How To Remove The Cardboard Applicator Of A Tampon From Vagina?

Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm not sure if the cardboard applicator of a tampon is lost in my vagina. How can I determine if it is? How quickly do I need to determine this?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try to remove or go to ED.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. In the same way that a tampon should not be left in for an excessive length of time, neither should the cardboard appilcator. This is because it could become a source of infection. Ideally it should not remain for longer than 8 hours. Therefore, I suggest you try to remove it yourself of go to the ED for examination. If you insert further tampons you risk pushing the applicator further inside.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr. k A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar