Vaginal Foreign Body
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
A vaginal foreign body is an object that is stuck in your vagina. Some examples are a tampon, pessary, or IUD.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your doctor or gynecologist if:
- 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.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Over-the-counter creams or ointments may be recommended. Examples include petroleum jelly, zinc creams, or hydrocortisone creams. These will help decrease itching and inflammation.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Hormone cream may heal scratches or wounds in your vagina.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage a vaginal foreign body:
The following may help relieve symptoms from the vaginal foreign body or from procedures used to remove it:
- 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.
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.
Follow up with your doctor or gynecologist within 7 days, or as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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