By fypfeed in News On 15th August 2025
Miller’s Forgotten Tampon Real-life TV sensation Savannah Miller has spoken out about a frightening medical emergency after she put a tampon in her body for over a month just in time to avoid a fatal infection.
The 24-year-old who rose to fame in The Circle’s season 7, which aired on Netflix’s popular show The Circle, disclosed that what started as a minor oversight during her college days turned to become one of the more frightening moments of her life.
A Night Out That Changed Everything
Miller was only 22 years old older and in her last year at college when the incident began. After her period was over and a night out with friends, she went on an evening out at a local pub. Although she was still prone to spotting and spotting lightly, she decided to wear the tampon “just in case.”
The next day the tampon was seen to have vanished. The string was not to be found and, with no blood, Miller assumed she had already removed it.
“I forgot I put it in, and because there was no blood and the string had disappeared, I didn’t see it,” Miller recalls in an interview to the New York Post.
First Signs of Trouble
Within a couple of days, she started noting alarming signs. A strong smell, persistent itching and a feeling of unwell caused her to be concerned however, Miller ignored it and dismissed it as something small.
“It smelled like a rat crawled inside of me while I was sleeping and died,” she described the odour as unbearable. smell that made social interactions more difficult.
She initially believed that it could be a persistent discharge from her period or bacterial vaginosis (BV) which is a typical vaginal infection. Each time, she put in an additional tampon to cover the smell, thereby aggravated the issue.
Multiple Doctor Visits, No Answers
Desperate for answers, Miller visited her college health clinic. In the following weeks, she took several STD tests and internal tests. Every time, the results were negative which left Miller and her doctors in a state of confusion.
“They thought it was just BV, but I knew there was no way people walked around with BV smelling like this,” she stated.
It wasn’t until her third visit when a doctor suggested that she might have an unremembered tampon. The cotton fibers were later found in her urine and pointed towards precisely that.
The Discovery
Miller’s doctor revealed the shocking truth The tampon remained stuck in her vaginal canal in such a high position near her cervix that she would never be able to reach it by herself.
“The doctor had to fish it out of my ovaries,” she said. “I did not believe it initially, but after they removed it I realized that it was in the same place for all of time. I was desperate to get the smell out.”
Narrow Escape From Toxic Shock Syndrome
Doctors immediately recommended antibiotics to protect to prevent TSS, also known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) it is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening illness caused by a bacterial infection that releases toxins into bloodstream.
Based on the Mayo Clinic, TSS is usually connected to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but Streptococcus Pyogenes could also be involved. TSS can be rapidly developed and cause organ damage and even cause death, if immediately treated.
Common signs of TSS are:
- Sudden high fever.
- Dizziness, low blood pressure or fainting.
- The vomiting or diarrhea.
- The appearance of sunburned skin typically on soles and palms.
- The confusion or confusion can be disorienting.
- The muscles are aching and fatigue is severe.
- The eyes, the throat or in the mouth.
- Seizures in extreme cases.
Miller was blessed. In spite of a month of exposure she was able to avoid the full-blown TSS. “It was actually traumatizing,” she acknowledged. “I feel lucky I didn’t die.”
Expert Reactions
Medical experts say Miller’s situation is unique however, it is not uncommon. The doctor. Emily Harper, a Gynecologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, explained that retained tampons are among of the most frequently unnoticed reasons that women suffer from abnormal vaginal smells.
“Most forgotten tampons are discovered within a few days, but anything longer raises the risk of infection, toxic shock syndrome, and sepsis,” Dr. Harper said. “If you notice a foul odor, unusual discharge, or sudden illness after menstruation, always seek medical help immediately.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that less than one per 100,000 women are diagnosed with TSS every year within the United States, but tampon use, particularly when that they are left in for longer than 8 hours is a well-documented risk element.
How a Tampon Can Go Missing
Experts have noted that it’s surprising how easy it is for tampons get lost or forgotten in the canal of vaginal. The tampon may shift upwards in sex or movement and the string could slide into the cervix, rendering it unnoticeable.
In certain instances, people might even put in another tampon and not realize the other one is in place in the midst of busy social events or schedules.
Miller’s case has spurred discussion on the internet regarding menstrual health awareness and many women admitting that they weren’t properly taught to monitor the use of tampons or identify warning symptoms.
Life After the Scare
For Miller the incident was an epiphany. Miller acknowledged that the trauma remains, but she makes use of her platform to increase awareness of the dangers of menstrual health.
“Periods are something we don’t talk enough about, especially the risks,” she stated. “I never want anyone else to go through what I went through.”
After sharing her story, she has received a flood of emails from other women who have similar experiences, including some who were infected but were embarrassed to seek assistance.
Prevention and Safety Tips
Doctors suggest a variety of measures to minimize the chance of TSS and lost tampons:
- Make sure to wash your hands after placing or removing the tampon.
- Change tampons each 4-8 hours Even during days of low flow.
- Do not use tampons with super absorbents If absolutely required.
- Track changes to tampons by utilizing app reminders.
- Alternate between pads and tampons whenever possible.
- Seek immediate medical advice if you notice a strong odor, discharge, or sudden illness.
Broader Impact
Miller’s story has brought attention to the stigma associated with menstrual health issues. Experts believe that a greater education at schools and more open conversations within families can prevent risky mistakes.
Social media has amplify her story, turning it into an extremely popular topic for discussion on the fact that little attention is paid to health issues for women until they reach crisis.
