What Are The Repercussions Of Leaving A Tampon On For 3 Days?

Posted on Sat, 12 Aug 2017

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

Sat, 12 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 4 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I accidently left my tampon in for 3 days! I removed it and it was gross, im not in any pain yet, although my stomach feels a bit tender but I now have a foul smelling brown discharge coming from my vagina. I don't know what to do as I'm at a festival for another two days and I'm really nervous. Should this clear up on its own?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can wait for it to clear.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.

The mild discharge and smell are suggestive of an infection but if you can't contact a gynecologist for proper prescriptions then you can keep the area clean using a vaginal wash and see if this clears up on its own in next 2-3 days. Mild infections can clear off without any treatment. Avoid any sexual activity till it clears off.

Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow-up queries that you have.

Wishing you good health.

Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (17 minutes later)

I will see how i feel over the course of a couple of days but I am getting slight stomach cramps and it itches every now and then. Should I be concerned or would that be part of a mild infection ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
These are part of the infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.

The slight cramps and itching are part of the mild infection that you have. These should subside in next few days.

Hope my answer is helpful.

Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee