A woman who swallowed an 18-centimetre-long toothbrush was so embarrassed she only went to hospital for help after spending seven hours at work.

The 44-year-old woman, who has not been named but hails from the city of Pingtung in the Taiwanese county of the same name, had swallowed the toothbrush early in the morning while preparing for work.

According to the reports, the woman had been very tired and was in a rush to go to work, and explained she was using the wrong angle while brushing her teeth which resulted in swallowing the toothbrush.

The woman went to work and although feeling “uncomfortable”, asked for medical help only after 7 hours.

Dr Cai Yuanrong, who treated the woman, was suspicious about the case and told local media: “I asked her if she was sure as the toothbrush was 18 centimetres long, and her answer was yes.”

As the X-Ray did not initially show anything, the doctor used an endoscope and was stunned to see the toothbrush was indeed in the oesophagus, which was already inflamed as a result of the foreign object.

Dr Cai managed to remove the object without surgery by using an endoscopic device and added: “The place where the foreign body was stuck is now treated and the object has been pulled out.”

The doctor warned of the dangerous consequences if the toothbrush was left inside and advised: “Be careful when you experience spasms and convulsions while brushing your teeth.”

The doctor added that the woman was very grateful for the help and that she took the toothbrush as proof to her friends and family that doubted her experience.