HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Repercussions Of Leaving A Tampon On For A Week?

default
Posted on Thu, 19 Nov 2015
Question: I found a lost tampon last night and I removed it. It was lost for less than a week. Today I am spotting with a foul odor. Will this clear up or should I see a doctor?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Pls visit a doctor if any of the listed symptoms appear

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Please make sure you are more careful with tampon use, as it can have some serious consequences when left inside for long.

In one such case that presented to the emergency department where I work, a young female (around 24 years of age), presented with grave symptoms and sepsis (a life-threatening complication of an infection, especially seen when left untreated). The patient was as close to death as it gets, but with a long course of medical attention the medical team just about managed to get her back to life. The cause was a retained tampon (more than a month or so, I don't remember accurately).

As you are presenting with a foul odour, I would suggest you look for any of the following symptoms, and if they do appear, then please report to a doctor. They are:

+Burning sensation while urinating
+Vaginal discharge
+Increased urge to urinate, but less urine passed
+Fever
+Chills
+Frequent urination
+Spotting, or blood seen in urine

Please keep your genitalia clean and dry, and avoid all forms of sexual intercourse and masturbation for the next 7-10 days at least. Please also feel free to write to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (7 minutes later)
is it common for the odor and spotting to stop without further complications? the odor has seemed to subside some
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It can, but you need to keep an eye open for developments

Detailed Answer:
Hi ma'am.

It can appear without an infection due to the region being clogged by a tampon for this long, and so if the odour and the spotting start subsiding then it means good news. But it is persists, along with the appearance of the above listed symptoms, then you may have to report to a doctor ma'am.

Please do not hesitate to keep me updated, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Repercussions Of Leaving A Tampon On For A Week?

Brief Answer: Pls visit a doctor if any of the listed symptoms appear Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Please make sure you are more careful with tampon use, as it can have some serious consequences when left inside for long. In one such case that presented to the emergency department where I work, a young female (around 24 years of age), presented with grave symptoms and sepsis (a life-threatening complication of an infection, especially seen when left untreated). The patient was as close to death as it gets, but with a long course of medical attention the medical team just about managed to get her back to life. The cause was a retained tampon (more than a month or so, I don't remember accurately). As you are presenting with a foul odour, I would suggest you look for any of the following symptoms, and if they do appear, then please report to a doctor. They are: +Burning sensation while urinating +Vaginal discharge +Increased urge to urinate, but less urine passed +Fever +Chills +Frequent urination +Spotting, or blood seen in urine Please keep your genitalia clean and dry, and avoid all forms of sexual intercourse and masturbation for the next 7-10 days at least. Please also feel free to write to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help. Best wishes.