Woman, 31, Was Suffering During Sex. Then, a Nurse Found a Tampon That Had Been Lost in Her Body for Weeks

In a shocking turn of events, a 31-year-old woman from Essex has revealed that she unknowingly left a tampon lodged in her body for up to six weeks. Hollie Smith’s ordeal is a startling reminder of the dangers associated with tampon use, particularly when awareness is not fully maintained.

The health scare began during a family holiday to Turkey in August 2025. While enjoying her time away, Smith started experiencing a brown discharge. “I didn’t know what it was, but it was starting to worry me,” she recounted. The unusual symptoms persisted, as she had noticed similar signs weeks before the holiday, and they became more frequent, prompting increasing concern.

Alongside the discharge, Hollie began to suffer from a copper-like odour during intimate moments with her partner. Initially attributing these changes to her contraceptive implant, Smith soon found herself grappling with escalating symptoms, which included pain and bleeding during intercourse. In her words, she also began experiencing hot sweats and extreme fatigue, leading her to seek medical attention.

A visit to the doctor soon turned into a life-changing experience. During a routine check-up, the nurse made a startling discovery that left Smith in tears. “As I got on the bed and she went to do the swabs, she said, ‘I think you’ve got a tampon stuck in you.’ I burst out crying,” Smith said. The nurse estimated that the tampon had been lodged inside her for a considerable amount of time—between four to six weeks.

The situation became more concerning when medical professionals indicated that Smith was beginning to show the early signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection often associated with tampon use. Alarmingly, neither Smith nor her partner had felt the tampon within her body during that time. “I didn’t feel anything inside me, which was really strange. I asked my partner if he felt it, and he said no,” she explained.

The removal of the tampon was an uncomfortable experience for Smith. She described it as being “pure black” and noted that it was lodged inside her. “When it came out, it really hurt; it was lodged to my inside,” she recalled. Reflecting on how the situation unfolded, Smith speculated that she may have inserted the tampon after consuming alcohol, a practice she does not often partake in. “I can’t remember using it, so I must’ve put it in when I was a bit tipsy,” she admitted.

Smith expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of the nurse, stating, “I reckon I had another week before I was in full-blown toxic shock. I feel so lucky; it petrified me.” The prospect of the situation worsening into a life-threatening condition has led her to make significant changes in her habits; she has since decided to abstain from using tampons altogether and no longer keeps them in her home.

This incident serves as a cautionary tale regarding the potential risks associated with tampon use, particularly when users lose track of their products. Smith’s experience highlights the importance of awareness and vigilance in health matters. As she moves forward, Smith hopes to raise awareness of the risks and encourage others to be cautious.

The medical community reminds individuals using tampons to be aware of the symptoms of TSS and to maintain proper hygiene practices. As concerns around feminine hygiene develop, keeping an open conversation about such matters is crucial for safety and health. Smith’s story is a powerful reminder of the unexpected consequences that can arise from common practices, and it’s essential to prioritize one’s health and well-being.