Nurse Discovers Tampon Lost in Woman’s Body for Weeks

A woman in Essex, England, experienced severe discomfort due to a tampon that had been lost inside her body for weeks. Hollie Smith, 31, began noticing unusual symptoms, including pain and a brown discharge, while on holiday in Turkey in August 2025. Despite feeling concerned, she did not immediately associate these signs with a serious issue.

As her symptoms worsened, including increased pain during intercourse and extreme fatigue, Smith consulted a doctor. During a check-up, a nurse discovered the source of her problems: a tampon had been lodged inside her for four to six weeks. Smith described her shock, as she had always been careful about tampon use.

Medical experts revealed that Smith was showing initial signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal condition linked to tampon use. TSS occurs when toxins from certain bacteria enter the bloodstream, causing severe illness. Smith indicated that neither she nor her partner had felt the tampon during this time.

She recalled the distressing moment when the tampon was removed, describing it as black and lodged painfully inside her. Smith suspects she may have forgotten she used it after consuming alcohol, which she usually avoids.

Grateful for the timely discovery, she feels fortunate to have avoided a more serious situation, noting that she believes she was close to developing full-blown TSS. Since the incident, Smith has not used tampons and has decided to keep them out of her home.

How much do you know?

What unusual symptoms did Hollie Smith notice while on holiday?

Nausea and vomiting

Pain and brown discharge

Fever and chills

Headaches and dizziness

How long had the tampon been lodged inside Hollie Smith's body?

One week

Two weeks

Four to six weeks

Eight weeks

What condition was Hollie Smith showing initial signs of?

Menstrual syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Septic shock

Where did Hollie Smith experience the discomfort related to the lost tampon?

At home

On holiday in Turkey

At work

In a restaurant

What did Hollie Smith suspect may have caused her to forget about the tampon?

Anxiety

Fatigue

Consumption of alcohol

Medication

What did Hollie Smith decide to do after the incident?

Continue using tampons

Use menstrual cups

Stop using tampons

Consult more doctors

Hollie Smith's symptoms improved immediately after she consulted a doctor.

True False

Hollie Smith felt the tampon while it was lodged inside her body.

True False

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a common condition linked to tampon use.

True False

Hollie Smith is now using tampons again after the incident.

True False

The tampon was black and lodged painful inside Hollie Smith.

True False

Hollie Smith was unaware that the tampon was lost inside her body for several weeks.

True False

Hollie Smith experienced pain and a brown discharge while on holiday in Turkey in .

The tampon had been lodged inside her body for weeks.

Medical experts warned that TSS can enter the and cause severe illness.

Hollie Smith described her shock when the tampon was .

After the incident, Hollie Smith has kept tampons out of her .

Hollie Smith reported feeling extreme among her symptoms.

This question is required