I have an embarrassing question. I used a small tampon just to control incontinence during exercising and forgot about it. I discovered it about a week and a half later. In the meantime, I had sex, some breakthrough bleeding and douches. Could this cause harm? Should I see a doctor?

--K.

I'm assuming you have taken the "lost" tampon out yourself. If you are not having any discharge, pain or a fever, you are probably fine. If you have any of those symptoms, you should see a doctor to rule out a vaginal or pelvic infection.

Your "embarrassing question" is really quite common -- I probably see one woman every few weeks who has done the same thing, but most of the time she cannot "find" the tampon. If it is still in, there is usually some infection. The most embarrassed are the women who think they've left a tampon in, but there is nothing there!

By the way, using a tampon to control incontinence during exercise is something I often suggest. It is effective, easy and inexpensive -- just remember to remove the tampon at the end of the workout!