Retained Tampon or Foreign Body in Children and Adolescents

If a tampon or object is left inside the body, bacteria start to grow around it. This can lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or a urinary tract infection (UTI). 

If an object is left for too long, bacteria can multiply and lead to a more serious infection known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). The symptoms of TSS include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, low blood pressure and confusion. Seek medical help immediately if your child is experiencing the symptoms of TSS. 

A member of our team will begin by asking to carry out a physical examination of your child’s vagina to see if the object can be located and removed.

Some objects can be gently removed by rinsing the area with a saline solution or using small forceps. If the object is harder to locate then a pelvic exam using a virgin speculum (a device used to make it easier to see inside the vagina which is used in routine smear tests).

In young people, pain relief may be offered to alleviate any discomfort. If there are signs of infection, a swab may be taken for analysis, and appropriate oral or topical medication will be prescribed.

Usually, symptoms will clear up quickly after the item is removed, and any required antibiotic medication will be prescribed. Your child may feel some discomfort for a few days after the removal, but can return to normal activities as soon as they feel able. 

Caring for your child after removal of a retained tampon or foreign body:

• ensure they take the full course of any antibiotics prescribed 
• give them paracetamol to help relieve any pain 
• encourage them to rest 
• advise them to keep the area clean and dry
• help them to understand how to prevent the issue from happening again 

Get in touch if: 

• your child has problems urinating 
• your child notices unusual discharge, swelling or redness 
• your child develops a fever or feels shivery

At Welbeck, London’s leading paediatric gynaecologists use the latest innovations in healthcare to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in state-of-the-art facilities. Your child will receive the best possible care in a welcoming and supportive environment where you both feel listened to. 

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure your child receives the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your child’s health is of utmost importance to us, so we strive to offer same-day and next-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance for your child, their treatment at Welbeck can begin once your provider has confirmed authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.

What should I do if I think my child has a retained tampon or foreign object?

If you think your child has a retained tampon or other foreign body for over 8 hours, it’s best to seek medical help. Do not attempt to remove it yourself. 

What should I do if my child has symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)? 

If your child is experiencing the symptoms of TSS - fever, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and confusion - you should seek immediate medical help. 

How long should a tampon be left in for?

Tampons should be removed after 4 to 8 hours and not left for longer than 8 hours inside the body. 

How did my child get a foreign body inside their vagina?  

The most common causes of foreign objects in the vagina are adolescents forgetting to remove a tampon, toilet paper becoming stuck in the vagina and inserting objects out of curiosity. In rare cases, a foreign body may be a sign of sexual abuse.