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

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