1. Can tampons get lost inside the vagina?

The lost tampon

A tampon can get lost inside your body is a myth Research: According to the NHS, tampons cannot get physically lost as they stay within the vaginal canal, though they may lodge higher or shift sideways, making them feel “lost.” Doc’s Opinion: Doctor explains that the cervix is a tiny, firm pin-sized opening to the uterus, and tampons cannot possibly go beyond this, but if you can’t find or remove one, seek medical help.

Long-form answer:

No, a tampon cannot physically get lost inside your body—but it can sometimes be hard to locate.

What we know

According to NHS Inform, a tampon stays securely in your vagina, which is a closed space ending at the cervix. The cervix is too small for a tampon to pass through, so there's nowhere else for it to go.

However, it can get lodged higher up or shift sideways, especially if:

  • You forget to remove one tampon before inserting another.

  • You have sex with a tampon still inserted.

  • The string becomes difficult to find.

In such cases, the tampon may feel "lost," but it can always be removed—either by you or a healthcare provider.

Reference: NHS inform. (2024, February 22). Stuck or lost tampon | NHS inform. NHS Inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/stuck-or-lost-tampon

Some case studies

While tampons themselves don’t get lost beyond the vaginal canal, rare case reports have documented:

  • Retained plastic tampon applicators for years, requiring surgical removal.

  • Discovery of foreign bodies resembling tampons in post-menopausal women.

References:

  1. Sharaf OM, Wilkinson EA, Elbadri E, Weber LeBrun EE. Retention of a Foreign Body in the Vagina of an Adult for 13 Years: A Case Report. Cureus. 2023 Feb 8;15(2):e34776. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34776. PMID: 36909071; PMCID: PMC10005853.

  2. Chopra S, Singh Y, Magon N. A Case of Intravaginal Foreign Body. Med J Armed Forces India. 2010 Jul;66(3):266-8. doi: 10.1016/S0377-1237(10)80053-X. Epub 2011 Jul 21. Erratum in: Med J Armed Forces India. 2010 Oct;66(4):366. doi: 10.1016/S0377-1237(10)80020-6. PMID: 27408315; PMCID: PMC4921250.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): A Safety Note

Leaving a tampon in for too long increases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition. The good news: TSS cases have significantly declined. According to the FDA, tampon products must be tested to ensure they do not promote excessive bacterial growth before they are approved for sale.

Reference: Office of the Commissioner. (n.d.). The Facts on Tampons—and How to Use Them Safely. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely

The Bottom Line

  • A tampon can’t get lost in your body, but it can become difficult to remove if positioned awkwardly.

  • If you can’t find or remove a tampon, seek medical help.

  • Always follow proper tampon use guidelines

Doctor's opinion

Anatomically, the vagina ends at the cervix and is wrapped shut around the cervix , cervix is a small, firm opening about the size of a pin head leading to the uterus. There's nowhere for a tampon to go beyond that. If one feels "stuck," it’s usually just positioned high or sideways—but it can always be removed always

PreviousApril 2025Next2. Coffee worsens period cramps

Last updated

Was this helpful?