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Dr Odile Bagot (Gynecologist-obstetrician)
Medical validation:
January 08, 2023
Forgetting tampons is more common than you might think. What symptoms should alert? When to consult? The answers of Dr. Odile Bagot, gynecologist.
In France, as elsewhere, the cases of “forgotten stamp” – or left too long in the vagina – are multiplying. The latest evidence to date? A young woman by the name of Melanie Galeaz claims to have forgotten her tampon in her vagina for nearly two years, despite apparent symptoms (smells If this oversight seems surprising, even unlikely (to the point of making many Tiktokeurs react), forgetting this type of sanitary protection for a few days seems more common. And it can be the cause of the famous syndrome of “toxic shock“.
Forgotten tampon: beware of toxic shock!
“When a tampon is forgotten, the smells – of rot – are absolutely appalling. It is impossible not to notice them and they must lead to consultation“, specifies Odile Bagot automatically. On the other hand, “toxic shock, which mainly affects women aged 15-25, is rarer. There are about thirty cases per year in France, at most. To avoid this, it is recommended to change your tampon regularly, every 4 hours..”
This acute illness, caused by certain strains of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, is manifested by high fever (above 38.9°C), vomiting, feeling unwell with headaches, diarrhea and skin rashes.
If toxic shock syndrome is not treated in time, it can progress to sepsis – a general infection of the blood – and prove fatal.
Fortunately, the disease can be treated well with the help of antibiotic treatments administered by doctors.
Lost stamp: what to do in case of doubt?
If you are in doubt about the correct application of your tampon, Dr. Bagot recommends opting for a verification.
“If in doubt, just put your finger inside your vagina and go around your cervix. If there is a stamp, you will fall directly on it“, assures Dr. Bagot.
And for good reason: the tampon cannot go astray higher than the vagina (between the vagina and the cervix, there is a closure).
In case of difficulty in recovering it or persistent discomfort, a gynecological consultation is necessary.