Can You Cut Yourself Using a Tampon?

Published: June 18, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Can you cut yourself using a tampon inside your vagina? I've been using tampons today to make sure I'm off my period. I had one all day Until after I put in one tampon with one of those prong things loose. I didn't put the tampon and right and when I took it out it had blood on it. I think I cut myself with a tampon and I can't see the cut either but I was bleeding. I don't really want to tell my mom because it's embarrassing and I was wondering if I really should tell her or will it just heal?
Signed: Can You Cut Yourself Using a Tampon?

Dear Can You Cut Yourself Using a Tampon?,

Given the shape and texture of a tampon, it would be very difficult to cut yourself with a tampon. If you saw blood on the tampon you had inserted into your vagina, most likely it was blood from your period. However, if you feel any pain in your vaginal area, continue to bleed past the point of when your period should have ended, have a fever, or experience any other concerning or unusual symptoms, please tell your mother so that she can schedule an appointment for you with your primary care physician, gynecologist or adolescent medicine specialist.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

For more information about menstruation, read the Planned Parenthood articles What’s up with periods? and What can I expect when I get my period? For information on using tampons, read the Center for Young Women’s Health article, Using Your First Tampon, and the TeensHealth article, Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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