Foreign objects in the vagina: causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is a foreign object in the vagina?

Certain objects are designed to be inserted into the vagina. For example tampons, contraceptives, and suppository drugs (inserted vaginally). Meanwhile, other objects must not be inserted into the vagina either intentionally or not.

If there is a certain object that enters the vagina that causes disturbance, doctors call it " foreign bodies Or a foreign object in the vagina. Yes, objects that enter the vagina can cause symptoms for quite a long time.

Cases of entry of objects into the vagina are more common in children than adolescents or adult women.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of this condition?

Some of the common symptoms of a foreign body in the vagina include:

• Yellowish, pink, or brownish discharge with a strong odor
• The vagina is itchy and smells bad
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Pain due to irritation
• Abdominal pain or pain in the pelvic area due to a foreign body injury that has injured the abdominal cavity
• Red skin
• The vagina (and vaginal lips) swell
• Rash around the vagina

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should check with your doctor every time you experience vaginal discharge that is not normal. Whether it's because of the unpleasant smell or the color is yellowish, greenish, brownish, and reddish. Likewise, if the discharge is very thick or lumpy.

Also pay attention if you experience vaginal bleeding (outside of your period) because this can occur due to a foreign object in the vagina.

If you notice a foreign object stuck in your vagina, tell your doctor right away. For example, if the tampon or condom is still in your vagina and you can't get it out.

In certain cases, the patient may need to be sedated to avoid pain or discomfort when the doctor removes a foreign object in the vagina. Talk to your doctor for more information on your condition.

Cause

Why can there be foreign objects in the vagina?

The most common cases are tissue that gets stuck in the vagina after urinating or defecating. Especially in children. There could also be material residue such as trapped clothes or carpets.

This can also happen when a child tries to insert something like crayons, markers, etc. into the vagina or the child accidentally sits on certain objects.

In adolescent or adult women, cases that are often reported are tampons that do not come out or do not come out completely (there are still some left). In certain cases, condoms can also be left in the vagina.

Especially if during intercourse, the condom breaks or breaks so that the material gets trapped in the vagina and is very difficult to remove.

Sometimes a foreign object in the vagina doesn't cause any symptoms, but an object that is large, sharp, or the material is hard enough can immediately cause certain complaints.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose or detect this condition?

The method for diagnosing and removing a foreign object in the vagina depends on the patient's age and how long it has been in the vagina.

For children, the doctor will examine the vulva and vaginal openings by separating the labia. After that, the doctor may use a warm water rinse technique to remove the object.

If the object is too large or difficult to remove, the doctor can sedate the child to make the procedure easier.

Meanwhile, for women and adolescents, doctors can use a speculum or forceps to remove foreign objects in the vagina.

It should be noted:

• Objects that can damage the vaginal wall need to be examined in detail through vaginal and cervical examinations. After that, the doctor will sedate you.
• A rectal examination can also be done to determine the location of the object.
• If the object has been stuck in the vagina for long enough, the vaginal wall may have been scraped, injured, or punctured. This can also cause infection in other parts of the body such as the stomach or hips (because the object has been carried inside).
• The doctor may recommend a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray of the abdomen. Ultrasound can also help determine where objects are located in the patient's body.

How do doctors treat foreign objects in the vagina?

People with this condition are more prone to developing bacterial infections. If the object is successfully removed using a warm water rinse technique, you may not need antibiotics for bacteria.

In children, this rinsing technique is usually the first choice. Meanwhile, if the object is bigger or the position is more complicated, the child needs to be sedated. The patient may also be given pain medication during the procedure.

The doctor may sedate you and examine the vaginal walls if the object is large enough to cause pain. Especially if the object has shifted or moved to another part of the body.

Anesthetics are performed so that the vaginal muscles relax and reduce pain. This slightly more complicated procedure may require antibiotic medication from a doctor.

After the object is removed and you take antibiotics, complaints such as infection, fever, pain, and vaginal discharge should soon be cured.

Prevention

What can be done to prevent foreign objects in the vagina?

Quoted from WebMD, here are some important points to prevent the entry of foreign objects in the vagina. However, the essence and the key is to keep the vaginal area clean.

• In children, parents must teach the correct way to wash the vagina is from front to back, not vice versa. This applies whether the child is urinating, defecating, or taking a shower.
• Parents should also tell the child that anything that feels unnatural (such as vaginal pain or vaginal discharge) should be reported to the parent immediately.
• Change or discard tampons immediately after six to eight hours of use. Be careful when removing it, don't let the string break so that the tampon is left inside.
• Avoid sexual activities that are dangerous, too violent, or inserting unnatural objects such as food into the vagina. If the vagina hurts, stop immediately.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.