No…
The fear amongst first time tampon users that a tampon could get lost inside their body is quite understandable. After all, you can also deliver a child. So why couldn’t a tampon go the opposite way, start by being inserted in your vagina and end up in your womb?
No strange theory. But anatomically it’s impossible. The opening between the vagina and the womb – the cervix – is way too small. Only in the last phase of childbirth the cervix softens and expands. This does not happen when using a tampon.
It also can’t fall out
A tampon is being kept in place by the vagina muscles. This is a good thing, as otherwise the tampon could theoretically fall out. It can happen that you have accidentally inserted a tampon further than necessary. For example because you’ve inserted a second one without removing the first or because you’ve had sex with the tampon still in. If this has happened, mostly you can still reach the removal string. But even if this isn’t the case, or if the tampon wouldn’t have a removal string, you can still remove it. Just relax! Try to reach for the tampon with two clean fingers. Or squat down pretending you’re pooping, and try to ‘push’ it out like that.
The more fluid a tampon has absorbed, the easier it is to remove. However, never leave a tampon in for too long as this can cause problems. All sorts of bacteria can grow, leading to smelly discharge, infections, pelvic pain, fever and in extreme cases even the potentially lethal Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). So if you can’t get the tampon out by yourself, always visit your GP or a sexual health clinic.
Period! is an independent, online magazine about all aspects of menstruation. Period! is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you’re suffering from medical complaints, always visit your doctor or GP. Editorial articles can contain affiliate links. Sponsored collaborations can be found in the category Spotlight. Do you have any questions? Check our Contact page.
Read also:
Help, my tampon hurts
Tampon lessons for beginners
Deflowerd by a tampon?
