Vaginal ulcers associated with tampon usage

Ten cases of vaginal ulcers collected from private gynecologic practices over a 1-year period are presented. The lesions were associated with the prolonged continuous use of vaginal tampons, and all were benign. Nine lesions healed spontaneously when tampon usage was halted. In addition, a similar foreign body consisting of birefractile fibers was found in the biopsies of 4 of these patients. Patient profiles and pathologic findings are described. It is suggested that prolonged continuous tampon usage is associated with the development of vaginal ulcers, and conservative management is recommended.