Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Getting in the right position
• Part 2 of 3: Pushing the tampon into your vagina
• Part 3 of 3: Reduce pain from tampons
• Tips
• Warnings

Tampons are an easy, discreet option for dealing with your period. However, you may hate the waste of applicators. Fortunately, you can insert a tampon without an applicator! Simply wash your hands and put your body in a position that opens up your vagina. Then use your middle finger to push the tampon into your vagina. If you are experiencing pain, there are a number of changes you can make to reduce the pain.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Getting in the right position

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wet your hands with warm water and then apply a mild soap to your palm. Scrub your hands with the soap for at least 30 seconds. Rinse your hands with warm water last.
   • Do not insert a tampon with dirty hands as the bacteria will get on your tampon. This can cause an infection.
2. Sit on your toilet with your knees spread to open your vagina. Make yourself comfortable in the toilet, then spread your legs so that you can easily reach your vagina. This makes it easier to insert the tampon into your vagina.
   • If a different position works better for you, do it. The most important thing is to be comfortable and have access to your vagina.

   Variation: Another option is to stand and put 1 am on the toilet. This will help spread your legs and angle your body to make it easier to insert the tampon.

   
   
3. Take deep breaths to relax yourself so that it is easier to insert the tampon. If your muscles are tense, it will be easier to push the tampon into your vagina. Take slow, deep breaths to help yourself relax. Try to count to 5 when you inhale and count to 5 again when you exhale. Repeat this 5 times.
   • It's normal to feel nervous when you first start using tampons. Just do your best to relax your body.
4. Unpack the tampon and extend the string. Tear open the top of the package and remove the tampon. Gently hold the tampon by its base to reduce the amount of contact your fingers have with the tampon. Recycle or dispose of the packaging.
   • Do not pull the string too hard to make sure it does not come off the tampon. If it does, it will be difficult to remove the tampon from your vagina.
   • It is still possible to transfer bacteria to the tampon when your hands are clean. Do your best to touch the tampon as little as possible.
   • If your tampons are not individually wrapped, take the tampon out of the box by grasping its base.

Part 2 of 3: Pushing the tampon into your vagina

1. Hold the base of the tampon between your thumb and index finger. Grab the tampon as close to the base of it as you can. Use your thumb and index finger to hold it loosely. Hold it tight so you don't accidentally drop your tampon in the toilet.

   Variation: You may prefer to make an indentation in the base of the tampon so that you can insert it with just your middle finger. Lightly press your middle finger into the base of the tampon to insert it.

   
   
2. Open your vagina with the tip of your vagina or your other hand. The folds of your vagina should open easily when you push the tampon in. If you are experiencing difficulty, use your thumb and forefinger of your free hand to gently push them open.
   • If this is your first time using a tampon, it may be helpful to use a handheld mirror to examine your vagina before attempting to insert the tampon.
3. Push the tampon into your vagina. Use your fingers to push the tip of the tampon into your vagina. Push it in as far as you can with the fingers you use. While doing this, make sure the string is hanging out of your vagina.
   • You probably won't be able to get it all the way in one sitting, and that's fine!
4. Use your middle finger to push the tampon as far as it will go in easily. Place your middle finger in the center of the base of the tampon, then push it into your vagina as far as you can with your hand. Stop pushing when you reach the base of your finger. This should place the tampon in the right place.
   • If your ring finger is longer than your middle finger, use it.
5. Let the string hang from your vagina. You will need the string to pull the tampon out of your vagina, so make sure it hangs out before removing your finger. Do not pull on the string until you are ready to remove the tampon.
   • If you pull the string when you remove your finger, your tampon may come off. If this happens you can try to push it back with your finger. However, you may have to change your tampon.
6. Remove your finger from your vagina and wash your hands. Slowly remove your finger from your vagina, while being careful not to pull the string. Then wipe menstrual fluids from your finger with a piece of toilet paper. Dispose of the toilet paper in the toilet or trash can. Then wash your hands with soap and water to clean your finger.
   • If your finger smells like, wash your hands twice with soap.
7. Check that your tampon is comfortable. Your tampon shouldn't feel uncomfortable, but this can sometimes happen if it's in the wrong place. Slowly walk in place or shake your hips to make sure it is comfortable.
   • If he feels uncomfortable, try pushing him further into your vagina with your middle finger. If this doesn't work you may have to remove it and put in a new tampon.

Part 3 of 3: Reduce pain from tampons

1. Practice inserting tampons to make it easier. Tampons can feel painful if you put them in the wrong way. The best way to get over this is to practice inserting it. You will likely feel easier using tampons more often.
   • Try to use them regularly throughout your period. This will help you get better at inserting it.
   • It will be difficult to get better at it if you only use tampons here and there, such as when you go swimming or exercise.
2. Use the tampon for the first time when your period is heaviest. Tampons are easier to insert when your vagina is moist. That means they can be stiff when your period is light. If you are new to tampons, wait until your period is hardest to try to insert one.
   • In general, the second day will be your toughest day. However, your period can also be heavy on day 1 or 3.
3. Lie down so that it is easier to relax while inserting your tampon. If your muscles are tense, it will be difficult to insert the tampon. It may be difficult for you to relax when sitting or standing on the toilet, so try to lie down. Get into a comfortable position, take a few deep breaths, then try to insert the tampon.
   • You probably won't have to do this every time. However, lying down can help you get used to inserting tampons if they are new to you.
4. If you are just starting to use tampons, try to use an applicator. You probably have a reason why you don't want to use an applicator, such as to create less waste. However, applicators make tampons much easier to insert. You can use either a cardboard or plastic applicator. Use applicators until you get used to tampons.
   • Plastic applicators are usually more comfortable to insert. However, they can be more expensive and have a greater impact on the environment.
   • Cardboard applicators are usually easy to insert, but they can be stiffer than plastic applicators.
5. Make sure you have the correct absorbency tampons for your period. Tampons come in different sizes to suit your period on different days of your period. For example, you don't need the same size on a light day as on a tough day. If you use a tampon that is too large, it will be stiffer and stay dry, causing more pain. Choose the right absorbency for you.
   • Use light tampons on the first day and the last few days of your period, when it is lighter.
   • Opt for normal tampons on your heavy menstrual days.
   • Use super absorbent tampons on your heaviest day or when your periods are really heavy.
   • Only try a super-plus tampon if your periods are abnormally heavy.
6. Only use tampons during your period. You may feel the urge to practice inserting tampons when you are not on your period. However, your vagina will be dry, which will make the tampons hurt when you put them in and when you pull them out. Only wear tampons when you have your period.
   • If you think you're about to menstruate, use a pantyliner to protect your underwear. Don't use a tampon until your period starts.

Tips

• Relax and keep trying until you can. It may take a few tampons to get one!
• It might feel a bit strange at first. After a few times you will get used to it!
• If you drop your tampon, throw it away and get a new one. Otherwise, you can get bacteria in your vagina.
• A tampon will not get lost in your body if you use it correctly.

Warnings

• Change your tampons every 4 to 6 hours to stay safe. Do not leave your tampon on for more than 8 hours, as this will increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).