Doctor "disgusted" for removing tampon from patient

On Twitter, a doctor said he was disgusted at having had to remove a patient's tampon, stuck for a week. Internet users quickly called him to order, stressing that his words might discourage women in the same situation from seeking help.

Charles Style is a British emergency doctor who should have thought twice before tweeting on October 14. "I just took out a tampon that had been inside for over a week. How's your evening going?", he wrote on the social network, with one emoji that is crying with laughter and one that is about to throw up. Internet users quickly called him to order, denouncing sexist and potentially dangerous comments.

Social media users told Charles Style, who has since deleted his tweet, that his comments were stigmatizing and guilty, especially from a caregiver. "What a misogynistic post. Why be a doctor if it's to be disgusted by something that half of the patients you treat can potentially feel?", thus questions one of them. "What a fantastic way to discourage people with the same problem from coming to you for help!", indignant another. "Thank you, now a lot of women will no longer go to their doctor for this kind of problem because of you", adds a woman.

A risk of toxic shock with a stuck tampon

They are all absolutely right. Not only are this doctor's words sexist, they can be dangerous. Having a tampon stuck for several days, or even more hours than recommended, can create toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This phenomenon is serious, sometimes even fatal, is caused by menstrual blood in about one in two cases in women.

TSS is caused by a bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, which can occur naturally in the vaginal flora. When blood stagnates in the vagina during menstruation, it can develop and release a toxin that causes septic shock. If this phenomenon is very rare, the fact remains that it can lead to amputations or deaths, as was the case with Maëlle (17 years old), last January. To avoid it, it is advisable to use tampons adapted to its flow and to wash your hands thoroughly before and after inserting them. In addition, you should change it every 4 to 8 hours and avoid wearing it overnight. If you have a tampon stuck in the vagina, you have to react quickly and see a doctor, gynecologist or midwife or go to the emergency room, there is no shame in that.

Why are rules so taboo?

Video by mylene.wascowiski

To read also: Elementary Rules tells us about period precariousness

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