First time using a tampon? We’ve got you covered. Read on for 5 easy steps to comfortably insert a tampon and care tips you need to know.
Using tampons can be confusing the first time. But after the first time, you’ll find tampons are a simple and easy option to use during your menstrual cycle. Here are 5 quick and easy-to-follow steps to walk you through using tampons for the first time.
- Choose the right size tampon
Size doesn’t have anything to do with vaginal size. Instead, it has to do with how heavy your menstrual flow is. Sizes typically include “light,” “regular,” and “super.” Light is designed for lighter flows, while super is built for heavy flows with lots of menstrual blood. You may want to try different sizes to figure out which is best for your flow on different days.
- Get comfortable
There are a few go-to positions many women use to insert tampons. For example, you could put one foot on the toilet seat lid, bringing up your knee at a 90° angle. You could also sit in a squat position or sit on the toilet seat with your feet hip distance and let your knees lean out to the sides. It might take some time to find the most comfortable way to insert a tampon — be patient with yourself and go slow!
- Wash your hands
Before (and after) inserting your tampon, make sure to wash your hands. This will help keep things hygienic and clean away bacteria that can hide under fingernails.
- Insert the tampon
Once you’re comfortable, start by using your index finger and thumb to gently insert the tip of the tampon or tampon applicator into the vaginal opening. You may want to use the thumb and middle finger on your other hand to gently pull back the vaginal lips. Angle the tampon and/or applicator slightly towards your lower back so it follows the curve of the vaginal canal rather than going straight up.
Tampon with an applicator
Many young girls find that tampons with applicators are easier to insert and prefer these at the beginning. These types of tampons come in either plastic or cardboard applicators that encase the tampon to make it easier to smoothly insert. This encasing includes the applicator (the portion covering the tampon) and the push applicator (a thinner insert at the end of the applicator that covers the tampon string). The tampon string should hang out the back of the push applicator.
Once you’ve placed the tip of the applicator in your vaginal canal, move the hand holding the tampon to the ridge of the tampon applicator, just before the push applicator. Gently insert the applicator no further than where your fingers are, then slowly push the push applicator until the tampon is fully inserted. To finish, pull the applicator out by the ridge you’re holding with your forefinger and thumb so only the tampon remains inside.
Tampon without an applicator
If you’re using a tampon without an applicator, there will typically be plastic covering the tampon to keep it clean. Remove the plastic, then uncurl the string to extend its full length. With your forefinger and thumb, hold the tampon towards the back end before the string and gently insert the tampon into the vaginal canal. The tampon should fit fully into the vaginal canal.
How should the tampon feel?
When a tampon is properly inserted, you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all. If it feels like the tampon is coming out as you move, you may need to insert it a bit further. Wash your hands and use your index finger to gently push it up a bit higher.
If you feel any pain or discomfort at all, it may be best to take it out and try again with a new tampon. When you insert the new tampon, try to make sure it’s moving with the curve of your vaginal canal rather than straight up and down or at an angle.
- Ready to change tampons? Use the string!
When you’re ready to change or remove your tampon, you can gently pull it out by the string. Make sure to pull the string slowly, as the tampon will have expanded inside the vaginal canal, which can make pulling the string too quickly feel uncomfortable.
How often should you change tampons?
Plan to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is. Make sure to change out tampons every 8 hours at the latest to keep things hygienic and reduce the risk of TSS. (TSS is an illness that can occur from the oxygen the tampon introduces as it expands, which can facilitate the overgrowth of a specific bacteria.)
Uncomfortable with tampons?
If you don’t feel comfortable using a tampon, don’t worry – you have plenty of other options available. For instance, sanitary pads use adhesive to stick to the lining of your underwear — no extra steps needed.
Plus, pads carry a much smaller risk than tampons of causing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is very rare, though, so there’s no need to stress if you prefer tampons.
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