Foreign Body, Vagina

• Vagina Foreign Body Overview
• Vaginal Foreign Body Causes
• Vaginal Foreign Body Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Vaginal Foreign Body Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Vagina Foreign Body Overview

Some objects are designed for use in a woman’s vagina. These include tampons, vaginal suppositories, and medications delivered through the vagina. Others are not intended to be inserted and may be placed there accidentally or intentionally. Doctors referred to objects found in the vagina as “foreign bodies.” These foreign bodies may produce symptoms or be asymptomatic for long periods of time.

Small objects inserted into the vagina, do not generally cause pain. Unusual objects, generally those larger than the customary vaginal diameter or size of the introitus, may cause pain because of distention. Other objects may cause pain due to sharp edges. 

Vaginal foreign bodies are very commonly seen in children. Adolescent girls may present with foreign bodies, which primarily consist of forgotten tampons or broken portions of condoms. Adults may also present to the emergency department with vaginal foreign objects, which may have been placed there intentionally as part of a sexual encounter or placed as part of an episode of abuse.

While a variety of symptoms may result from a foreign body in the vagina, the most common symptoms are bleeding or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Less common symptoms may include pain or urinary discomfort. 

Rarely do foreign bodies produce a systemic infection except in circumstances such as severe immunocompromise or disruption of the vaginal wall with secondary infection. Perforation through the vagina into the abdominal cavity may also result in acute abdominal symptoms.