Woman Shares Terrifying Experience After Forgetting a Tampon for Over a Month

A woman has gone viral after revealing the horrifying symptoms she developed when she accidentally left a tampon inside her body for more than a month, leading to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Most people who menstruate are warned from the very start: tampons should be changed every four to six hours. The dangers of leaving one in too long are serious, with TSS being one of the most frightening risks.

According to the NHS, toxic shock syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins entering the bloodstream. It can develop quickly and requires urgent treatment. Early symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, dizziness, nausea, and a sunburn-like rash that feels rough, similar to sandpaper.

How it happened

The woman shared her story on Reddit, explaining that she forgot to remove her tampon before having s*x with her boyfriend, and then inserted another one afterward. When her period ended, the forgotten tampon remained inside her body.

Weeks later, she started feeling unwell. “A couple weeks later, I was showing signs of a UTI,” she wrote. After visiting her doctor, she was prescribed medication, but the symptoms only worsened. Soon, she found herself in the emergency room with fever, abdominal pain, nausea, muscle aches, dizziness, and confusion.

Doctors treated her for what they thought was a bacterial infection, and her symptoms improved. Looking back, she realized the antibiotics prescribed for the UTI were the same ones typically used in the early stages of TSS.

A woman has gone viral after revealing the horrifying symptoms she developed when she accidentally left a tampon inside her body for more than a month, leading to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Unsplash

A shocking discovery

Even though her symptoms eased, she noticed a lingering foul smell after s*x but dismissed it as part of her infection. Weeks later, things took a dramatic turn. “This week, I started feeling really crappy and had pain in my lower abdomen,” she explained. “I thought I had a head cold, until I was cleaning myself after s*x and I felt something grainy, almost like wet paper, up in my vagina.”

What she discovered left her horrified: “Immediately, I freaked out and spent 30 minutes digging it out, to which I found the grossest tampon I’ve ever seen. I threw it away and cleaned myself five times over again, almost puking from disgust.”

Of course, it's not just about forgetfulness. The fear and anxiety associated with such a health scare can lead to psychological distress, even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some cases. According to Carmassi et al., 2017, individuals who have experienced severe health issues can develop PTSD symptoms, including re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance of related cues, and increased arousal and reactivity.

“I started feeling really crappy and had pain in my lower abdomen,” she explained.

Unsplash

Her experience is a stark reminder of just how dangerous it can be to forget a tampon. While it may seem like a small mistake, the consequences can be serious. Experts advise setting reminders on your phone or keeping a mental checklist during your period to avoid accidental overuse.

he NHS recommends that you change your tampon at least once every four to six hours

Unsplash

Understanding the Psychology Behind Health-Related Forgetfulness

Forgetting a tampon for an extended period, as in the situation described, is a critical mistake that can lead to serious health consequences. However, such errors may be a consequence of cognitive overload, a psychological concept that refers to the excessive amount of information or tasks one tries to manage simultaneously (Klingberg, 2016). In our fast-paced society, it's common for people to juggle multiple tasks, which can lead to forgetfulness in various aspects of life, including personal health care.

Better Health and the NHS recommend several safety steps to lower the risk:

• Change tampons every 4–6 hours, and never leave one in overnight.
• Use the lowest absorbency needed for your flow, and avoid super-absorbent tampons.
• Only unwrap a tampon immediately before use and wash your hands before and after insertion.
• Be gentle when inserting and removing to avoid irritation.
• Switch to pads or panty liners during the lighter days of your period.
• Avoid wearing tampons when you’re not menstruating.

While toxic shock syndrome is rare, it can be life-threatening. The woman’s terrifying story is a powerful reminder to stay vigilant and prioritize menstrual health — because a simple oversight can have serious consequences.

What Research Shows About Health Education and Behavior

Health education plays a fundamental role in preventing such incidents. The Health Belief Model, a psychological model that predicts health behaviors, suggests that individuals are more likely to take health precautions if they perceive the threat as severe and believe that their actions can effectively reduce the risk (Carpenter, 2010). Therefore, comprehensive education about menstruation and the risks associated with improper tampon use can significantly decrease the likelihood of such incidents.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, both cognitive factors and inadequate health education can contribute to serious health mistakes, like forgetting a tampon. Health education needs to not only address the physical aspects but also take into account psychological elements such as cognitive overload and the potential psychological impact of severe health scares. By adopting a more holistic approach, we can help prevent such situations and reduce the risk of serious health consequences (Wittink, Barg, & Gallo, 2006).