Pediatric vaginal foreign body

What is a pediatric vaginal foreign body?

In young children, objects found have often been inserted by the child herself out of curiosity – in the same way foreign objects may be found in the ear or nose. Although uncommon, the presence of a foreign body may occasionally indicate sexual abuse.

What are the signs and symptoms of a pediatric vaginal foreign body?

If your daughter is experiencing the following symptoms, her doctor may want to check for the presence of a foreign body:

• Bleeding, especially in a non-menstruating child or adolescent

• Foul-smelling and/or copious vaginal discharge

• Pain in the lower abdomen

• Urinary discomfort

• Burning sensation

How is a pediatric vaginal foreign body diagnosed?

• Your daughter’s doctor will first complete a physical examination and ask about her symptoms.

• The doctor may also take a vaginal swab and urine culture to test for bacterial infection.

• The doctor may flush the vagina with saline fluid while your daughter is in the office, to help expel bits of toilet paper, if this is suspected.

• In some cases, her doctor may conduct an examination, under anesthesia and in an operating room, to diagnose and remove the foreign body.

How is a pediatric vaginal foreign body treated?

• Removal - If your daughter’s doctor discovers a foreign body, it must be removed to prevent further irritation and infection. The doctor may remove this simply during an office exam, if accessible, or by using a narrow, lighted endoscope while your child is asleep in the operating room.

• Antibiotics - Your daughter’s doctor may prescribe antibiotics if an infection is suspected, and the tissue should heal on its own.

• Change tampons - Menstruating adolescents and young women should be reminded to change tampons regularly.