What Are The Adverse Effects Of Retained Tampon Inside Vagina?

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

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

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 6 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I dont remember taking my tampon out . This was wednesday. I felt around and felt nothing . My husband also felt around and nothing . We have since had sex and he couldn't feel anything . But I still have this overwhelming fear /feeling that it's still inside of me , what can I do to ease my mind . I do not have health insurance so going to the doctor is not an option . My husband insists that I'm working myself up over nothing . I just feel weird , like I know its in there and crampy but no odor

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tampon is possibly absent due to the lack of any distressing symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi .

I understand your query and concern.

You do not seem to have a retained tampon.

A retained tampon would cause many undesirable physical side effects.

It can cause bad odour,intense itching,blood streaks during and after sexual activity.

It can lead to burning sensation as well as difficult urination.

Hence since many symptoms are absent in your case,you can firmly believe its absent inside your vagina.

You need to be concerned only if any of these symptoms develop.

Hence I advise you not to feel weird at this moment.

The cramps can be due to intense sexual activity you both have experienced.

A single transvaginal ultrasound can eliminate all doubts beyond conviction.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (5 hours later)

Could the tampon somehow go up in my vagina on its own . Like when I'm sleeping ? If I didn't have any insertion or penetration ? After I woke up and realized it was missing . I did not insert another tampon or have sex until both my husband and I did a thorough exam to make sure it wasn't in there . I just feel like something isn't right

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Its highly unlikely for the tampon to move up on its own

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.

Its very unlikely for the tampon to move high up inside vagina and stay there silent.

Its pretty unlikely even during postural change like sleep.

In case of any doubt,I advise you to have a per vaginal examination and imaging to rule out its absence.

Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (29 hours later)

Is it possible to be in there for a week with no odor or discharge ?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Retained tampon will cause early symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

Welcome again,

Its highly unlikely not to have odour or discharge with retained tampon.

Post your further queries if any,

Thank you.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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