Accidentally put 2 tampons in, both came out but still smells bad

[plethr.livejournal.com]

I didn't realize it, but apparently I had put two tampons inside of me.  Luckily, when I went to take out one, the second one slipped out.  It was quite a bit more compacted and at first I didn't realize what it was exactly.  Anyway, that was 3 or 4 days ago when it slipped out, and I probably only had the second one stuck in there for a day or two.  Today was the last day of my cycle and I'm realizing that it smells like a very strong fishy/metallic smell down there.  Is it possible that there's something else stuck in there?  Or is this just a residual smell that will subside now that it's out?  I'm paranoid now.

Comments

[sxdx.livejournal.com]

I don't know the answer to your question but leaving a tampon in for "a day or two" is really asking for trouble.

[slinkslowdown.livejournal.com]

+1!

[plethr.livejournal.com]

I agree... it was the tampon that was forgotten about that was left up there for "a day or two." I don't intentionally leave tampons up there for more than 8 hours.

[nickelshoe.livejournal.com]

It's possible that some of the tampon is still hanging around in there. You might also have developed a bacterial infection.

[makale-83.livejournal.com]

+1

[gryphonwing.livejournal.com]

Well, you don't have the symptoms of TSS or you'd have said something, so you're safe there. :)

You could have a case of bacterial vaginosis. I've done that before - the two-tampon thing - and had a pretty unpleasant odor for a few days, but it subsided. I assume I ended up with bacterial overgrowth that corrected itself once the offending object was gone.

If it doesn't clear up in a couple of days I'd suggest going to a doctor if you have access.

[plethr.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this info, I really appreciate it. I'm hoping the smell dissipates, but if it doesn't clear up in the next few days, I'll make an appointment with Planned Parenthood.

[gryphonwing.livejournal.com]

If you *do* start having any other symptoms, get seen sooner. I guess I thought that went without saying... but just in case. :)

[kuradi8.livejournal.com]

If you're worried there might be another or a stray piece left up there, then insert your (clean) finger and swish around.

I did that too, several years ago. It must have been in there for a week. Yeah, it smelled REALLY BAD when I discovered it. But I was fine, and hopefully you will be too.

Keep an eye out for bad reactions and if you're really concerned, then this is one of the few times I'd suggest a disposable douche. They usually do more harm than good but the situation might warrant a rinsing.

Otherwise, you will probably be FINE but don't be afraid to consult a professional if you suspect otherwise -- especially if you get a fever or feel nauseous.

[gryphonwing.livejournal.com]

Heh, I tried to decide if I should recommend a douche or not. I was going to suggest a mild vinegar solution... but then I realized I have no idea about douching with BV and if there's a risk that it'll carry anything through the cervix?

I suppose a very gentle douche wouldn't anyway...

[patchworkorange]

That is what my midwife had me do; vinegar/water douches with a couple T of Betadine, just as in the "medicated" you can buy ready mixed today.

That might be all that is needed!

[okamikaze.livejournal.com]

It sounds a little like bacterial vaginosis. I would err on the side of caution and get it checked out.

[sweetchild92.livejournal.com]

+1

[kuangning]

There are a couple of possibilities -- one is that you might have a remnant of the tampon stiull there. Water and your fingers should really be sufficient for that, and that's what you should try first. The other thing is a possible infection. If the smell doesn't go away after the rinse with your fingers and water, or you don't find anything, I would try coating your fingers (or another tampon) with diluted tea tree oil and applying that vaginally. It's antibiotic and anti-fungal, and should at least tide you over until you can get to a doctor, if it doesn't clear it up entirely.

[shdwcat.livejournal.com]

I've only left tampons in overnight at most, and that smell goes away. But this reminds me of this thread http://www.xojane.com/healthy/tell-gross-story-about-tampons, where a LOT of people cop accidentally leaving tampons in as you did! Idk useless comment, I know, but maybe it'll make you feel better, or you can see what they did, lol.

[paintedmaypole.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to say, in case it makes you feel any less anxious, I've totally done this too! I was fine when it happened to me. The tampon that was left in too long had a slightly stronger odor, but that was about it. Maybe just start by rinsing out with water and see how that goes?