Available online 23 September 2022

: 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 may initially be missed.

: 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. Upon further discussion she reported using a natural sea sponge for menstrual blood absorption.

: In cases of persistent vaginal spotting, vaginal foreign body should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Use of non-traditional menstrual hygiene products may lead to medical complications and negative health outcomes in adolescents.

Foreign body

vaginal bleeding

natural menstrual products

sea sponge

© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.