The gynecologist says: this is what I found in the vagina and anus
Gynecologists sometimes encounter things that shouldn't be there: a forgotten tampon, a sex toy that went the wrong way, or just a cucumber that didn't want to come back. It happens more often than you think, it's rarely dangerous, and no doctor is surprised by it anymore. These are the most common findings, and what you can do if you suspect something has been left behind.
What do gynecologists find most often?
By far the classic is theforgotten tampon. A woman comes in complaining of a strange smell, and after some speculum work, it turns out there is a tampon that has been there for weeks. Sometimes the culprit is a new tampon that has simply pushed the old one further inside, making the string unfindable. Innocent, but not without risk: with long-forgotten tampons, toxic shock syndrome can lurk, so check those panties every now and then.
Vegetables, fruits, and other kitchen contents
From cucumbers to carrots: if it's elongated and fits in the fridge, a gynecologist has probably had to remove it at some point. Usually, it goes wrong because something breaks, gets stuck, or is just used a bit too enthusiastically. The medical term is always the same: “retention of a foreign object.” The stories behind them are never.
Sex toys that took on a life of their own
Vibrators without batteries that slipped just a bit too far inside, balls from geisha balls that got lost, or a dildo whose string broke at the wrong moment. Gynecologists emphasize that this happens more often than you think and that there is no reason to be ashamed. They have literally seen it hundreds of times.
Condoms that secretly stayed inside
A condom that slips off during sex and then just stays inside is surprisingly common. Often you only notice it days later when a strange smell or irritation suddenly appears. The solution is less dramatic than it feels: a quick visit to the GP or gynecologist and the problem is solved in two minutes.
And then the anus: from goldfish to lightbulbs
Where vaginal findings are often accidental, this is more regularly the result of conscious experiments that got out of hand. Emergency doctors could write volumes about the most diverse objects that have ended up in the emergency room, from deodorant bottles to toys. The common denominator: the smoother and rounder the object, the greater the chance it slips the wrong way and doesn't come back on its own.
What should you do if you think something has been left behind?
If you feel a strange smell, irritation, or just a vague feeling that something is wrong, don't wait. Call your GP or gynecologist and just explain what's going on, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. Most of these situations can be resolved in a few minutes with a speculum and tweezers. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of an infection, so shame should never be the reason to postpone it.
Why you never have to be ashamed of this
Every gynecologist who talks to you about this says exactly the same thing: shame is the last thing you need in that chair. They have seen it, they have heard it before, and their only goal is for you to go home healthy. So if something ever disappears that you thought would never come out: just call. They have certainly experienced worse things than your story.
Frequently asked questions
Is it dangerous if something is left in your vagina?
Usually not acutely dangerous, but there is a risk of infection or, in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome with long-forgotten tampons. The sooner it is removed, the smaller the risk.
What happens if you go to the gynecologist for something like this?
The gynecologist places a speculum, removes the object with forceps or tweezers, and checks for any inflammation. That's it. No lecture, no judgment.
Can you remove a tampon or sex toy that is stuck by yourself?
Often yes, by calmly bending over or pushing as if you need to poop, and feeling with clean hands. If that doesn't work within a few attempts, then consult a doctor instead of continuing to try yourself.
