How To Get A Tampon Out If Its Stuck

Most women who have used a tampon will at some stage – usually in the early years but, yes, still further down the line – have worried that they have got one stuck.

Maybe the string has somehow disappeared and you can't seem to relocate it. Maybe you foolishly thought it was ok to have sex while you were wearing one (this isa thing that happens), or maybe you drunkenly put a new one in without realising there was already one in place, cue one being pushed higher than you are comfortable with.

It might sound impossible but it does happen and can be very upsetting when it does (obviously).

Firstly, your vagina, if you consider that the cervix is pretty good at its job of keeping the womb closed, is pretty much a dead end.

No tampon is not going to go drifting off around your body. However, if you think you have one missing, it will need to be removed pretty sharpish.

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One of the main worries can be contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome which is linked to – but not exclusive to – leaving a tampon in for longer than recommended.

Dr Pandelis Athanasias, consultant gynaecologist at London Women's Centre, has explained to Metro.co.uk what you should do if the worst does happen.

Firstly though, how does the seemingly impossible happen?

He explained: 'A tampon can get stuck inside the vagina by inserting a new tampon before taking out the previous one, having sex with a tampon in or forgetting to remove it when the period is over.'

If this does happen to you, it is important not to just ignore it and hope the tampon will somehow work its way out eventually because it can cause other health issues.

A stuck tampon can cause discomfort, vaginal discharge, cystitis, a vaginal infection and, in rare circumstances, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Dr Pandelis explained: 'TSS is a rare complication caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and release toxins which cause symptoms of shock.

'The toxins can damage various organs and the condition can be fatal if not treated promptly.'

Those symptoms include breathing difficulties, dizziness, high temperatures and diarrhoea, among other symptoms.

So, what should the woman try and do herself and at what point should she contact a doctor?

'Don't try to remove a stuck tampon with another object as you could injure the vagina or develop an infection,' warns Dr Pandelis.

Don't put off seeing your doctor if you can't remove it yourself (Picture: P. Broze/Getty)

'Wash your hands before you try to remove the tampon and cover any lacerations or cuts on your hands.

'Sit on a toilet, open your legs and push as if you are pushing out a baby or trying to have a bowel movement.

'Insert two fingers into your vagina and reach in as far as possible, making circular and back and forward movements.

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'If you feel the tampon, trap it between your fingers and pull it out.

'If that is not possible try to locate the strings in order to grab them and pull it out.'

If your efforts to remove the tampon aren't working then you need to seek out help from a doctor.

To you, it my feel embarrassing to ask for help but remember there is nothing your doctor probably hasn't already seen at least once.

Dr Pandelis said: 'Please do not be embarrassed. The doctors and nurses deal with similar situations very often.

Your doctor has seen it all before (Picture: Dougal Waters/Getty)

'If you can't remove or locate the tampon, you need to see the doctor.

'They will ask you to lie on your back, bend your knees and let your legs flop apart.

'A speculum (a metallic or plastic clamp-like instrument) will be introduced like when you have a smear test.

'In most cases the tampon will be seen and removed.

'The vagina will be examined for any injuries or signs of infection and swabs might be taken.

'If there are signs of infection, you will be given antibiotics.'

The good news is, other than an interesting story, you should be left with no long lasting issues unless, in some rare cases you developed Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Find out more about TSS from model Lauren Wasser, who lost both her legs tot he infection and now works to raise awareness. of the symptoms and how to spot it early.

She contracted TSS in 2012 despite changing her tampon regularly.

Every year, TSS affects around 1 in 100,000 women.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins.
Each year toxic shock syndrome affects about one in 100,000 women.
It occurs when bacteria, which live on the skin, invade the bloodstream and produce dangerous toxins.
Symptoms usually begin with a sudden high fever, with a temperature above 38.9C/102F.
These can develop to:
- flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, chills, muscle aches, a sore throat and a cough
- feeling and being sick
- diarrhoea
- a widespread sunburn-like rash
- the whites of the eyes, lips and tongue turning a bright red
- dizziness or fainting
- breathing difficulties
- confusion
- drowsiness
Women are most at risk of getting TSS during their period, particularly if they are using tampons.