Pain & Bleeding After Dry Tampon Removal: What to Do?

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I took a tampon out immediately after putting it in, and now I’m bleeding. What did I do? I was at the very end of my period when I put it in, and it did not hurt going in but it hurt coming out.

I have never used a tampon before, I don’t know where the blood is coming from, and I’m 16. I also went kayaking in lake water and got wet. Could that cause an infection?

It doesn’t hurt at all now – I had a couple of sharp pains afterwards but nothing since. There isn’t much blood, and it happened about 11:30 this morning.

Sincerely,
Dry

Dear Dry,

You’ll almost certainly be fine. Pulling out a dry tampon is uncomfortable because the dry cotton grips the vaginal walls and drags them as it comes, which your body doesn’t enjoy one bit. A bit of soreness or a little light bleeding afterwards is common and usually settles on its own within a day.

The blood might be from that, or it might just be the tail end of your period – either way, there’s no need to worry unless it keeps going.

Getting a dry tampon out more comfortably

If a tampon goes in and you want it straight back out, you have two gentler options: leave it in for a little while so it soaks up some of your natural moisture and slides out more easily, or add a bit of water-based lubricant to smooth the way. Either way, go slow.

As for the lake, you would have to try very hard to get an infection from water that’s known to be safe to swim in, so that part’s fine. The main thing is to change out of wet swimwear reasonably promptly afterwards, since sitting around in it is more likely to cause irritation than the lake itself.

See a doctor if the bleeding gets heavy, the pain comes back and worsens, or you feel unwell. From what you have described, though, you are in the clear. There is more in our guide to tampons if you want it.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge

This is general information and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If bleeding is heavy, pain worsens, or you feel unwell, see a doctor or nurse.