Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: A few myths and facts under the microscope
• Method 2 of 4: Part 1: Before inserting the tampon
• Method 3 of 4: Part two: Inserting the tampon
• Method 4 of 4: Part three: Remove the tampon
• Tips
• Warnings

You may not be able to talk to anyone about your period or you may not feel comfortable discussing it with your parents. Whatever the reason, figuring out how to insert a tampon on your own is quite tough. Don't be afraid, though! Find help here. This article will teach you step by step how to use tampons without pain.

To step

Method 1 of 4: A few myths and facts under the microscope

There are some tall tales about using tampons and you may have heard some bad stories about it. Knowing the facts will allay your fear and resolve miscommunication.

1. Do not worry:a tampon will never get stuck or shoot inside you. To be honest, he has nowhere to go! You can always pull it out with the string or go in with your fingers to get it out if the string breaks.
2. Be aware that you can just go to the bathroom with a tampon in.
3. Do not think you are too young. You can start with tampons at any age. You don't have to be 18 for that.
4. Know that using tampons will not affect your virginity. Contrary to a fable going around, tampons don't make you lose your virginity. Tampons can stretch the hymen (the thin membrane that usually stretches when you have sex. Your hymen won't tear! The hymen only partially covers the opening of your vagina and can stretch and bend.). Even if your fleece does tear from using a tampon (which can happen through many other things like regular horseback riding), it doesn't mean you're no longer a virgin.
5. Make sure you always have enough stuff with you. Whether you go to work or school, or exercise, always make sure you have a few tampons in your bag. Especially when you have your first period, it is useful to fill a make-up bag with tampons, pantyliners, wet wipes and a spare pair of underpants.
6. Use a sanitary napkin if you sleep longer than 8 hours at night. That way, you don't have to worry about getting up early to change your tampon.

Method 2 of 4: Part 1: Before inserting the tampon

1. Buy tampons. As you may have seen in the supermarket, you have tampons in different shapes and sizes. Here are some tips for your first period:
   • Buy tampons with an applicator. Tampons are available in two basic types: with and without applicator. This tool is a plastic tube that helps you push the tampon into your vagina. The help of an applicator makes it easier to learn how to insert a tampon, so buy a box that has it.
   • Choose the right absorbency. These range from light to heavy and have to do with the amount of blood a tampon can absorb. Most women use super plus tampons for the first two days (when bleeding is most intense) and switch to lighter tampons at the end of their period. If you're concerned about pain, opt for light tampons, also known as mini. You have to change them more often, but they are thinner and more comfortable.
2. Wash your hands. It may sound strange to wash your hands before going to the bathroom, but it's a wise move in this case. Insertion sleeves for tampons are sterile and washing your hands will make sure they stay that way and bacteria don't stand a chance.
   • Discard a tampon if you dropped it on the floor and get a new one. It's not worth that few pennies to risk a painful vaginal infection.

Method 3 of 4: Part two: Inserting the tampon

1. Sit on the toilet. Spread your knees wider than you normally do so that you have maximum space and visibility while trying this out.
   • Alternatively, you can insert your tampon while standing, placing one foot higher than the other, for example on the toilet seat. If you prefer this, do it. However, most women prefer to do it while sitting on the toilet so that any blood loss gets into it.
2. Find your vagina. This is the usual first hurdle many women face on their first tampon use and it can be quite intimidating. Once you invent it, it won't be a problem for a lifetime. This is how you make it easier:
   • Understand your anatomy. There are three openings: your ureter (where your urine comes out) in the front, your vagina in the middle, and your anus in the back. If you already know where your ureter is, feel 3 or 4 centimeters further back to find the opening of the vagina.
   • Use the blood to guide you. It may sound strange, but it helps you if you find it difficult. Wet a piece of toilet paper and clean the entire area. Get all the menstrual blood out front to back (or jump in the shower and wash). Once everything is clean, pat yourself with a clean piece of toilet paper until you figure out where the blood comes from.
   • Ask for help. If you really feel lost then don't worry because a lot of girls before you have had the same problem. Ask a female relative you trust (such as your mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or older niece) to help you the first time. Try not to be ashamed and remember that every woman has been through the same thing. You can also ask your doctor for help.
3. Hold the tampon correctly. Hold the introducer sheath in the center with your thumb and middle finger where the wide and narrow sheath merge. Place your index finger on the end of the introducer sheath where the string comes out.
4. Slowly insert the top of the thicker tube into your vagina. Focus on the narrower tube and slide it up a few inches until your fingers touch your flesh. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Menstrual blood is actually very clean when it comes to bacteria, and you can scrub your hands when you're done.
5. Push the thinner tube up with your index finger. You should now feel the tampon slide into you. Stop where the thin half of the introducer sheath is all the way into the thicker one.
6. Gently remove the introducer from your vagina. Don't worry, if you have followed the instructions above and put the tampon in all the way, it won't come out when you remove the introducer sheath. Once the applicator is out, put it in a hygiene bag or wrap it in a piece of toilet paper and throw it in the trash.
   • Never flush applicators - they can cause serious blockages with water damage.
7. Check for comfort. You shouldn't feel the tampon and it shouldn't feel uncomfortable. If sitting or walking around hurts, something went wrong; usually you have not pushed the tampon far enough into your vagina. Take out this tampon and put in a new one.

Method 4 of 4: Part three: Remove the tampon

1. Change your tampon every 6 to 8 hours. You don't have to do this exactly after 6 hours, but try not to wear it for longer than 8 hours.
   • Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is an extremely rare but potentially fatal consequence of leaving a tampon in for too long. If you accidentally leave a tampon on for more than 8 hours and experience a high fever, sudden rash, or vomiting, remove the tampon and seek immediate medical attention.
2. Relax. Removing a tampon may seem painful, but it isn't when your muscles are relaxed. Take a few deep breaths, relax, and remember that it doesn't hurt.
3. Slowly pull the string of the tampon. You may feel the cotton chafing from the tampon as you take it out, but it shouldn't hurt.
   • If the thought of touching the string with your bare fingers makes you feel sick, use a piece of toilet paper.
   • If you feel any resistance pulling the tampon out, resolve the issue. It could be because your vagina is too dry. Switch to a lighter type of tampon. If you are too dry, you can use some water to keep the tampon from sticking.
4. Discard the tampon. Some tampons are designed so that you can flush them. You can therefore easily dispose of them via the sewer. However, if you have a toilet with low water pressure or a septic tank and you know there have been blockages in the past, then it is more sensible to wrap your tampon in toilet paper and throw it in the trash.

Tips

• Using a pantiliner (a very thin sanitary napkin, usually used in case you lose blood or for very light bleeding) can catch mild blood loss without having to use a thick, regular sanitary napkin.
• Always carry extra pads and tampons with you in case you need to use them.
• When you are young, start with a light tampon. You can always switch to a heavier one once you know how to insert the tampon.
• Inserting a tampon can hurt a little at first, so stretch, breathe slowly, and relax. This ensures that your muscles relax.
• Try to wear sanitary pads when you are at home. This gives your body a break and is easier for you too.
• If you find inserting a tampon hurt you, take a few deep breaths and insert it slowly.
• If you're afraid of leaking at school, it's fine to wear sanitary pads in addition to a tampon.
• You will not lose the tampon inside you.
• If you are just starting to wear tampons, use a tampon and a sanitary napkin. This prevents leakage.
• You may feel more comfortable alternating tampons and pads.
• The string of a tampon doesn't just break. If it does happen, take the tampon out with your fingers.
• If you feel the tampon as you move, try going to the bathroom and pushing it further into the vagina with your finger.
• Use the lightest type of tampon you need.
• If it's your first time, listening to music may help you relax.
• If you've just started your period, don't be afraid to ask your mom for help. Remember she has been through this too!
• If the tampon is uncomfortable for any reason, it is probably because it is not deep enough. Insert the thick part of the introducer until your middle finger and thumb touch your body. It could also be because you made the wrong angle with the tampon. Take the tampon out after a few hours and try inserting the next one into your vagina at a 45 degree angle.
• Ask elderly female relatives for tips. If you can't ask your mom, there are sure to be older sisters, nieces, aunts, and good friends to help you out.
• Don't be afraid to talk to your parents about this.
• If it makes you feel better, you can ask your friends to go to the bathroom with you. Then if something happens, you have someone close by whom you trust.
• Lie down and then insert a tampon.
• If you feel the tampon when you move, push it further in. If you still feel it afterwards, take it out and put in another one.
• If you are using a tampon for the first time, you can use petroleum jelly to make the applicator slide in more easily.
• Do not forget to remove the tampon after 8 hours.
• If you go for a swim during your period, don't be afraid to ask some of the other girls if they have an extra tampon with them. They won't mind this - they probably go through the same thing as you.
• If the string breaks, you feel resistance, or the tampon is stuck and won't come out, hold the string and push it slightly. This will loosen the tampon. It's better to do this than pulling the tampon out of your body, which is painful and can cause cracks that can become infected. Do not worry. It may sound strange, but your body will help push the tampon out (just like a baby).
• Grab a mirror and examine and examine your vagina. You will be able to insert the tampon more easily if you know exactly where the vaginal opening is.

Warnings

• Use sanitary pads at night. Most women sleep longer than 4 to 6 hours. Because you are lying down, the blood does not flow down and the tampon not only absorbs the blood, but also other vaginal fluid. This can lead to vaginal damage and increase the risk of health problems.
• If you dropped a tampon, don't use it anymore. You can easily get an infection from the bacteria on the floor.
• Be aware of the risks, such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and vaginal infections.
• Do not use tampons if you are not on your period. Doing so can cause painful and embarrassing infections.
• Always remove a tampon before sex to prevent it from being easily accessible.