The Use of "Natural" Substances for Menstrual Hygiene: A Case Report of an Embedded Vaginal Sea Sponge

BACKGROUNDIn early adolescence, irregular menstrual bleeding patterns are common and are frequently due to anovulatory cycles or bleeding disorders. As such, the diagnosis of a vaginal foreign body might initially be missed. CASEWe describe a 14-year-old adolescent female presenting with ongoing irr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology 2023, Vol.36 (1), p.83-85
Main Authors: Golub, Sarah A, Pham, Do-Quyen, Oelschlager, Anne-Marie Amies
Format: Report
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:BACKGROUNDIn early adolescence, irregular menstrual bleeding patterns are common and are frequently due to anovulatory cycles or bleeding disorders. As such, the diagnosis of a vaginal foreign body might initially be missed. CASEWe describe a 14-year-old adolescent female presenting with ongoing irregular menstrual spotting despite reassuring laboratory workup and ultrasonography. She was found to have an embedded vaginal sea sponge eroding through the vaginal wall. On further discussion, she reported using a natural sea sponge for menstrual blood absorption. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONIn cases of persistent vaginal spotting, vaginal foreign body should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Use of nontraditional menstrual hygiene products could lead to medical complications and negative health outcomes in adolescents.
ISSN:1873-4332
DOI:10.1016/j.jpag.2022.09.006