Putting on a tampon can be a scary and stressful experience for those of you who are trying it for the first time. Putting on a tampon is not as scary as you might think, as long as you know how to apply it properly. By using tampons, you can freely swim, run and do various other activities that are usually reluctant to do if you use regular pads. The key to using a tampon is to put it on properly, so you don't feel pain or lump. If it's your first time using a tampon, try the steps below!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Inserting Tampons
Step 1. Buy a tampon
Choosing a tampon can be quite tricky. However, once you know what to buy, you won't feel too intimidated. Some common brands such as Kotex, Playtext, and companies that manufacture sanitary napkins usually also produce tampons. So, you can choose a tampon product from the company that usually produces your pads. You should also consider three things when choosing a tampon, such as plastic or paper material, absorbency, and availability of the applicator. These are the things you should know:
- Plastic or paper. Some tampons have a cardboard (paper) application, while others have a plastic applicator. Paper applicators have the advantage of being easy to flush, but you also need to have a good plumbing system. Some people also argue that plastic applicators are easier to use. You can try both types of applicators before deciding which one you prefer.
- With or without applicator. Most tampons are generally sold with an applicator, but some are not. For beginners, it will be easier to attach the tampon with the applicator because you will have more control over the installation process. While tampons without an applicator will be more difficult to fit because you have to insert the tampon directly into the vagina using your finger. These tampons are so small that you can even put them in your pocket.
- Absorption. The common types of tampons are either “regular” or “super absorbent.” For beginners, you are advised to try a regular tampon first before you decide to use the super type. Super types of tampons generally have a larger size, although how to use this type of tampon is also not more difficult than ordinary. You can also use a regular tampon if your fluid isn't too heavy, then switch to a super absorbent tampon depending on how much fluid comes out. Some products offer both regular and super absorbent tampons in one package, so you can customize depending on your needs.
Step 2. Use a tampon when the amount of fluid is moderate to heavy
Putting on a tampon at the beginning of menstruation or when the fluid is low will make it difficult to insert a tampon into the vagina. Conversely, tampons will be easier to enter the vagina when you have heavy fluids because the vaginal walls will be more moist.
- Some people want to know if they can put on tampons when they are not menstruating. This is not entirely wrong, it's just that you will find it difficult to insert a tampon into the vagina.
- You can ask your mother, aunt or closest friend for help if you are still having difficulty or fear of putting on a tampon.
Step 3. Wash your hands
You should wash your hands before you put on a tampon. This is to keep the tampon sterile so that no bacteria enter the body.
Step 4. Unwrap the tampon with dry hands
Wait for your hands to dry before gently unwrapping the top of the tampon. You may feel nervous if this is your first time. If you accidentally drop a tampon, you should throw it away and replace it with a new one. You certainly don't want to risk getting infected just because you throw away a tampon too much br>
Step 5. Sit or stand in a comfortable position
As you become more proficient at placing tampons, you will also find the best position to place tampons. Some women prefer to sit with a tampon in, while others prefer a standing or squatting position. You can also elevate one foot above the toilet or the side of the tub to make it easier to access the lips of your labia.
You may feel tense when you try, but try to stay relaxed. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be for you to insert a tampon
Step 6. Hold the tampon with the hand you normally write with
Hold the tampon in the middle. The thread should be visible and facing the bottom. The thick side of the tampon should be facing up. You can also place your index finger on the base of the tampon, while using your middle finger and thumb to grip the tampon.
Step 7. Locating the Vagina
The vagina is located between the urinary tract and the anus. If you can find your urinary tract easily, try to move three or five centimeters back and you will find your vaginal opening. You don't need to be afraid if you find a little blood on your finger because this is quite normal.
Some people also suggest using the other hand to open your vaginal lips (labia). This method will help you in positioning the tampon in the mouth of the vagina. Even so, some people also find it difficult to insert a tampon without an assistive device
Step 8. Place the top of the tampon carefully into the vagina
Once you have located your vagina, you will then need to place the tampon about three centimeters inside the vagina. Then, gently push the tampon until your finger touches the applicator and the outer tube of the tampon is inside the vagina.
Step 9. Press the thin part of the applicator with your index finger until the thin and thick parts meet and your finger touches the skin
The applicator will help you insert the tampon deeper into your vagina. You can think of it as pushing the inner tube part through the outside tube.
Step 10. You can use your middle finger and thumb to release the applicator
If you have successfully inserted the tampon into the vagina, the next step you should do is remove the applicator that is still there using your middle day and your thumb. Use both fingers to pull the applicator so that it will leave a string hanging in your vaginal opening.
Step 11. Throw away the applicator
You should throw away the plastic applicator. If the applicator is made of paper, make sure that it can be flushed down the toilet. You can check the instructions in the package to make sure whether the applicator can be watered or not. If you're not sure, it's better to throw it in the trash.
Step 12. Consider wearing pantyliners along with tampons
This is not strictly mandatory, it's just that some women like to wear a pantyliner and a tampon at the same time in case a leak occurs because the tampon absorbs too much fluid. Although leakage when using tampons can be avoided if you are diligent in checking and changing tampons. The use of pantyliners can also add to your sense of security.
Part 2 of 3: Removing Tampons
Step 1. Make sure that you are comfortable
If you feel uncomfortable with the presence of a tampon, you can be sure that you have not installed the tampon correctly. If you feel that the tampon you put on is stuck or not fully inserted, then you should remove the tampon and replace it with a new one.
If the tampon is installed correctly, you can perform various activities such as running, mountain climbing, cycling, swimming and other physical activities
Step 2. Change the tampon when you feel ready
Tampons can absorb liquid for 6-8 hours, but you should change your tampon immediately if the fluid is too heavy. You should check your tampon every hour or two, especially if you are learning to use a tampon for the first time. You should also change your tampon as soon as possible if you notice blood when you wipe your vagina after urinating or if you find blood stuck to the toilet.)
Step 3. Discard the tampon
Some types of tampons are OK to throw in the toilet, but it's safer to throw them in the trash. Wrap the tampon in a few pieces of toilet paper before you throw it in the trash. Throwing tampons down the toilet can risk clogging the drains.
Step 4. Change your tampon every 8 hours or as needed
You can replace the tampon with a new one as soon as you remove the tampon that was inside. Most people don't use tampons at bedtime and prefer to wear pads, unless you sleep less than 8 hours.
- If you find the tampon threads are wet, replace the tampon with a new one immediately!
- If the tampon is still difficult to remove and feels stuck, it means that the tampon has not absorbed enough fluid. Try to do it again later if the duration of use is still less than 8 hours. Also consider using a tampon with less absorbency.
- It is very dangerous if you use a tampon for more than 8 hours without changing it, because you can contract Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) which can be deadly. Although this is a rare case, it is better not to leave the tampon in use for more than 8 hours. If you have a fever, have red rashes on your body, or are vomiting after using tampons for too long, you are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Step 5. Use a tampon with an appropriate absorbency
You can start by using a tampon that has the lowest absorbency or you can also use a regular absorbent tampon. You can switch to using a tampon with a higher absorbency if you find yourself changing tampons multiple times every hour. Stop using tampons when your period is over.
Use pantyliners just in case you feel like your menstrual cycle hasn't finished yet
Part 3 of 3: Some Must-Know Facts
Step 1. You must know that you will not lose the tampon in your body
Tampons have threads that hang down firmly and are durable so the threads will not slip from the tampon. The thread is attached along the side of the tampon and is not tied only at the end of the tampon, so the thread will not break easily. To ensure the strength of the thread in the tampon, you can try a new, unused tampon and try to pull the string as hard as you can. You'll find the strings on the tampons are very difficult to break, so you'll know if the tampon is unlikely to get stuck inside your body because of the broken string. Some people are afraid that a tampon will get stuck and won't come out, but that's not entirely true.
Step 2. You should know if you can still pee while you are wearing a tampon
Some people sometimes take a long time to know if they can still urinate even when they are using a tampon. A tampon is inserted into the vaginal opening while you pass urine from the urethra. In principle, the vaginal opening and the urethral opening are different holes even though they are located close together. Some people also think that the tampon they use will be carried out with them urinating. Again, that is not possible.
Step 3. You should know that every girl can start using tampons from her first period
You don't have to wait until you're 16 or 18 to start using tampons. Tampons can be started as early as possible as long as you know how to use them properly.
Step 4. You should know that using a tampon will not make you lose your virginity
Some people think that tampons should only be used when they are no longer a virgin, because using tampons can destroy a person's virginity. This thinking is not true. Using a tampon can tear someone's hymen, but that doesn't mean it takes away someone's virginity. A person's virginity will only be lost if they have sexual intercourse, not because of the use of tampons. Tampons can still be used by both virgins and non-virgins.
Step 5. Know that using tampons will not cause health problems
Using a tampon won't cause a yeast infection, which is very different from what you've heard so far. There is no scientific evidence that proves using tampons will cause yeast infections.
