctors use to remove stuck tampons?
If a retained tampon cannot be easily grasped and pulled out, doctors have several techniques they can use:
Clamping
Using a ring forceps clamp, they apply gentle and steady pressure to grasp the tampon so it can be pulled out slowly. This is often successful if any part of the tampon is low enough to be visible.
Traction
A tenaculum instrument can attach to the tampon to carefully apply upward traction and remove it. This can work if the tampon is visible through the cervix.
Curettage
Using a tool called a curette, they can scrape pieces of an absorbent tampon away bit by bit to break it down and extract it. This avoids having to dilate the cervix.
Cervical dilation
If needed, the opening of the cervix can be gently dilated so instruments like forceps can reach higher into the vaginal canal. This is done using graduated dilator tubes.
Vaginotomy
A small incision is made in the vaginal wall to directly access and remove a tampon embedded very high up. This surgical procedure is only done if absolutely needed.
Laparoscopy
In rare cases where a tampon perforates the vaginal wall, laparoscopic surgery may allow removal through the abdomen. This involves small incisions and using a tiny camera.
The method chosen depends on the tampon’s exact location and placement. Doctors will use the least invasive approach possible to successfully and safely remove it.
What happens after it’s removed?
After a stuck tampon is extracted, your doctor will likely:
- Check for any tears or injury – Gentle examination after removal checks for any vaginal tears or abrasions requiring stitches.
- Treat infection – Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection like toxic shock syndrome is suspected.
- Provide follow-up instructions – Recommendations to monitor symptoms, avoid tampon use for a period, and when to come back if concerns arise.
- Discuss prevention – A discussion about proper tampon use and absorbency, risks of leaving them in too long, warning signs to watch for, etc.
It can be an uncomfortable experience having a stuck tampon removed, but following your doctor’s aftercare guidance can promote healing. Call back promptly if you have heavy bleeding, foul odor, fever, or other worrying symptoms after removal.
Are there ways to lower the risk of getting a tampon stuck?
You can reduce the likelihood of getting a tampon stuck by:
- Always reading and following tampon instructions
- Checking your tampon string is there after insertion
- Choosing the lowest absorbency needed for your flow
- Alternating with pads if you have a light flow
- Setting a reminder to change it every 4-8 hours
- Being extra careful if you have fibroids or vaginal scarring
- Bearing down when removing to be sure it comes out fully
- Never leaving one in for more than 8 hours
- Avoiding tampon use while sleeping
Following the appropriate usage guidelines, being attentive during insertion and removal, and not overusing high absorbency tampons can help prevent retained tampons. See a doctor promptly if you ever suspect a tampon is stuck.
Key Takeaways
- Tampons can get stuck if left in too long, inserted incorrectly, or used at too high of an absorbency.
- Never try to forcibly remove a stuck tampon yourself, as this can cause injury.
- See a doctor promptly if unable to remove a tampon, as this poses health risks like toxic shock syndrome.
- Doctors have techniques like traction, clamping, and cervical dilation to safely extract stuck tampons.
- To prevent retained tampons, be attentive to usage guidelines and warning signs.
Conclusion
Having to seek medical help for a stuck tampon can be alarming. However, doctors have effective methods to safely remove retained tampons and minimize harm. Being aware of proper tampon use recommendations and what to do if one becomes lodged can help avoid serious complications. Don’t hesitate to call your physician right away if a tampon is unable to be removed after several careful attempts. With prompt medical assistance, the situation can be quickly resolved.