Vaginal Foreign Body
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is a vaginal foreign body?
A vaginal foreign body is an object that is stuck in your vagina. Some examples are a tampon, pessary, or IUD.
What are the signs and symptoms of a vaginal foreign body?
Signs and symptoms depend on the type of foreign body and how long it is in place:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Discharge from your vagina that may smell foul or be pink or brown
- Vaginal bleeding that is not your monthly period
- Changes or problems with urinating or having bowel movements
- Urinary tract infections that happen often
How is a vaginal foreign body found and removed?
- A pelvic exam may be done to help your provider check your vagina. During a pelvic exam, a speculum is gently placed into your vagina. A speculum is a tool that opens your vagina. Your provider may remove the object with forceps. Samples of any vaginal discharge will be sent to a lab for tests.
- X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound pictures may be used to find the object. You may be given contrast liquid to help the object show up better in pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- Vaginoscopy or hysteroscopy may be used to help your healthcare provider find or remove an object. A small scope with a light and camera is placed into your vagina. For hysteroscopy, the scope is moved through your cervix and into your uterus.
- Surgery may be needed if your provider is not able to remove the object another way.
What can I do to manage a vaginal foreign body?
The following may help relieve symptoms from the vaginal foreign body or from procedures used to remove it:
- Use medicines as directed to prevent or relieve symptoms. Antibiotics may be given to help prevent or fight a bacterial infection. Hormone cream may heal scratches or wounds in your vagina. Over-the-counter creams or ointments help decrease itching and inflammation. Examples include petroleum jelly, zinc creams, or hydrocortisone creams.
- Use a sitz bath. Fill a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of warm water. You may also use a sitz bath pan that fits inside a toilet bowl. Sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes each day, or as directed. The warm water may help decrease pain and swelling.
- Do not use douches other irritating products in your vagina. Examples include bubble baths and perfumed soaps. The vagina is delicate and easily irritated. Ask your healthcare provider if it is okay to use tampons during your monthly periods. You may need to use pads instead until your symptoms go away.
- Do not have sex until your symptoms go away. When you have sex, always use a condom. Condoms can help protect you from contact with fluids from your partner that may cause pain or irritation.
What can I do to prevent an infection?
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash before you prepare or eat food. Also wash after you use the bathroom or change a child's diaper. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wipe from front to back. Do this after you urinate or have a bowel movement to prevent germs from getting into your vagina.
- Wash the area around your vagina each day. Use mild, unscented soap. Let the area air dry before you get dressed.
- Do not leave tampons in for longer than recommended. A tampon should never stay in for longer than 8 hours.
When should I call my doctor or gynecologist?
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your symptoms do not go away in 3 to 5 days.
- You have increased vaginal discharge, even after the foreign body is removed.
- You have pain and cramps in your abdomen.
- You have pain during sexual intercourse.
- You have pain in your lower back or side.
- Your skin is red, itchy, or you have a new rash.
- You have a hard time urinating, or you urinate more often than usual.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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