Netflix Star Savannah Miller Shares Scary Forgotten Tampon Experience: “It Was in Me for a Month”

Savannah Miller, a vibrant reality star from Netflix’s The Circle Season 7, recently revealed a harrowing health scare after accidentally leaving a tampon in for a month. Her candid story, shared online, sparks vital conversations about toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and menstrual health safety, urging women to prioritize hygiene practices.

At 22, while a college student, Miller inserted a tampon before a night out and forgot about it, she shared in a viral TikTok post. Over the next 30 days, she experienced troubling symptoms like persistent itching, a foul odor, and general discomfort.

Miller admitted she initially overlooked the issue. Unaware, she continued using tampons, inadvertently pushing the forgotten one deeper.

Miller sought help at her campus health clinic, where initial tests for infections like bacterial vaginosis returned negative. After multiple visits, a doctor finally discovered the tampon lodged high in her cervix. “The doctor had to fish it out,” she humorously recalled, relieved to identify the source of her symptoms. She received antibiotics to prevent infection and, fortunately, avoided TSS, a rare but serious condition linked to prolonged tampon use.

A tampon left inside the body for 1 to 3 weeks can lead to unusual vaginal odor, abnormal discharge, and possible infection.
When a tampon is forgotten or lost inside, symptoms may include odor, discomfort, and signs of infection.
In some cases, sexual intercourse can push a tampon further up the vaginal canal, making it more difficult to remove.

Toxic shock syndrome, caused by bacterial toxins, affects about 1 in 100,000 tampon users annually. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, rash, and, in severe cases, organ failure. Miller’s close call highlights the dangers of forgetting tampons, emphasizing the need for timely changes every 4-8 hours and using the lowest absorbency needed.

Now 24, Miller uses her platform to advocate for menstrual health awareness. “If my story helps one person, it’s worth sharing,” she said, encouraging women to stay vigilant. Her recommendations include:

• Change tampons every 4-8 hours.

• Use low-absorbency tampons to reduce risk.

• Alternate with pads, especially overnight.

• Track menstrual cycles to avoid oversights.

Her openness has resonated widely, with thousands online praising her for breaking the stigma around period-related health. “I think toxic shock syndrome is just too toxic,” she quipped, blending humor with her serious message.

Miller’s experience underscores the need for better education on safe menstrual product use. Health experts urge women to recognize TSS symptoms: fever, dizziness, or rash and seek immediate care if they suspect an issue. By sharing her “humbling” ordeal, Miller inspires others to prioritize health and fosters open dialogue about women’s wellness.

(Rh/Eth/VK/TL)