Tampon left inside for a month highlights health risks

A reality star shares a monthlong tampon mishap that exposes health risks and the need for better hygiene guidance.

Tampon Left Inside for a Month Highlights Health Risks

Savannah Miller, 24, known from Netflix’s The Circle, says she inserted a tampon to prevent spillage before a night out. She forgot she had it the next day, and weeks of concern followed as symptoms appeared. Initial tests for sexually transmitted infections were normal, and doctors suspected bacterial vaginosis, but Miller disputed that diagnosis given the odor and other signs. At a later appointment, cotton fragments were found in her urine, and doctors retrieved the tampon from high up in the vaginal canal. She received antibiotics as a precaution and did not show symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.

Health guidelines recommend changing tampons every 4 to 6 hours and using the lowest absorbency needed for your flow. The episode underlines how a simple oversight can turn into a medical scare and how misdiagnosis can delay care. It also reinforces public health messages about hygiene, prompt evaluation for unusual smells or discharge, and asking for medical help when something feels off.

The case highlights gaps in menstrual health literacy. People may misinterpret odors or symptoms as benign or routine, delaying care. It also shows how a tampon can remain hidden high in the canal, complicating early detection and treatment. This is a reminder that health concerns deserve timely medical attention, not hesitation or embarrassment.

In a media landscape built on personal stories, there is value in raising awareness but risk in sensationalism. Clear, accurate information about toxic shock syndrome and tampon use helps readers take practical steps, from choosing the right absorbency to knowing when to seek care. Journalists and readers alike benefit from balanced coverage that prioritizes safety over shock value.

Highlights

Health lessons and cautious care matter more than headlines.