Tampon use

[Katydiddy]

I do not use tampons very often.  I used one the other day while swimming and I feel that I may have forgotten to remove it.  I have tried to feel inside but cannot see or feel anything.  Can the tampon go far inside or would I be able to feel it with my finger?  Not feeling any pain or discomfort.

[soundwaves]

I think that they can get up there pretty far...I have known 2 people that have "lost" tampons. Once just forgot, and the other once had a piece break of and lodge up there. Both went on to have sex, and continued normal life....
One got toxic shock syndrome (see the insert in the tampon box for info), and the other a NASTY pus infection (stinky too) that oozed out her vagina. if you think you truly have lost a tampon, I would double check with your doc. He will likely have to do a gyne exam, but that sure beats getting sick! Good luck!

[Soror]

The average human vaginal tract is only four to six inches deep...so if you do not feel it, odds are, <i>it isn't there</i>...but, if you are worried after hearing that, you might try checking while laying on your back with your legs more or less against your chest.  (It decreases the depth, just watch out to not scratch your cervix with any long or manicured fingernails, that hurts immeasurably.)

Another common sense way to tell is whether or not your flow stopped.

[oceans3]

i dont know if your flow is still heavy or not but this happened to me. i honestly could not remember whether or not i left it in. i couldnt see the string or reach for it but my gut told me it was still in there. i called the phone # on the box of tampax tampons and spoke w. a rep. very nice. i wish i could recall her advice but later on i went to go to the bathroom and my flow pushed out the tampon and landed in the toilet. i would either call like i did and/or try reaching in like the other post suggested. at best, you could try to reach the string.

[Katydiddy]

Thanks for all your advice - I was really tired when I got home - I put a pad on right away and I would assume I removed the tampon, but I just don't remember doing it.  My flow is never very heavy and this period is from starting the pill this past month.  I have been spotting since.  Just enough to be a real nuisance.  I've been trying to really push out while in the bathroom.  My stomach has been alittle upset but it's probably because this has been on my mind.  I have my yearly exam scheduled in a couple weeks so I will watch for any symptoms and have my doctor check it out.  This has been a really embarrassing situation for me - thanks again for your comments.

[oceans3]

well, if you do indeed have a tampon in there i would NOT wait 2 weeks for your appt. infection can occur and toxic shock. you may have an upset tummy cuz you are nervous about it. just keep trying to check. lots of woman do this so dont be embarrassed. embarrassed is trying to give birth on all 4's with the "johnny" open for all (including hubby) to see. thats my embarassing moment. yours is nothin!

[itsme25]

Yes  -  You need to get it checked out before 2 weeks from now. An infection can make a lot of progress in 2 weeks. Just stop by your clinic. You probably wouldn't even need an appointment. It will just take a minute and the piece of mind will be priceless. As far as embarassing, the gyn has seen it all.....

[troid]

i remember a while back after the birth of my first son, 5 years ago, i went out to the clubs with my girlfriends, it was the end of my period and the next day it dawned on me that i couldnt remember if i had taken it out or not so i went up there with my hand....nothing....so i kinda really start to worry, so i asked my husband to fishin in the dark to see if it was in there. i figured he just saw me give birth how different could it be right? i'm laughing my a!* off as i'm typing this thinking of him being basically up to his elbow.well anyways i must have taken it out because we never did find one. hope everyone gets a little laugh at my expense.

[chiroang]

For all who are worried or sick of using tampons or pads this is for you!  maybe some of you have heard of the "Keeper".  anyway, i purchased my keeper about 3 years ago after having my son.  it is a rubber cup that one inserts in the vagina. it holds about 1oz of blood (i have a moderate to heavy flow and i change it once a day, sometimes if even!) it is natural, easy to insert, not messy, one cannot feel it, you can excersise with it all you want!  it is the best thing ever.  also, it is cost effective.  i think i paid $30 for it and it will last me 10 years. if you want or care to check it out you can go to keeper.com  it is from a company out of canada i think.  at least check it out!