Tampons have been a trusted menstrual hygiene product for many years, offering consolation and comfort to hundreds of thousands of menstruating people. However, there’s a uncommon threat related to tampon use that many individuals will not be conscious of – retained or misplaced tampons.
Most of the time, an individual can efficiently take away a caught tampon on their very own. The location tampons reside throughout use is known as the vaginal canal. It is a canal with solely an exterior opening and ends on the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. Losing a tampon inside your self is inconceivable, and it can not get into your stomach or different areas of your physique! It’s at all times a good suggestion to ensure that your teen has an understanding of their physique & methods to take one of the best care of themselves.
How Common is a Lost Tampon?
Retained or misplaced tampons can occur to anybody who makes use of tampons, and the causes can differ. There is not any actual dependable information on the speed of incidence.
What are the Common Reasons/Risks for a Lost Tampon?
- Forgetfulness: Busy schedules, distractions, or just forgetting in regards to the tampon can result in it being left in place.
- Multiple tampons: In some instances, a brand new tampon is inserted with out eradicating the earlier one, inflicting retention.
- Alcohol or drug use: Impaired judgment attributable to substance use can result in retention or forgetting to take away the present tampon earlier than inserting one other.
What are some Signs of a Stuck Tampon?
- Foul-smelling or discolored vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching
- Discomfort when urinating
- Swelling round genitals
- Pelvic ache
- Fever
What are the Recommended Steps for Tampon Removal?
- Wash fingers: Wash your fingers totally to forestall introducing germs to the vaginal canal.
- Take a deep breath: The vaginal canal is made up of muscle groups. Tension of these muscle groups could make it tougher to find and take away a misplaced tampon.
- Use two fingers to succeed in inside: Only use your fingers. Other instruments can enhance your threat of an infection or trigger injury to your vaginal canal.
- Change positions if wanted: If you might be having hassle greedy the tampon or can not discover the tampon, swap positions. You can attempt mendacity down, propping one leg up on a rest room seat, squatting, or sitting.
- Call your OBGYN or major care physician or go to Urgent Care: If you can not take away your caught tampon at house, please see a well being care supplier. There is not any must be embarrassed. Your healthcare supplier may have expertise with elimination, and it’s vital on your well being to have it eliminated in a well timed method.
Will I get an Infection?
There is a threat of an infection, nevertheless, the probably an infection is vaginitis – which is frequent and treatable. Vaginitis is an irritation of the vagina, and it may well trigger signs reminiscent of:
- Vaginal odor
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal irritation
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
What about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
TSS is a uncommon however probably life-threatening medical situation that may develop immediately and progress quickly. Tampons was once the only real blame for TSS. However, tampons don’t trigger the an infection themselves. Any international object launched into the vaginal canal can introduce micro organism that may probably trigger TSS.
Causes of TSS:
- Bacteria often known as Staphylococcus aureus or and Streptococcus pyogenes enter the bloodstream within the following methods:
- Small tears within the vaginal wall from a retained object within the vagina
- Respiratory infections
- Skin Infections: pores and skin wounds, burns, surgical websites, or insect bites
- Nasal packing
Symptoms of TSS:
- High fever typically exceeding 102°F (38.9°C)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) – TSS may cause a major drop in blood strain, resulting in dizziness, fainting or confusion.
- Sunburn-like rash
- Severe instances: organ dysfunction, confusion or seizures
Treatment of TSS:
- Removal of international object
- Health care supplier cleansing the contaminated wound
- Antibiotics
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends {that a} good time to ascertain care with a gynecologist is between ages 13-15. In the U.S., 12.5 years previous is the typical age of first menstruation, so this age vary covers a time when there’s lots of change for tweens and teenagers’ our bodies. For extra data or to discover a BJC-affiliated gynecologist, click on right here.