How do you know if a tampon is still in you?

How to Know If You’ve Left a Tampon In

It’s more common than you might think—forgetting a tampon can happen to anyone, especially during a busy day or a particularly heavy period. While most of us remember to change them on schedule, sometimes one gets overlooked. Knowing the signs of a retained tampon can save you from discomfort—or even a more serious infection.

A foul odor is usually the first clue. If you notice an unusual, unpleasant smell coming from your vagina, especially after your period has ended, that’s a red flag. This odor often comes from bacteria thriving in the moist environment around the forgotten tampon.

You might also experience abnormal discharge—brown, green, yellow, or even gray in color. This, combined with itching inside the vagina or redness and rash around the genital area, could signal infection. Some women report painful urination or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic region. In more severe cases, symptoms like abdominal pain or even vomiting can occur, which may point to a serious condition like toxic shock syndrome—though this is rare.

Thankfully, checking is simple. Wash your hands and gently insert a finger into your vagina. If you feel something soft and cotton-like, it’s likely the tampon. Remove it carefully and, if symptoms persist, see a healthcare provider. Most importantly, don’t panic—this happens, and catching it early means a quick, safe fix.

To avoid it in the future, try setting a reminder when you insert a tampon, especially if you’re on a hectic schedule. Your body will thank you.