Worried about a Lost Tampon or Getting a Tampon Stuck?

Sidebar articles 

Related items

P&G Everyday

Tampax-US-EN/Brands/Always/Logos/Header.png

Always_header

Always

BeingGirl

Contact Us

In case of any questions about Tampax, contact us.

Contact us | Tampax®

Country selector

Country Selector

Sign In

Learn more about Tampax tampons and feminine care products, including tampon and period information and helpful women's health articles.

Tampax Tampons & Feminine Care Products | Tampax®

Header

HomePage

Sign Up

Search

<div>
 Always You: Period
 Tracker
</div>

Always you logo

Always You App Sticky Banner

When it comes to your period, paying attention to your menstrual flow can pay off in several ways. Obviously, it can simplify your life to know when to expect your period and plan for having tampons on hand to help you manage it. 

Beyond convenience, knowing your flow is also important for your health. If your flow is too heavy, it can cause health problems, or it might signal a medical condition. And even knowing the right tampon sizes to use can have an impact on your health. No joke. 

There’s a lot to know about your period flow, so let’s go!


Tampax Pearl Light

What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Which Tampon Sizes Do You Need? Know Your Flow

How do I earn donation points?

period calender - How do I earn donation points?

There are three easy ways to earn donation points with the Always You App.

1. Earn up to 20 points each time you track your period or a bladder leak event.
2. Earn up to 10 points per day for completing your Microsteps.
3. Earn up to 5 points for each piece of content you consume.

Different Tampax applicators for different flow

Tampax Pearl Regular

Overnight Use

By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology

As a gynecologist, I love helping my patients understand their bodies and how they work. It’s important for us to educate ourselves and take charge of our health. Sometimes, in an effort to research an illness or health concern, we find unreliable sources online, and end up with information that’s not only wrong, but sometimes even dangerous. I’m glad you came to the right place.

When it comes to tampons, I’ve probably heard it all! So here are nine common myths I’ve heard over and over, and the medically accurate facts to bust them.

Do you know the truth about tampons? Let’s find out.Hello


How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons

Article List

How do I use a Period Tracker?

period calculator - How do I use a Period Tracker?

Simply input the length of your average period and the length of your last period, and let the period calculator do the rest. If you have no idea how long between your periods, make a note the next time it starts and when it ends so you have it on hand for next month.

You can also use a period tracker for way more than just predicting bleed week. Since ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day of your cycle (with Day 1 of your cycle being the first day you bleed), you can also learn and track peak ovulation.

How do I use a
Period Tracker?

Apple

Menstrual cups can offer an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads with up to 12 hours of period leak protection. Learn how it works.

Menstrual Cup: What is it & How To Use It

Menstrual Cup: What is it & How to Use It | Tampax®

What’s Better for Your Flow?

Safety

Pearl

Discover our Tampax Pearl Super Plus which have a smooth plastic applicator & are designed for heavier-flow days. Learn more and read reviews at Tampax.com!

Tampax Pearl: Super Plus Tampons | Tampax®

Find the basic can and can'ts when it comes to wearing a tampon. Can you shower with a tampon? Or go to the bathroom with a tampon? Get answers.

Things You Can (and Can’t) Do With A Tampon

Things You Can Do With A Tampon | Tampax®

Core Features

Period Calculator Core Feature - 1

Track your menstrual cycle and predict your ovulation period.

TRACK YOUR PERIOD IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS

Things You Can (and Can’t) Do With a Tampon

google play 

# Worried about a Lost Tampon or Getting a Tampon Stuck?

Button 

Find Your Flow Quiz

Switch between tampon absorbencies throughoutyour menstrual cycle for better comfort and protection.

## GO UPor GO DOWN

How to Decide Between Pads and Tampons Title

Tampons

How do menstrual calculators work?

Period calender  - How do menstrual calculators work?

Glad you asked. Basically, your body runs on a four-part “menstrual cycle” — and while you might assume that phrase means just the week of bleeding, in actuality, your menstrual cycle also refers to the weeks you don’t bleed.

You start with the menstrual cycle (your period, when the lining of your uterus sheds), followed by the follicular phase (when the follicles in your ovaries mature and get ready for the prime time: ovulation), then comes ovulation (when the egg is released), followed finally by the luteal phase (when the egg makes its way down your fallopian tubes and gets ready to bleed). Knowing this, you can track your period and your cycle.

What You Need to Know About Menstrual Cups

Tampax Pearl Super Plus

Tampax-US-EN/image

How to Insert a Tampon 

period caculatore core feature image

Can a tampon get lost in your body? What do you do if a tampon is stuck. Get the facts from gynecologist, Dr. Holmes.

Worried about a lost tampon or getting a tampon stuck?

Worried About A Lost Tampon Or Getting A Tampon Stuck? | Tampax®

Light

LIGHT

Worried about some sympthoms? Find the guide about period health here.

Period health

What Is a Pad?

Which Tampon Sizes Do you Need? Know Your Flow 

Pearl 

Your Flow is Different Every Day. 
Your Tampon size should be, too.

By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology

## Can a Tampon Get Lost in My Body?
This is one of the most common questions I hear from new tampon users! So let me just start with the good news: NOPE! A tampon CANNOT get lost in your body. 
Even though your vagina connects your outside parts with the “inside” of your body, there’s basically a dead end at the top of the vagina - it’s called your cervix, and there’s no way a tampon can go past that. The cervix is a barrier between the vagina and the uterus. Nothing can get above the cervix unless it’s liquid or microscopic in size!
## What if my tampon is stuck?
If you have a lost or stuck tampon, it’s not really stuck, it’s just high in your vagina and it may be squished sideways, making it hard to reach. This is most common if you accidentally forgot to take out a tampon before inserting a new one, or if you had sex without remembering to remove your tampon first (it’s not a good idea to have [sex with a tampon in](/en-us/period-health/period-sex/)!). There are still some things you can try that make it easier to find and get out. Keep reading!
## How to Remove a Stuck Tampon
First, wash your hands, then squat down, put your finger in your vagina and sweep it around in a circle. You’ll probably be able to feel the tampon, but getting it out can still be difficult. If you can’t sweep it out, insert two fingers and try to grasp it. If you squat and bear down (like you’re pooping), it can help bring the tampon closer to the vaginal opening and make it easier to remove. If you still can’t get it out or you just don’t feel comfortable with that, remember that you should not wear a tampon more than 8 hours, so you’ll need to get help from your ob-gyn or family doctor as soon as possible.
## What if the tampon string breaks?
This is such a common worry, but as much as we worry about it, I have rarely if ever seen a string break when a tampon is being used normally. If you look closely at a Tampax tampon, you’ll see that the string is sewn all the way up the tampon. It’s not just attached at the end. That makes it super hard for it to pull off or break. You can feel confident that the string will not break if you’re using a tampon normally.
## How to Know If There’s a Tampon In Your Vagina?
If your string is hidden, it’s also possible that you totally forget that there’s still a tampon somewhere up in there. Don’t let the thought of that make you panic. Mother Nature has her way of providing other reminders - like odors. A long lost tampon will begin to make itself known through a strong (horrible) odor that is clearly not normal. If that starts to happen, it’s time to dig around, find it and pull it out or get to your doctor for some help right away. Don’t be embarrassed. In the medical profession, we call it a retained tampon, and we all have been there and removed that - more than you would imagine!
## What if I can’t find my tampon?
That’s a more common scenario than a broken string. Sometimes, a tampon may seem “lost” because the string and the tampon get pushed higher into the vagina. When that happens, it’s simple to remove it, and you can probably do it yourself. 
To get it out, just wash your hands, squat down, put your finger in your vagina, and you’ll probably be able to feel it and pull it out. If you can’t feel it, can’t reach it, or just don’t feel comfortable with that, see your doctor as soon as you can. And don’t be embarrassed, we do things like that more than you’d imagine!
## When to seek medical attention for a “lost” or stuck tampon?
A lost tampon is not usually an emergency, but it should be taken care of as quickly as possible. If you feel fine, but suspect a lost tampon and can’t remove it yourself, call your OB-GYN doctor’s office first. Often they will see you right away or they’ll direct you to an urgent care center. You’ll want to get it removed as soon as possible. However, if you suspect a retained tampon and you develop any of the signs or symptoms of TSS, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room and let them know you may have a stuck tampon and you’re worried about TSS.


Pearl Collection Go Up Image

Browse our Tampax Pearl Super tampons which have a smooth plastic applicator and are designed for heavy-flow days. Learn more and read reviews at Tampax.com!

Tampax Pearl: Super Tampons | Tampax®

Period calculator core feature 2

Interact with expert content, tips, and Microsteps from Thrive to prioritize your mental and physical well-being.

IMPROVE YOUR WELL-BEING

What Is a Tampon?

# Things You Can (and Can’t) Do With a Tampon


Tampax

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a serious illness that can impact anyone. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Get tips for preventing TSS.

What Everyone Should Know About Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

All Your Period Questions, Answered

 How Long Can You Leave a Tampon In?

As much as we love the Internet and all its cat memes, there is also a lot of misinformation floating around. Recently, we’ve seen those less-than-accurate “facts” popping up around tampons. Not cool, Internet. If you’re a first-time tampon user, curious about tampons, or even a period pro, sometimes it’s easy to get confused. You search something as simple as “can you shower with a tampon in” and there’s a very real chance you’re going to get some weird, definitely not true answers. A lot of people think they’re an expert, but in reality they might be spreading some very wrong info.

As legit experts, we here at Tampax thought it was time to clear up a few popular misconceptions by answering some of your most pressing period and tampon questions. If you’ve ever wondered things like does your period stop in the shower, or can you go to the bathroom with a tampon in, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Here are the most common tampon questions, answered by people who actually know what they’re talking about.


The Period and Wellness Tracking app that helps #EndPeriodPoverty as you use it.

# What Everyone Should Know about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Tampons Truths

Tampon Truths

## What is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
Toxic Shock Syndrome, also known as TSS, is a rare, but serious infection that is caused by a specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Interestingly, these bacteria are commonly found on the skin, in the nose, armpits, and vagina without causing any problems. However, under certain circumstances, especially when the body has not developed immunity to this strain of bacteria, it can grow out of control and release a toxin, which is like a poison. The toxin enters the blood stream and can rapidly cause a severe illness that affects the entire body (shock).
## Toxic Shock Syndrome is not caused by tampons.
Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by bacteria, not tampons, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. In the 1980s, TSS became more well-known because it was associated with highly absorbent tampons (those highly absorbent tampons were quickly taken off the market). However, tampons aren’t required for TSS. You can get it while using pads or menstrual cups, or no period protection at all. Anyone can get TSS. Even men and children can get TSS, and only about half of TSS infections are related to menstruation. Some other ways people develop TSS include insect bites, skin infections, or surgery.
## It’s rare.
Fortunately, Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare. To put it in perspective, you are more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are from Toxic Shock Syndrome There are also things you can do to reduce your risk further. In a lightning storm, we take cover and get out of swimming pools. Similarly, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for TSS (keep reading to learn more!).

## It’s treatable.
Fortunately, Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare. To put it in perspective, you are more likely to die from being struck by lightning than you are from Toxic Shock Syndrome There are also things you can do to reduce your risk further. In a lightning storm, we take cover and get out of swimming pools. Similarly, there are things you can do to reduce your risk for TSS (keep reading to learn more!). 

## Know the Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms
TSS can feel a lot like the flu, and symptoms can vary from person to person, but most commonly, the symptoms of TSS are:
-	High fever (over 102° F or 38.9° C)
-	Body or joint aches
-	Nausea and/or vomiting
-	Diarrhea
-	Dizziness or fainting or confusion
-	Sometimes there is a red rash

If you are using a tampon, and feel very ill with some of the symptoms above, it’s important to remove your tampon right away, get immediate medical attention, and tell the person you’re with or the healthcare provider you’re worried about Toxic Shock Syndrome.
## Reduce your risk
TSS is rare, but you can reduce your risk even more by following a few recommendations:
-	Always use the [lowest absorbency tampon that will manage your flow](/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/). If it hurts to remove after a few hours, go down a size.
-	Know the symptoms of TSS mentioned above, and get immediate medical attention if you are worried you may have it.
-	The risk of tampon-related TSS can also be reduced by interrupting tampon use with pads from time to time.
## Will organic tampons reduce my risk of TSS?
Nope. What you use is a personal choice, but the risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome is the same for organic or non-organic tampons and it’s also the same for cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. The only difference in tampons that can increase the risk for TSS is the absorbency. A higher absorbency tampon can increase the risk for TSS. A lower absorbency can have a lower risk. That’s why you should always use the lowest absorbency tampon that will control your flow – and it doesn’t matter if it’s organic or conventional.
## Is it possible to get TSS more than once?
Unfortunately, yes. If you’ve had tampon-related Toxic Shock Syndrome in the past, you should consult with your doctor before using tampons. Most doctors recommend no tampon use if you’ve had TSS before.
## How long can I wear a tampon safely and not get TSS?
There’s no exact answer for this one, but there are recommendations. The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) which regulates tampons, states you should never wear a tampon more than eight hours for hygiene purposes. Most gynecologists also recommend you change your tampon every 4-8 hours for vaginal health reasons. We know that the risk of TSS increases with absorbency, and there is no precise time limit supported by research. It’s always healthiest and safest to use the smallest tampon that will manage your flow and change them regularly.
## Let’s Recap
I know that was a lot of information about Toxic Shock Syndrome, so here’s a quick review:
-	Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but serious infection
-	TSS is treatable, especially if it’s caught early
-	You can reduce your risk for TSS: 
-	Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can to manage your flow
-	 Break up your tampon use with pads. Know the symptoms! If you’re using a tampon and you experience any flu-like symptoms, take your tampon out and seek immediate medical attention, letting the medical professional know you’re worried you might have TSS

Now that you have the facts, you don’t need to be afraid. Tampax responsibly!


Let’s put this one to rest once and for all. You should only use a tampon for up to 8 hours. So, if you’re asking can you sleep with a tampon in, the short answer is yes. Your tampon doesn’t know if it’s day or night and will work the same while you sleep, just be sure to only use a tampon for up to 8 hours. Given that you may sleep for eight hours, when you’re about to hit the sheets and are planning to sleep with a tampon in, first be sure to put in a new one, and then remove the tampon as soon as you wake up. . 

If you’re super exhausted and think you’ll sleep longer than that, you should wear a pad instead. If you’re worried about tampon timing because you’ve heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome - know that how long you wear a tampon does not increase your risk of TSS. You can learn more about [Toxic Shock Syndrome here](/en-us/period-health/toxic-shock-syndrome-causes-treatment/).

period calculatore core feature 1 image

Top Header Banner

# The Period and Wellness Tracking app that helps #EndPeriodPoverty as you use it.

Find your flow combo with Tampax Pearl

Discover our Tampax Pearl Ultra tampons which are designed for ultra heavy flow days with 2X the absorbency of regular tampons.