Urgent - stuck tampon!

Oh god, this is so embarrassing.

I tried using tampons for the first time today. Got it in fine, but I absolutely can't get it out. The string is still hanging down, but I pull and pull and the blasted thing won't budge. I've tried everything I can think of - making sure I'm calm and relaxed (deep breaths, rescue remedy, camomile tea) and various positions but no good. I think it moved a bit, because I can feel it now whereas I obviously couldn't before. But when I pull it really hurts.

Any advice really appreciated! I pretty much can't go to bed until this is sorted!

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

1

soak in a warm bath and it should just pop out

Reply 2

À la mode

1

If it hurts it means it isn't ready to come out! However if you've had it in longer than 6 hours, it needs to come out, so a) pull harder, sometimes it is a little painful, sometimes it isn't or b) you'll have to go to the doctors tomorrow and get it removed.
Don't panic though :smile:

The more tense you are, the harder it will be to pull out!
Good luck and don't let it put you off using tampons in the future :wink:

EDIT: I'm sure it'll come out anyway, you just have to really pull. However if you can't then seriosuly go to the doctors and they will sort it out easily...it's happened to one of my friends before (the string came off!) and the doctor said it happens from time to time, no problem to sort out, don't be embarassed etc. Just make sure you do sort it out quickly as it increased the chances of TSS. (Don't worry though, it's very rare)

Reply 3

Dark Flower

And to the OP, soak in a bath. It probably hurts because it's not full yet, so if you let it soak up water, it should be easier to get out. If you want to try them again, then use a smaller size.

Reply 4

la fille danse

17

How long has it been in for? And you ARE on your period, aren't you?

Reply 5

tetrahydrocannabinol.

10

To the OP: Basically what Ellen said, plus you could try putting some water up there gently using a shower hose or something, and it'll make the tampon expand (in a good way, it'll get soft and easier to remove, so don't think it'll make it even worse by making it bigger) and pull gently and it should come out easily. :smile:

Reply 6

spider from mars

OP

13

Yes I'm on my period. It's been in for about 6 hours. I don't have a bath in my house. Already had a shower this evening - no help. I've tried pulling on the string, and I've also attempted to work it out with my fingers, but it's like it's caught in a vice! Arrgggh!

Reply 7

fleur de lis

15

If you really can't get it out with water and trying to work it out with your fingers, your best bet is probably to go to the doctor tomorrow and have them remove it. Are you sure you're not tensing up because you're panicking about the fact it's stuck?

Reply 8

smellielli

1

clockworkapples

Yes I'm on my period. It's been in for about 6 hours. I don't have a bath in my house. Already had a shower this evening - no help. I've tried pulling on the string, and I've also attempted to work it out with my fingers, but it's like it's caught in a vice! Arrgggh!

You might have to think about going to A&E. I think 6 hours is too long (wouldn't know, I'm a guy). Try calling the NHS helpline thingy and see what they say.

Reply 9

fleur de lis

15

6-8 hours is OK, but any longer isn't good really.

Reply 10

JC.

19

Could you put something thin either side of it and then draw it out?

Reply 11

smellielli

1

Do not under any circumstances put anything up there that isn't made for the job, especially if its not clean.

Reply 12

isabella

9

Is it out yet ?

Try squating & pushing like you are having a Bowel movement.

Unfortunatley tomorrow is Sunday, maybe A&E is ur best option ?

Reply 13

smellielli

1

Btw, there's no reason to be embarrassed by going to your GP or to the local A&E. Its actually quite common says my Dr sister.

Reply 14

happydinosaur

15

Or an NHS walk in centre if there is one?

Reply 15

Erica

I've never really got on with them either!!!! If you can still see the string though it should most definitely come out. sometimes it hurts me too when i pull it out but its over in a second your obviously just having a very light period! take a deep breath and just go for it!!! the water things a good idea!

Reply 16

isabella

9

Yeah if the string is showing that's good.

Maybe it hasn't been in for long enough ?

Reply 17

strawberry

13

holy crap this is probably gonna make me swear off never ever using tampons!! do you think it's caught on something inside? like I dunno what it could possibly be caught on but ouchies..