Tampon been in for about a week

[pamelat]

wanted to name change but too much of a phaff, embarassed by this though

re-started the pill a few weeks back and noticed an unpleasant smell, believed it was hormonal due to the pill

Smell continued (not worse but same) and started to get strange sensations, amost like waters having broken (have had 2 children)

DH said I smelt "slightly"!!

Got tummy ache/swollen yesterday and suddenly thought this morning "what if I didnt remove the last tampon" (a week ago tipsy at a wedding)

Went to toilet and too much info, but managed to find it and pull it out.

read lots online, actually more common (thank god) than you would believe but just worried re infections/TSS etc

I dont feel unwell but stomach is tender and slightly sore throat, but nothing much, in fact feel better than earlier in the week when felt I had a cold, but both children full of cold

just want reassurace/similar stories I guess that now its out I dont need medical intervention? My GP is male and I would be mortified to have to tell him.

[allthefires]

Ring Nhs direct NOW

They Are the only ones who can really advise.

[KurriKurri]

Since you have pain, I would go to the GP, just in case there is some sort of pelvic infection.

Don't risk your health over embarrassment, your GP will have heard it all before, he will have done training in hospitals where people come in having stuck toilet brushes and ketchup bottles up their bum. Your forgotten tampon will be small beer in comparison.

Honestly, joking aside, I've had a pelvic infection and I was pretty ill, I wouldn't want the same thing to happen to you, get it checked

[LadyWithNoManors]

Yes ring NHS direct. You can't be too careful. You may need antibiotics.

[pamelat]

I feel I've got a way lightly, feel I should have felt worse and smell could have worse!!! It was starting to be noticeable to the extent that I worried people would notice though

Will all NHS, maybe they can give me antibiotics without me seeing my GP.

[jenniec79]

Don't Panic

If you had TSS you'd know about it by now!

If you're feeling ok, there's really very little to worry about. When I worked in A&E there was a steady trickle of women coming in with retained tampons they couldn't reach to get out themselves. They stink, but don't remember ever needing to give anyone antibiotics.

If you start feeling sick, may be a different matter, but I'd advise keeping an eye out for the symptoms on the tampon pack, and maybe avoiding taponsd for your next period (just to let things up there settle down a bit)

Longterm, I'd suggest a mooncup - miniscule TSS risk as non-absorbant, far less faff (once you get going), and you know where it is cos you keep it for next time.

[Elibean]

I did that once - didn't realize, started spotting and went to GP and was mortified!

Honestly, don't panic. Unless you start running a temperature, I'm sure you are fine.

[Elibean]

Oops, posted too fast - just to add, don't think NHS direct will give you anything, but may have an opinion as to whether to bother going to GP or not. GP will have seen a zillion times, really don't be embarrassed!

[allthefires]

Nhs direct will allow the OP to discuss with health care professional who can either advise out of hours or gp.

[Putthatbookdown]

if you do not like Gp why not go to your local Sexual health clinic? They specialise in these things and are really sympathetic as well

[Sidge]

Really not uncommon so don't worry.

NHS Direct can't prescribe - they are only an advice and redirection service.

You need to see OOH, your GP or practice nurse really. You may well need antibiotics if you have a smelly discharge.