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Lost Tampon Causes Toxic Shock Syndrome Scare
22 Mar
Summary
- A forgotten tampon led to toxic shock syndrome symptoms in a 31-year-old woman.
- The lost tampon caused pain, bleeding, and foul odor for weeks.
- Doctors found the tampon, estimating it had been inside for six weeks.
A woman in Essex, England, faced a frightening health scare when a tampon, forgotten inside her body for an estimated four to six weeks, led to the initial stages of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The 31-year-old began experiencing symptoms such as brown discharge, pain during intercourse, and a noticeable odor. She initially attributed these changes to her contraceptive implant.
Her condition worsened with bleeding and extreme fatigue before a nurse's examination revealed the lost tampon. Medical experts confirmed she was showing early signs of TSS, a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection commonly associated with tampon use. The woman expressed shock that neither she nor her partner had detected the tampon's presence over the weeks it remained lodged internally.
Recalling the incident, she believes she may have inserted the tampon after consuming alcohol and subsequently forgot. She feels fortunate that it was discovered before progressing to full-blown toxic shock, a situation she described as petrifying. Following this experience, she has discontinued tampon use and removed them from her home.
