Any tampons missing or stuck? This is common. Don't feel ashamed. Sometimes tampons get stuck due to exercise or other reasons. You should be able to remove the tampon very easily. However, if you can't, see a doctor immediately. Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase your risk of getting an infection.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Remove a Tampon
Step 1. Take action quickly
You must deal with this problem immediately. Don't ignore it because you're embarrassed. This is dangerous for health. Keep in mind that many people also experience this problem.
- Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours because you can get Toxic Shock Syndrome. Although this syndrome can be treated, it can be fatal. However, if a new tampon is inserted within a relatively short period of time (about an hour), it's a good idea to wait a little longer before trying to remove it, as dry tampons are easier to snag and the flow of blood that comes out can help you get them out.
- Try removing it yourself first and it should be pretty easy to do. However, if your efforts are unsuccessful, you should contact your doctor immediately. Leaving tampons in the body for too long is very dangerous for health.
Step 2. Try to relax
If you are tense, you can make things worse. Are you sure you have a tampon in your body or did you forget that you took it out? If you believe the object is still inside you, remember that the tampon is not actually stuck. It's just that the vaginal muscles hold it in until you get it out.
- Do not panic. The vagina is a relatively small enclosed area and this object will not disappear forever in this area. Many women experience this problem so there is no reason for you to panic.
- You may want to try a warm bath or soak in a warm bath to help you relax before trying to get it out. Try to take deep breaths too. If you strain too much, your muscles may tighten, making it more difficult to remove the tampon.
Step 3. Clean your hands
It's a good idea to clean your hands before trying to remove a stuck tampon to prevent bacteria from entering the vaginal opening. Hand hygiene can reduce the risk of infection, complications, and further problems.
- It's also a good idea to trim your fingernails as you have to insert your fingers into your vagina to get the tampon. Try to do it with as little pain as possible.
- Look for an enclosed area (preferably a bathroom for hygiene reasons). Take off the clothes you wear on your lower body. This will make it easier for you to remove the tampon.
Part 2 of 3: Removing a Stucked Tampon
Step 1. Pull the thread
If you can see the thread and it doesn't dissipate inside your body, gently pull on the thread in a squatting position and legs spread apart but not so wide that you end up sitting on the floor.
- Gently tug on the threads to see if the tampon will come out as this is the easiest way. There should be at least 2 inches of thread sticking out of your body if the tampon is positioned properly. Try positioning yourself in a different position if the tampon doesn't come out right away. Put your feet somewhere and sit on the toilet. Or put one foot on the edge of the tub to soak.
- However, often the thread also disappears in the vagina, along with the tampon. It may take you a minute or two to get it out. If this is the case, take the next step.
Step 2. Sit or squat
It's easier to remove a stuck tampon if you do it sitting or squatting. You may also want to try straining while trying to get it out. Try changing positions if you can't get it out.
- Put your feet in the trash or tub to soak. Or you can squat over the toilet for hygiene reasons. You can also try lying in bed with your legs spread apart and lifted up, but squatting or sitting positions are usually more effective.
- Try pushing as if you are trying to have a bowel movement or giving birth or doing a reverse kegel. Sometimes, this can force the tampon out. Straining can help push the tampon into a position where it's easier for you to retrieve it. Take a deep breath.
Step 3. Insert one finger while exhaling
You should insert your finger into the vagina as far as possible. Make circular motions with your fingers between the cervix and vagina. This is often where the tampon gets stuck. Maybe you can use your index finger and thumb too.
- Find the tampon and insert another finger if you have inserted one finger before. Pinch the cotton tampon tube with both fingers and try to pull it out. You'll likely have to pull out the entire tampon, not just the string. Do not panic. If you do it too fast, you might even push it further. When you find it, just pull it out.
- Don't stick your finger in for a tampon for more than 10 minutes. If you can't get it out, don't panic. Call your doctor. If you feel the tampon string (which is somehow hidden inside your body), position it between the vaginal wall and your finger and gently pull the tampon out.
- It may be easier if you use the longest finger, but every woman's vagina is different, so you can try using a different finger as well.
Part 3 of 3: Using Assistance When Removing Tampons
Step 1. Try using a lubricant
You can also apply plenty of lubricant before attempting to remove the tampon with your finger. The use of lubricants makes the pain less and easier to do.
- Do not pour water or soap into the vagina. This can lead to infection. And don't apply scented moisturizers to your vagina because they can irritate the skin.
- You can also investigate what's going on down there. Or you can try urinating. This natural process can change the position of the tampon.
Step 2. Use only fingers
If using your fingers doesn't work, never insert anything else like metal tweezers into your vagina. This is very important to follow.
- Because it's so important, it's best to repeat this rule: NEVER use anything else to pick up a tampon! The inserted object may not be clean and it may also get caught.
- Foreign bodies can also scrape the walls of the vagina. Don't let your attempts to remove a tampon lead to other problems.
Step 3. Call the doctor
If you can't find a tampon or get it removed, you should see a doctor immediately. If you leave a tampon stuck inside your body, it can cause an infection and is very dangerous. You can also ask someone else to try and get it for you (perhaps your husband), but most women are too embarrassed to ask. If you ask someone else for help, make sure he or she is wearing gloves.
- It should be easy for the doctor to remove the stuck tampon. Don't feel embarrassed about this problem as it happens frequently and your doctor will most likely have had this case before. Do not let shame endanger the health of your genitals.
- Sometimes a woman forgets that she still has a tampon in her body and she inserts another tampon so that the first tampon gets stuck inside. Try to remember when you put a tampon in because leaving a tampon in for too long can lead to serious infections. If you experience symptoms such as a bad odor, vaginal discharge, dizziness, pressure or pelvic pain, or abdominal discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.
Tips
- Try to move your fingers slowly and gently to reduce the pain when trying to remove the tampon.
- Try using petroleum jelly or water to loosen the tampon.
- Try to relax.
