Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Myths and Facts
• Method 2 of 4: Before starting the process
• Method 3 of 4: How to insert a swab
• Method 4 of 4: Removing the tampon
• Tips
• Warnings

Using a tampon for the first time can be tricky, especially if this is your first period, but don't worry: it will get easier over time.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Myths and Facts

Hygienic tampons are surrounded by many myths and legends. You may have already heard something about this. But knowing the true facts will make it easier for you to overcome your fears and dispel doubts.

1. 1 Be aware that the tampon cannot get stuck or lost inside. He just has nowhere to go! The cervix, which is located in the deepest part of the vagina, has only a tiny opening that allows blood to pass through. You can always pull the tampon out by the string or with your fingers if the string comes off.
   • Remember to take out your tampon when your period ends.
2. 2 Know that you can go to the toilet with a tampon. Just gently lift the string on the swab so it doesn't get in the way.
   • You can also tuck in the string to keep it dry.Do not hide it deeply so that it is easy to reach.
3. 3 Remember, there is no minimum age to start using tampons. Tampons are suitable for all ages. The most important thing is your desire, and you don't have to be an adult. Some girls do not use pads and immediately start using tampons, especially if they are doing swimming or gymnastics.
4. 4 Know that a tampon will not deprive you of your virginity. Contrary to popular belief, a tampon does not break hymen. A tampon can stretch it (the hymen is a thin tissue that stretches during sex), but it shouldn't break... The hymen does not completely cover the vaginal opening and may stretch and bend. Even if the tampon stretches the hymen (and this is possible during other activities - for example, during frequent horse riding), this does not mean that you have lost your virginity.
   • Another misconception is that the hymen completely covers the vagina. This is wrong. There is a hole in the hymen for a tampon, otherwise blood during menstruation could not flow out of the vagina.
   • The hymen stretches easily when resting, but if you forcefully push the tampon inward and pinch the muscles, the hymen can break. This can happen while playing sports.
5. 5 Always have a supply of hygiene products with you. When going to work, school, or training, always bring some spare tampons with you. It will be helpful for you to pack a small cosmetic bag with tampons, panty liners, wet wipes and extra underpants, especially if you are just starting your period.
6. 6 If you sleep more than eight hours, sleep with pad. This way you don't have to get up early to change your tampon in time, and you reduce your risk of developing toxic shock, a rare but serious syndrome that develops when bacteria Staphylococcus aureus enters the bloodstream.

Method 2 of 4: Before starting the process

1. 1 Buy tampons. You've probably already seen in the store that tampons come in a variety of colors and types. Below are some guidelines for choosing tampons for the first time:
   • Buy tampons with an applicator. Applicators are plastic tubes that help push the tampon into the vagina. It will be easier for you to insert the tampon with the applicator if you do not already know how to use tampons, so choose the tampons that come with the applicators. There are a large number of different tampons on the market that are sold with or without applicators.
   • Find a swab with suitable absorbency. The tampon can absorb different amounts of liquid, from large to small. Most women use tampons in the first days of their period, which absorb a lot of fluid, since this is the time when the most blood is released. Towards the end of your period, you can use tampons with moderate to low absorbency.
   • If you are worried about possible pain, buy tampons that absorb the least amount of liquid. You will need to replace them more often, but they will be smaller and more comfortable to use. Try starting with Tampax Pearl Lite. You can also buy teen tampons or special small tampons. If you start with small tampons, it will be easier for you to learn how to insert them. They will also be easier to reach. If low absorbency tampons are not suitable for you, switch to tampons that absorb more liquid.
   • If you bleed heavily during the day, use a pad or thin pad at the same time as the tampon in case the tampon leaks. Leaks are possible with all tampons, even in 4 hours.
2. 2 Wash your hands. To wash hands before going to the toilet can be weird, but it's very important. The tampon applicators are sterile, and if you wash your hands, you will not bring pathogenic bacteria or fungi onto them.
   • If you accidentally drop the tampon on the floor, discard it. Saving on a tampon will not be beneficial if you have to be treated for an unpleasant infection.

Method 3 of 4: How to insert a swab

1. 1 Sit on the toilet. Spread your legs more than usual to better see what you will be doing. You can also squat on the toilet.
   • The tampon can also be inserted while standing. Place one foot on a higher place (for example, on the toilet). Try inserting the tampon this way if comfortable. However, most women do this on the toilet, as it makes it easier to avoid getting blood stained.
2. 2 Find your vagina. This is the most common problem faced by girls who haven't used tampons before, and it can seem very daunting. But when you figure out where to insert the tampon, this skill will stay with you forever! The following will help you:
   • Understand your anatomy. There are three openings: the urethra (urethra) at the top, the vagina in the middle, and the anus at the bottom. If you know where the urethra is, feel your vagina a couple of centimeters lower.
   • Focus on blood. It sounds strange, but it might help. Soak a piece of toilet paper and wipe your menstrual blood from front to back, or take a shower. When everything is clean, apply toilet paper to your crotch to see where the blood is coming from.
   • Ask for help. If you do not know at all what to do, do not be discouraged, because there were many girls in your place before you. Just ask a close relative (mom, sister, grandmother, aunt, or older cousin) to help you the first time. Do not be embarrassed, because all women have faced this problem. You can also ask your doctor or nurse to help you.
3. 3 Take the swab in the correct way. Grasp the swab in the middle, where the wide and narrow parts of the applicator meet. Hold the swab between your thumb and middle finger. Place your index finger on the tip of the applicator from which the string exits.
4. 4 Slowly insert the wider top of the applicator into the vagina. Aim the applicator towards your back and insert it until your fingers touch your body. Don't worry if you get your fingers dirty, because menstrual blood is bacteria-free. Also, you can wash your hands when finished.
5. 5 Press down on the thin part of the applicator with your index finger. You will feel the tampon begin to move inside you. Stop when the thin part of the applicator connects to the wide one.
6. 6 Pull out the applicator. Pull the applicator carefully out of the vagina. Don't worry - you won't take the tampon along with it if you did everything right and insert the tampon all the way. When you take out the applicator, wrap it in toilet paper and throw it in the bin.
   • Do not flush applicators down the toilet... They can damage the pipes.
7. 7 Make sure you are comfortable. You won't have to feel the tampon inside of you, so you shouldn't be uncomfortable. If it hurts you to sit or walk, it means that you did something wrong. Most often this happens if the tampon was not inserted deep enough. Insert your finger into your vagina and find the tampon. Press lightly on it and try to walk. If it still hurts, it means you inserted the tampon incorrectly. Remove the swab and try reinserting another swab.

Method 4 of 4: Removing the tampon

1. 1 Change your tampon every 4-6 hours. You don't have to do this exactly 4 hours later. The most important thing is to try not to wear a tampon for more than 6 hours.
   • Toxic shock is a rare but potentially fatal condition that can have serious consequences if you wear the tampon for too long. If you accidentally leave the tampon for more than 9 hours and have a fever, a rash, or vomit, remove the tampon and call your doctor as soon as possible.
2. 2 Relax. It may seem like it hurts to take out the tampon, but it isn't.Take a couple of deep breaths, relax your muscles, and remind yourself that you may not feel very comfortable, but it won't hurt.
3. 3 Pull the string at the end of the tampon slowly. You may feel a slight friction as the tampon comes out, but there should be no pain.
   • If you don't feel like grasping the string with your bare fingers, grab it with toilet paper.
   • If the tampon is difficult to pull out, it is most likely dry. To prevent this from happening, use tampons that absorb less liquid. If the swab is very dry, moisten it with water to make it easier to remove.
4. 4 Throw away the tampon. Some tampons can be flushed down the toilet - they are made in such a way that they themselves separate into pieces and easily pass through pipes. However, if your toilet has a low water pressure, if you have a septic tank installed, or if you know that pipes in your house are often clogged, it is better to wrap the tampon in toilet paper and throw it in the trash can.

Tips

• Try using a pantyliner at the same time as a tampon. It will insure you against minor leaks, but it will not be as tight as a regular gasket.
• If you are at home and find it difficult to insert a tampon on the toilet, wipe off the blood, lie on the bed, and place your feet on the wall. Then insert the tampon as usual, pushing it forward and downward. This will make it easier to insert and push the tampon further.
• Do not use a tampon if you have very little bleeding, as this will make it more painful to reach.
• Although a tampon can be used at the first menstrual period, it is best to wait 3-4 cycles if possible. This will make it easier for you to understand how much blood is usually produced and to choose a tampon according to the volume of blood. If you decide to use tampons during your first period, buy the smallest ones and check to see if it's time to take out the tampon 4, 6 and 8 hours after insertion.
• There should be no irritation. Some tampons use bleach, so if you feel irritated, switch to organic menstrual cups or tampons. They may be more expensive, but they won't be annoying.
• Don't be shy about your period and using tampons.
• It can be painful to insert a tampon the first time, so do a couple of stretching exercises before starting the process, relax and breathe calmly. This will relax the muscles.
• If you plan on swimming during your period, don't be afraid to ask other girls for another tampon.
• Take a speculum and examine your vagina. Examine the structure. It will be easier for you to insert the tampon if you know exactly where to insert it.
• If you are just starting to use tampons or are concerned that blood may leak, try using the pad and tampon at the same time for the first time. This will protect you from leaks.
• Ask a trusted friend or girlfriends to go to the bathroom with you if you feel comfortable talking about it. This will make you feel more comfortable.
• Remember to change your tampon after swimming. This is a precaution, as the swab can pick up germs from the water and pool.

Warnings

• Always remove the tampon before having sex, as otherwise you might push the tampon too deeply, making it harder to reach.
• Know the risks associated with using tampons, including toxic shock and vaginal infections.
• If you cannot remove the tampon yourself, see an adult. If all else fails, go to the hospital as soon as possible for a specialist to remove the tampon.
• If you accidentally drop the tampon on the floor, do not use it. Infection can occur as there may be germs on the floor.
• Do not use tampons if you are not on your period, or infection may develop, causing pain and discomfort.
• Do not wear a tampon for more than 8 hours. Prolonged wearing increases the risk of toxic shock, a rare but deadly syndrome.If you plan on sleeping for more than 8 hours, use a dense pad.
• If you know the tampon is stuck, do not forcefully remove it. You can tear the skin in an attempt to pull it out.
• Do not insert two tampons at the same time, or you may lose one or push the first tampon so far that you cannot remove it yourself.