ABSTRACT
Background
In early adolescence, irregular menstrual bleeding patterns are common and are frequently
due to anovulatory cycles or bleeding disorders. As such, the diagnosis of a vaginal
foreign body might initially be missed.
Case
We describe a 14-year-old adolescent female presenting with ongoing irregular menstrual
spotting despite reassuring laboratory workup and ultrasonography. She was found to
have an embedded vaginal sea sponge eroding through the vaginal wall. On further discussion,
she reported using a natural sea sponge for menstrual blood absorption.
Summary and Conclusion
In cases of persistent vaginal spotting, vaginal foreign body should be considered
in the differential diagnosis. Use of nontraditional menstrual hygiene products could
lead to medical complications and negative health outcomes in adolescents.
Key Words
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References
Gray SH, French A, Emans SJ: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in the Adolescent.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 23, 2022
Accepted:
September 19,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 30,
2022
Received:
May 5,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
