A blocked tampon can be removed by yourself, but if you’re unable to, see a doctor. Tampons can become stuck due to various reasons, and if left too long, can lead to infection. Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
Having a blocked tampon can be an embarrassing problem. It may be possible to remove the tampon yourself, but you may need to see your doctor. Medical professionals have seen this problem many times before.
There are several ways a blocked tampon can happen. You may forget you have a tampon and then put on another. Having sex without removing the tampon first can cause it to get stuck. Tampons can also shift during exercise or daily activities, obscuring the cord.
The pad may be in the correct position, but will not come out when you pull the string. This is usually because it’s too dry and is the easiest situation to fix. If it has been less than eight hours since you inserted the tampon, wait until eight hours and then see if it comes out. If it’s been eight hours, try soaking in a warm bath to moisten the tampon.
It may be possible to remove a stuck tampon yourself. Sit on the toilet or on a raised surface with your knees apart and insert a clean finger into your vagina. You will feel your cervix, a slightly firm structure with an indentation in the middle. Tampons often get stuck between the cervix and the vaginal wall. If you can feel the tampon, insert two fingers and try to pinch the tampon between them to pull it out.
If you have a stuck tampon and are unable to remove it yourself, you will need to make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will be able to remove it with a simple in-office procedure. First, a speculum will be inserted and the doctor will look for the swab. Once located, it will be removed with forceps, which are long tweezers. Tampons sometimes fall apart while being removed and need to be lifted up with a tool with a curved end.
While it’s embarrassing to have a blocked tampon, don’t let your embarrassment stop you from seeking medical attention if needed. Having a tampon for too long can lead to infection. If you experience a foul-smelling discharge, abdominal pain, or fever, contact your doctor immediately. The most common infection in this situation is bacterial vaginosis, but a serious infection called toxic shock syndrome can develop. Once the tampon is removed, use pads for the rest of the cycle.
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