We’ve all had embarrassing slip-ups, but reality TV star Savannah Miller, best known from season 7 of Netflix’s The Circle, recently shared a story that’s equal parts horrifying and educational.
At just 22, Savannah experienced something most women dread — she accidentally left a tampon inside her body for nearly a whole month without realizing it.
How It Happened
Savannah explained that after a night out with friends, she used a tampon during the tail-end of her period. The next morning, however, the tampon seemed to “vanish.” Since there was no blood and the string wasn’t visible, she assumed she hadn’t put one in.
Savannah Miller was 22 when the ordeal began (Instagram/savannahcmiller)
But over the next few days, things took a scary turn. She began experiencing:
- An unusual bad smell
- Itchiness
- A sick feeling
Savannah admitted she thought it was just leftover “old period” odor and kept using new tampons — completely unaware that the original one was still inside.
“It smelled like a rat crawled inside of me while I was sleeping and died,” Savannah told The New York Post when recalling the ordeal.
Multiple Doctor Visits and No Answers
She visited her college health clinic several times, but initial tests, including STD screenings and internal exams, came back clean. Doctors suspected bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection, but Savannah knew something was off.
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Finally, during her third appointment, doctors discovered cotton particles in her urine sample. That’s when the lightbulb went off: could a tampon be lodged deep inside?
The Shocking Discovery
Sure enough, doctors eventually found the tampon — wedged so far up her cervix that she couldn’t have seen or reached it herself.
She narrowly escaped Toxic Shock Syndrome (Instagram/savannahcmiller)
Savannah joked that the doctor basically had to “fish it out,” but the reality was serious. If left untreated, this could have led to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal condition.
What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
According to Mayo Clinic, TSS happens when certain bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream. It can cause organ failure and even death if not treated quickly.
Symptoms of TSS include:
- High fever
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sunburn-like rash on palms or soles
- Confusion and muscle aches
- Red eyes, mouth, and throat
The Takeaway
Luckily, Savannah avoided TSS and was given antibiotics just in case. But her experience is a strong reminder for women everywhere:
✅ Always keep track of tampon use
✅ Never ignore unusual odors or discomfort
✅ Seek medical attention if something feels off
Savannah’s honesty might feel shocking, but it’s a story that could help countless others stay safe.
