A Netflix reality star is sharing her “actually traumatising” experience of accidentally leaving a tampon inside her body for a month, narrowly avoiding the potentially deadly toxic shock syndrome that can be caused by wearing tampons for too long.
Savannah Miller, 24, who appeared on season 7 of Netflix’s The Circle, has opened up about the mortifying medical ordeal that occurred when she was a 22-year-old college student. Her story serves as a crucial reminder about menstrual health safety, particularly as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) continues to affect approximately 1 in 100,000 people annually.
Speaking to The Post about the incident, Miller described how a night out with friends led to a month of mysterious symptoms before doctors finally discovered the forgotten tampon lodged deep inside her cervix.
A Night Out Turns Into Month-Long Mystery
The incident began innocuously enough at the tail end of Miller’s period when she went to a bar with friends. Experiencing what many women know as the awkward in-between stage – too much bleeding to wear just underwear but not quite enough for heavy protection – she opted for a tampon to avoid any “spillage.”
By the next morning, however, the tampon had seemingly vanished. “I forgot I put it in, and because there was no blood and the string had disappeared, I didn’t see it,” Miller explained.
What followed was a month of increasingly distressing symptoms that left the young woman self-conscious and searching for answers. Within days, she began experiencing a general feeling of illness, persistent itchiness, and most disturbingly, an overwhelming odour.
“It smelled like a rat crawled inside of me while I was sleeping and died,” Miller admitted with characteristic candour, adding that she was acutely aware of the smell in every college class she attended.
Multiple Medical Visits Before Discovery
Assuming the odour was related to an “old period” smell, Miller continued using new tampons during subsequent periods, unknowingly pushing the original tampon further up into her vaginal canal. The symptoms persisted, prompting multiple visits to her campus health clinic.
Initial examinations found nothing unusual. Healthcare providers ran comprehensive STD tests, all of which came back normal. Medical staff suspected bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection, but Miller instinctively knew something more serious was occurring.
“They thought it was just BV, but I knew there was no way people walked around with BV smelling like this,” she recalled.
It wasn’t until her third medical appointment that a breakthrough occurred. Healthcare providers noticed cotton particles in her urine sample and asked whether it was possible she had a tampon inside her. Though uncertain, Miller was desperate for answers and relief from her symptoms.
The medical examination revealed the truth: the missing tampon had travelled so far up into her cervix that self-detection would have been impossible. “The doctor had to fish it out of my ovaries,” Miller joked, using humour to cope with what had been a genuinely frightening experience.
Narrowly Avoiding Toxic Shock Syndrome
Miller’s ability to find humour in her ordeal belies the serious danger she faced. Though she fortunately showed no symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, medical staff immediately prescribed antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria – most commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes – that produce toxins entering the bloodstream. When these toxins spread through the body, they can cause severe organ damage or death if left untreated.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, TSS affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people and can progress rapidly. Symptoms include sudden high fever, low blood pressure, vomiting or diarrhoea, a sunburn-like rash (particularly on palms and soles), muscle aches, and redness of the eyes, mouth and throat.
The condition gained widespread attention in the late 1970s and early 1980s when it was linked to super-absorbent tampon use. The case fatality rate for non-streptococcal TSS is less than 3%, but streptococcal TSS can exceed 50% mortality, particularly with delayed diagnosis.
The History and Science Behind TSS
The association between tampons and toxic shock syndrome emerged dramatically in 1980 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified a cluster of cases among young, healthy menstruating women. The outbreak was linked to high-absorbency tampons, particularly the Rely brand produced by Procter & Gamble, which was subsequently withdrawn from the market.
Dr Jeff Davis, then chief medical officer for Wisconsin, was the first to recognise the connection between TSS and tampon use. His discovery led to significant changes in tampon manufacturing and labelling requirements that continue today.
The mechanism behind tampon-related TSS involves several factors. Tampons can create an oxygen-rich environment in the normally anaerobic vaginal canal, potentially promoting bacterial growth. The menstrual period also creates a less acidic vaginal environment, and the presence of blood provides nutrients for bacteria.
Since the 1980s outbreak, cases of menstrual TSS have declined significantly due to changes in tampon composition, mandatory absorbency labelling, and increased public awareness. Modern tampons no longer use the synthetic materials associated with the highest TSS risk, and all tampon packaging now includes warnings about TSS with recommendations to change tampons every 4-8 hours.
A Platform for Awareness
Two years after her ordeal, Miller has embraced social media to share her story, going viral on TikTok with her cautionary tale. Set to appropriate Taylor Swift audio, her video carries the caption “Too toxic for toxic shock syndrome I guess,” demonstrating her ability to find levity in a serious situation.
Her willingness to discuss such a personal medical experience has resonated with viewers, many of whom have shared their own forgotten tampon stories or expressed gratitude for the reminder about menstrual health safety.
“I hope this isn’t embarrassing but if it helps someone then I’m glad!” Miller stated, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the topic whilst emphasising the importance of awareness.
Beyond The Tampon Tale: Miller’s Journey
Miller’s tampon incident is just one chapter in a life marked by medical challenges and resilience. The Florida-based entrepreneur, originally from Texas, has also survived a life-altering car accident that led to the discovery of a brain tumour requiring surgery.
These health scares influenced her decision to embrace new opportunities, including appearing on The Circle and launching her business, Savage Seller, a marketplace for buying, selling, and renting college-related products. The company, which officially launched in September 2024, reflects Miller’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire to create community connections.
On The Circle, Miller played as herself, bringing authenticity and openness about her medical experiences to the reality competition. Though eliminated early in episode 4, she made a lasting impression with her genuine personality and willingness to share her story.
Current Medical Guidelines and Prevention
Miller’s experience serves as a crucial reminder about proper tampon use and the importance of menstrual health awareness. Current medical guidelines from the FDA and healthcare providers include:
- Change tampons every 4-8 hours
- Use the lowest absorbency needed for your flow
- Alternate between tampons and pads when possible
- Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours
- Avoid tampon use overnight when possible
- Be aware of TSS symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they occur
Healthcare providers emphasise that while TSS is rare, awareness remains crucial. Dr Christina Jahncke, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Meridian Women’s Health, notes that modern cases occur at a rate of approximately one per 100,000 women aged 19-44, down from six per 100,000 at the peak in 1980.
Recent TSS Concerns
Despite overall declining rates, recent years have seen concerning TSS clusters. In 2023, Wisconsin reported five cases of TSS since July 2022, with four associated with super-absorbency tampon use by teenage females. This represented the highest number of cases in the state since 2011, prompting health officials to renew awareness campaigns.
State Health Officer Paula Tran warned: “Toxic shock syndrome can progress rapidly leading to complications such as shock, organ failure, and death. It’s important for those who use tampons to use the lowest absorbency, change their tampon every 4-6 hours, and avoid using tampons overnight.”
The Wisconsin cases highlighted that teenage users may be particularly at risk, possibly due to less awareness about proper tampon use or reluctance to change tampons frequently at school.
High-Profile Cases Maintain Awareness
Model Lauren Wasser’s highly publicised battle with TSS has kept the condition in public consciousness. Wasser lost both legs to amputation following TSS in 2012 and has become an advocate for menstrual product safety and awareness.
Such cases underscore that while TSS is rare, its consequences can be devastating. The condition can result in amputations of fingers, toes, or limbs, and survivors often face long-term health complications even after recovery.
Beyond Tampons: Other TSS Risks
While Miller’s case involved tampon use, it’s important to note that toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. Non-menstrual TSS accounts for approximately half of all cases and can result from:
- Surgical wounds or post-operative infections
- Burns or skin injuries
- Nasal packing after surgery
- Contraceptive devices like diaphragms or sponges
- Viral infections such as influenza or chickenpox
The bacteria responsible for TSS – particularly Staphylococcus aureus – commonly exist on human skin and mucous membranes without causing harm. Problems arise when these bacteria enter the bloodstream through wounds or mucous membranes and begin producing toxins.
A Message of Empowerment
Despite the trauma of her experience, Miller’s approach to sharing her story reflects a broader trend of young women taking control of health narratives through social media. By discussing traditionally taboo topics openly, she joins a growing movement working to destigmatise women’s health issues.
Her message resonates particularly with her generation, who grew up with less direct knowledge of the TSS scares of the 1980s. As one medical expert noted: “Maybe after a decade, young women have forgotten or haven’t been told about what happened 40 years ago.”
Miller’s experience – from the initial embarrassment through medical investigation to eventual diagnosis and recovery – illustrates both the importance of listening to one’s body and advocating for proper medical care. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even in an age of medical advancement, basic awareness about our bodies remains crucial.
As she continues to build her business and share her experiences, Miller embodies resilience in the face of health challenges. Her willingness to transform a “truly humbling experience” into an educational opportunity may well prevent others from facing similar ordeals.
For those who use menstrual products, her story offers a simple but vital reminder: proper hygiene practices and awareness of our bodies can prevent serious complications. And if something feels wrong, persistence in seeking medical answers can be life-saving.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
