How to Know if a Tampon has Caused an Infection

Although tampons are usually safe to use, once in awhile they may be the cause of an infection. In rare cases, tampons may cause you to develop abnormal discharge or trigger the more serious toxic shock syndrome (TSS). To rule out any other medical problems, you'll want to figure out if a tampon is the cause of your infection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consider how long you have kept the tampon in. If you have kept a tampon in your vagina for a day or more, then it has likely caused your vaginal infection.
2. Keep a note of the type of tampons that you use. It is found that super absorbent tampons are more likely to cause an infection because they are kept in the vagina for an extended period of time.
3. Speak to a gynecologist. Tell the doctor that you think you have a vaginal infection and you suspect that it was caused by a lost or forgotten tampon.
4. Tell the doctor if you suffered any abrasions when removing the tampon. If you have had a light flow, then you may have caused small abrasions when you took it out.
5. Relay your symptoms. The doctor is going to want to know the symptoms of your infection. Abnormal and foul smelling discharge is often a symptom of a tampon-induced infection.
6. Get a vaginal exam if necessary. The doctor may wish to examine you and run some tests to find out the exact cause of your vaginal infection. During your treatment, she may recommend switching to sanitary pads.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent an infection caused by a tampon, you should change the tampon on a very regular basis.
• Vaginal infections can be caused by many other medical conditions besides tampon use. An STD, thrush and douching can also cause infections to manifest.