Worrying about a tampon becoming “lost” or stuck inside the body is a common fear. This anxiety often stems from not being able to locate the removal string or feeling uncomfortable pressure. Anatomically, a tampon cannot travel beyond the vaginal canal into the abdominal cavity. The vagina is a muscular tube that ends at the cervix, which acts as a physical barrier with an opening too small for a tampon to pass through.
What Proper Tampon Placement Feels Like
When a tampon is inserted correctly, it should be positioned high up in the vaginal canal where nerve endings are less concentrated. The goal is for the tampon to sit past the sensitive lower third of the vagina, close to the cervix, allowing it to absorb fluid without causing sensation. If you are aware of the tampon’s presence, or feel a scratchy sensation or pressure, it is likely inserted too low.
Discomfort, pinching, or the feeling of something pushing against the vaginal entrance signals improper placement. This means the tampon is sitting in the highly sensitive area near the vaginal opening. It should be gently removed and replaced with a new one inserted deeper. Feeling dryness, particularly during removal, can also cause discomfort, often indicating that the tampon’s absorbency level is too high for the current menstrual flow.
Reasons a Tampon Might Seem Lost
The panic that a tampon is “stuck” or lost usually occurs because the removal string is no longer visible or easily accessible. The vaginal canal is highly elastic and changes shape and length based on body position and muscle tension. When a tampon is fully saturated, it expands and may shift higher up toward the cervix, especially after physical activity.
The string can also become tucked upward alongside the tampon or caught in the folds of the vaginal wall, making it disappear from view. Other causes include mistakenly inserting a new tampon without removing an old one, or the tampon being pushed higher during sexual intercourse. Although the tampon might be lodged high near the cervix, it is medically referred to as a “retained” tampon, remaining safely contained within the vaginal cavity.
Safe Methods for Self-Removal
If the string is nowhere to be found, the first step is to stay calm, as muscle tension can make the vaginal canal tighten around the tampon. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria. Positioning is key for a successful self-removal, with squatting or standing with one foot elevated on a toilet or bathtub edge being the most effective.
Next, gently “bear down,” contracting the abdominal muscles as if having a bowel movement. This uses the pelvic floor muscles to push the tampon lower down the vaginal canal, potentially making the string or the tampon itself accessible. If the tampon still does not descend, carefully insert one or two clean fingers into the vagina. Sweep in a circular motion to feel for the body of the tampon, grasp it, and pull it out slowly and gently, ensuring the entire cotton core is removed.
Recognizing Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
If self-removal is unsuccessful after a few attempts, or if the tampon has been retained for longer than the recommended eight hours, seek professional medical help. Prolonged retention significantly increases the risk of bacterial infection, including the rare but serious condition known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). The onset of TSS can be rapid, with symptoms developing within two to five days after insertion.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience symptoms of TSS or infection. Other warning signs that a retained tampon has caused an infection include:
- A sudden high fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A sunburn-like rash on your body
- An unusually foul odor from the vagina
- Discolored discharge (yellow, green, or brown)
- Unexplained pelvic pain
These symptoms indicate a need for prompt removal and potential antibiotic treatment.