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What Are The Repercussions Of Leaving A Tampon On For 5 Days?

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Posted on Thu, 4 May 2017
Question: I probably have a tampon lodged behind my cervix, probably from 5 days ago. The nurse practitioner at Urgent Care didn't find anything and saw my cervix, but I saw it and felt it the tampon before I went there. It's Sunday and my doctor's office isn't open. I imagine the Emergency Room wouldn't be any more helpful than UrgentCare. Should I try it anyway or just hold out for my specialist tomorrow? Is it a big emergency?
I'm really worried about toxic shock.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Go in to be seen by an MD now.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I recommend going to the ER and asking to see a physician, and refusing a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. When they triage you, tell them that you already saw an NP, and ask who the person is who you will be seeing - make sure he/she is an MD beforehand.

If the tampon is still there, then there is the risk of tissue break down and infection, even if not toxic shock.

Nurse practitioners are helpful for simple things, but they are not doctors and have limited training. In the ER, if the emergency room doctor cannot find or remove it, then he/she should call in a gynecologist.

I suggest not waiting further.

Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Are The Repercussions Of Leaving A Tampon On For 5 Days?

Brief Answer: Go in to be seen by an MD now. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I recommend going to the ER and asking to see a physician, and refusing a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. When they triage you, tell them that you already saw an NP, and ask who the person is who you will be seeing - make sure he/she is an MD beforehand. If the tampon is still there, then there is the risk of tissue break down and infection, even if not toxic shock. Nurse practitioners are helpful for simple things, but they are not doctors and have limited training. In the ER, if the emergency room doctor cannot find or remove it, then he/she should call in a gynecologist. I suggest not waiting further. Please let me know if I can provide further information.