Nurse Finds Lost Tampon After Woman’s Suffering

A woman from Essex, England had health issues because of a forgotten tampon inside her for weeks. This is important as it nearly led to toxic shock syndrome, a serious condition.

Hollie Smith, 31, noticed strange symptoms such as pain during sex and unusual discharge while on a holiday in Turkey in August 2025. She was confused about the cause and thought it might be related to her contraceptive implant.

Smith experienced worsening symptoms, including bleeding and a strong smell, leading her to seek medical help. A nurse discovered a tampon had been lodged inside her for four to six weeks. This was causing early signs of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but dangerous infection linked to tampon use.

Smith and her partner had not realised the tampon was there. She recalled she might have inserted it while tipsy after drinking alcohol, something she doesn’t usually do. When the tampon was removed, it was black and caused her pain.

Smith expressed relief that the nurse found the tampon in time, preventing a severe health crisis. She said, “I feel so lucky.” Since the incident, she no longer uses or keeps tampons at home.

How much do you know?

What health issue did the woman from Essex face due to a forgotten tampon?

Toxic shock syndrome

Urinary tract infection

Bacterial vaginosis

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Where was Hollie Smith on holiday when she noticed her symptoms?

Spain

France

Turkey

Italy

What unusual symptom did Hollie Smith NOT experience?

Pain during sex

Unusual discharge

Severe headaches

Strong smell

How long had the tampon been inside Hollie Smith according to the nurse?

One week

Two weeks

Four to six weeks

A month

What was the color of the tampon when it was removed?

White

Pink

Black

Red

What did Hollie Smith attribute her confusion about symptoms to?

Food poisoning

Her contraceptive implant

Stress

Dehydration

Hollie Smith had been using tampons regularly before the incident.

True False

The tampon inside Hollie Smith was discovered by a nurse.

True False

Hollie Smith felt relieved after the tampon was found.

True False

Hollie Smith often drinks alcohol.

True False

Toxic shock syndrome is a common condition associated with tampon use.

True False

Hollie Smith has continued to use tampons after the incident.

True False

Hollie Smith noticed strange symptoms such as pain during sex and unusual discharge while on a holiday in Turkey in 2025.

Hollie Smith expressed relief that the nurse found the tampon in time, preventing a severe crisis.

Hollie Smith had health issues because of a forgotten tampon inside her for weeks.

The tampon was causing early signs of shock syndrome.

Smith recalled she might have inserted the tampon while after drinking alcohol.

Since the incident, she no longer uses or keeps tampons at .

This question is required