If you're not used to it, using a tampon can feel weird and a bit of a pain. With a little practice and knowledge – including tips and how to insert and remove them – you can learn how to use a tampon quickly and painlessly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing to Enter
Step 1. Be aware of the risks
Tampon users are at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which can be fatal. If you experience any of the following symptoms while using a tampon, remove the tampon and see a doctor immediately:
- fever as high as 38.89 degrees Celsius or more
- throws up
- diarrhea
- muscle ache
- a burning rash accompanied by peeling skin, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- dizziness, fainting, or absent-mindedness
- pale, clammy and cold skin (a sign of low blood pressure)
Step 2. Consider using a menstrual cup
Menstrual cups are small and flexible, made of silicone or latex rubber. Tampons and pads absorb blood flow; Menstrual cups contain blood flow, just like cups hold water. Since menstrual cups do not absorb blood flow, they reduce the risk of TSS.
- Inserting a menstrual cup is similar to inserting a tampon without any additional aids (for example, using your finger)
- You can use a menstrual cup for 12 hours – longer than tampons, which are usually used for 4 – 8 hours.
- The downside: it takes time to find a menstrual cup that fits your size and your bloodstream, and removing it takes some time – especially if you're in a public place, as you'll need to wash the cup in the restroom before putting it back in.
Step 3. Choose the tampon with the lightest absorbency
If you don't have a lot of blood flow, don't buy the most absorbent tampon. If your blood flow is between low and normal, buy a box of tampons of each size and use them according to your needs. Use the most absorbent tampon only when your blood flow is high.
- Some manufacturers offer combination packs consisting of light and normal, or normal and super, or even light, normal and super absorbency tampons.
- Use tampons only when you have menstrual bleeding. Do not insert a tampon just to anticipate the onset of menstruation or to absorb other fluids.
- TSS can occur when you use a tampon with super absorbency.
Step 4. Know where your vaginal opening is
Many women are afraid to use tampons because they don't know about their own anatomy. It's not their fault; this anatomy is not something that is generally taught and discussed. The vaginal opening is located between the anus and the urinary tract. Follow these steps to find your vaginal opening:
- Stand straight and place one foot on a chair (a toilet seat can also be used).
- Hold the mirror in your dominant hand, then position it between your legs to see your vaginal area.
- Use your non-dominant hand and carefully open your labia (the folds of flesh around the vaginal opening). Depending on the size of the labia, you may have to pull it slightly to see your vagina and urinary tract. If you need to pull it, do so carefully because it has a sensitive membrane that can tear if you pull hard.
- Continue to hold the labia open, then move the mirror to see clearly the folded area.
- You should now be able to clearly see the gap that has a small hole in it. The small hole is the urinary tract, while the gap is the opening of your vaginal canal.
Step 5. Practice with your fingers
It's easier for you to practice with your own fingers before inserting a tampon. Treat your finger like a tampon by holding it in a straight line, but not harshly, then find your vaginal opening and slowly insert your finger into it.
- Don't force your fingers to stay in an upright position. Let your fingers move along the natural curve of your vagina.
- It will be more helpful if you apply a water-based oil on your finger beforehand.
- Be especially careful if you have long nails, as your nails can scratch the delicate skin of your vaginal area.
Step 6. Read the instructions on your tampon package
The tampons you buy should have detailed instructions in the box. These instructions usually provide an illustration of how to use a tampon. Read the instructions to familiarize yourself with the process of using it.
Step 7. Ask for help
If you're having a hard time finding your vaginal opening and having trouble using a tampon, ask a female friend or family member to show you how to use it. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, your doctor can help you or assign someone to help you.
Step 8. Consult a doctor
If, even after trying the tips and remedies in this article, you still experience pain when inserting a tampon (or experience other problems associated with using tampons) into your vagina, see a doctor. Maybe you have a special condition that needs to be addressed. If so, your doctor can give you the help you need.
One condition that causes pain in and around your vagina is vulvodynia
Method 2 of 3: Inserting Tampons
Step 1. Calm down and don't rush
If you're anxious, you may strain your muscles and end up having a hard time inserting a tampon. Try to relax so you don't hurt yourself as you slowly and carefully insert the tampon.
- Don't rush and keep an eye on your body.
- If you can't get the tampon in, don't force it. Just use normal pads and try again the next day. Don't hurt yourself; most women need some time to become comfortable using tampons.
Step 2. Wash your hands thoroughly
Also make sure to dry it.
Step 3. Remove the tampon packaging
After removing the tampon from its package, double-check it to make sure it is in the correct position. Gently pull on the rope to make sure it's in a secure position. If you use a tampon with an applicator, make sure the string hangs outside the sleeve.
If you must put a tampon in before using it, make sure the surface on which it is placed is clean
Step 4. Prepare the vaginal area and your comfortable body position
Which position is preferred depends on the anatomy of the body and each person's unique personal preferences. Many women sit on the toilet with their legs stretched out while inserting a tampon. If you're not comfortable in that position, try standing up and placing one foot on a chair or toilet seat/lid. Another option is to squat.
Sitting on the toilet with your legs stretched out while inserting a tampon may be your preferred position if you are in a public place. You will need to take your pants off completely to put one foot on the toilet and the other foot on another small mat/stand (if the floor is dirty)
Step 5. Spread your labia out using your non-dominant hand
Your labia are folds that sit around the opening of your vaginal canal. Gently open it using your non-dominant hand, and hold that position as you position the tampon over the vaginal opening.
Step 6. Use the applicator properly
Hold the applicator with your thumb and middle finger (the small or stiff part is facing the center). Place your index finger on the tip of the applicator – this is a small tube with the end of the tampon string sticking out.
If you use a tampon without an applicator, the insertion process is pretty much the same, except that your finger is the applicator. Hold the tampon in position with your thumb and middle finger on the bottom (on the side of the strap). It may be more helpful to apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the tip of the tampon, to help the tampon enter the vagina more easily
Step 7. Insert the tampon applicator into your vagina towards your tailbone
You need to hold it parallel to the vaginal opening; don't push it up. Stop if your finger – which should still be holding the applicator in the center, or at the “finger grip” part – touches the vaginal lips.
- If you find it difficult to insert the applicator into your vagina, try turning it slowly as you push it up into the vaginal opening.
- If you use a tampon without an applicator, place the tip of the tampon against the opening of your vagina while you hold the bottom of the tampon with your thumb and middle finger.
Step 8. Use your index finger to press the smaller applicator tube into the larger one
This will release the tampon into your vagina. At this time you will feel a low pressure in the lower abdomen/pelvic wall which indicates that your tampon is in its proper position. Once you feel the tampon can't go any further, don't force it anymore.
In a tampon without an applicator, you will use your index finger to push the bottom of the tampon, and insert it through the vaginal opening. Your finger will follow the tampon through the vagina, until the tampon can't be pushed any further. When the tampon is inserted through the vaginal opening, you can also assist with the movement using your middle finger because your middle finger is longer and has a more favorable angle to your hand
Step 9. Double check to make sure the tampon is in place
When inserting a tampon, stand up to make sure that the tampon is in position. You should not feel the presence of the tampon after removing the applicator. If you can feel it, you may have to sit back down and push it up a little further with your fingers.
Step 10. Remove the applicator
Make sure that the tampon is completely removed from the applicator before you pull the applicator off your vagina. You should feel the tampon coming off the applicator, but if it doesn't, another sign is that you can't push the smaller applicator tube any further into the larger area.
If you feel the applicator is still holding the tampon in, gently shake it as you pull it out of your vagina. This should help you remove the tampon from the applicator
Step 11. Wash your hands and make everything clean
Method 3 of 3: Removing Tampons
Step 1. Identify when it's time to change or remove your tampon
You should change your tampon at least every eight hours. Depending on the flow of blood, you may need to change your tampon more often – for example, every 3-5 hours when the flow is heavy. Here's how to tell when you should change your tampon:
- If you feel that your underwear is wet, your tampon may be leaking. To prevent stains from leaking onto your clothes, it's a good idea to use pantyliners in combination with your tampon.
- When sitting on the toilet, tie the string a little. If the tampon moves or starts to slip out, this is a sign that you should replace it. You may find your tampon coming out on its own; and this is also a sign to replace it.
- If there is blood on the tampon cord, this is a sign that the tampon is full and needs to be replaced.
Step 2. Calm down
If you're stressed, you're more likely to strain your vaginal muscles, making it difficult for you to remove the tampon.
Step 3. Take the correct position
Sit on the toilet seat, or stand with one foot on the toilet seat. If possible, take the same position as before when you inserted the tampon.
Sitting on the toilet while pulling the tampon cord out will ensure that any blood that comes out is caught in the toilet opening, rather than on clothes or on the floor
Step 4. Extend your arms between your outstretched legs and pull on the tampon string
Make sure that you pull the tampon out at the same angle as you inserted it.
Step 5. Don't pull in a hurry
If you find it difficult to remove the tampon, do not pull it forcefully. This will break the string from the tampon. You can also get hurt if the tampon gets stuck and dries.
Step 6. Don't panic if the tampon doesn't come out easily
If you're having trouble removing your tampon, don't panic. The tampon won't get lost in your lower abdominal cavity! If you can't get it out but can still see the strap, there are a few things you can do:
- Carefully pull on the rope while straining as if you are going to have a bowel movement. Wiggle the strap as you pull down to help the tampon move at least a little out of the vaginal canal. When the tampon is near the vaginal opening and you can reach it with your fingers, gently and slowly wiggle the tampon left and right with your fingers while pulling it down.
- If you're really having trouble getting the tampon out, you might want to consider using a vaginal spray (also called a vaginal spray). Vaginal spray will squirt fluid into your vagina, moistening and softening the tampon and making it easier to pull out. If you choose this method, be sure to follow the directions on the package (if it's a drugstore spray). If you use any other sprayer you have at home, make sure that you use sterile water.
- If you can't find the position of the tampon, insert your finger into your vagina and move it around the vaginal canal wall in a circular motion. If you manage to reach the tampon cord, insert one more finger to pull the string so that the tampon can be pulled out.
- Don't be shy about seeing a doctor if you can't find a tampon and/or can't get it out.
Step 7. Dispose of used tampons properly
After removing the used tampon, wrap the tampon in toilet paper and throw it in the trash. Do not throw it into the toilet hole. Some types of applicators can be dumped into the toilet bowl (it will be written on the packaging), but tampons cannot be thrown out and flushed down the toilet hole. A tampon in the toilet bowl can cause a clogged toilet drain, so it's important to throw it in the trash.
If you're in a public restroom, there's usually a special trash can for tampons and sanitary napkins. Disposing of used tampons and sanitary napkins in this special place is the safest method of disposal
Step 8. Wash your hands afterwards
Tips
- Regular tampons won't hurt you when you insert them, but if you're concerned about the width and want a smaller size than the standard size, some brands provide smaller sizes. These small size tampons are often labeled as “ultra slim”, “for teens”, “sleek”, or “slim fit”. This information should be clearly stated on the packaging.
- For easy insertion, apply a drop of water-based lubricant to the tip of the tampon before you insert it into your vagina.
Warning
- If you experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, fainting, aches and pains, vomiting, or diarrhea while using a tampon, these may be signs that you have TSS. If you experience any of these symptoms (even if only one of them), remove the tampon and see a doctor immediately.
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after using a tampon or while practicing, because you are touching your vagina. Not washing your hands will harm your health and that of others.
- Always make sure that the absorbency of the tampon matches your menstrual blood flow – low absorption for low blood flow (at the beginning and end of menstruation), and normal to super absorbency for heavy blood flow on certain days. Using a tampon with a higher absorbency than required can result in TSS.
- If the tampon packaging has been damaged, do not use it.
- Don't leave a tampon in your body for more than eight hours. Leaving a tampon in your body for longer than it should be will put you at risk for TSS.
- Always insert a tampon slowly and carefully, and never force it into your vagina.
- If you sleep with a tampon on, be sure to set your alarm to sound after eight hours, or according to the maximum duration of use indicated on the tampon package.
- Toxins from bacteria, including those that can cause TSS, can enter the bloodstream through microscopic passages in the walls of the vaginal canal. Therefore, it is very important to insert your tampon carefully.
- If you are sexually active, do not have sex while using a tampon, as this will cause the tampon to be pushed into the vagina, making it difficult to remove afterwards.
