Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: How to insert a tampon
• Part 2 of 3: How to remove a tampon
• Part 3 of 3: The Truth About Tampons
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

The first experience of using a tampon can be intimidating. Nevertheless, everything will be easier than you think if you know how to do it correctly. With a tampon, you can swim, run and do whatever you want without the inconvenience of a traditional pad. If you insert the tampon correctly, it will not give you any pain at all; in fact, you won't even feel it. If you want to know how to insert a tampon for the first time, skip to the first step of our article.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: How to insert a tampon

1. 1 Buy tampons. Finding your way around the world of tampons can be tricky, but learning some useful information can help you shake off the fear of this purchase. The most common brands that produce tampons are Kotex, Tampax and others. Most of the time, panty liner companies also produce tampons, so you can purchase products from a brand you trust. In general, there are three important points to look out for when buying tampons: the applicator material is paper or plastic, the degree of absorbency, and the presence or absence of an applicator. Here's what you need to know:
   • Paper or plastic. In some tampons, the applicator is made of paper, while in others it is made of plastic. The paper applicator has the advantage of flushing it down the toilet, but if you have an unreliable drainage system, it's best not to tempt fate. Some girls find the plastic applicator more comfortable to use. You can try both and decide which is right for you.
   • With or without applicator. Most tampons come with an applicator, although there are exceptions. When you are just getting used to using tampons, it is better to take the ones with the applicator - it will give you better control over the process. When using a tampon without an applicator, you will need to slide it into your vagina with your fingers, which can be tricky at first. However, the advantage of tampons without an applicator is that they are very small, which means they can be easily kept in your pocket when needed.
   • Absorbability. The two most common types of tampons are “regular” and “heavy discharge”.It is usually recommended to start with the usual ones to understand the principle of using tampons before moving on to stronger ones. Heavy-flow tampons are slightly larger and can be more difficult to use. You can use regular tampons at the stage when the discharge is moderate, and then move on to more absorbent tampons. Often normal and high absorbency tampons come in the same package, so you can choose as you like.
2. 2 Insert a tampon when the discharge is moderate or intense. Although not necessary, inserting a tampon early on in your period, when the discharge is very mild, can be difficult — the tampon will slip into your vagina more easily. When the discharge is strong, the walls of the vagina will be more moist, which will make it easier for the tampon to slide.
   • Some girls wonder if they can practice putting on a tampon before their period begins. While nothing bad will happen, it will be more convenient to wait until your period actually begins.
   • Yes, many girls will find it an extreme decision to go to their mother or aunt. However, if you are afraid or if the tampon does not work out, do not hesitate to ask for help from a woman you trust.
3. 3 Wash your hands. It is very important to wash your hands before inserting the tampon so that the applicator remains sterile until you insert it into your body. You don't want to bring bacteria into your vagina and cause an infection.
4. 4 Unroll the swab with dry hands. Wait for your hands to dry, then carefully tear open the packing of the tampon and discard it. It is perfectly okay to be a little nervous, although there is really no reason to be worried. If you accidentally drop a tampon on the floor, discard it and get a new one. Do not expose yourself to the risk of infection just because you feel sorry for throwing the tampon away.
5. 5 Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Once you get a little more comfortable with using tampons, you will understand which method is best for you. Some girls prefer to insert the tampon while sitting on the toilet. For others, it is more convenient to do this while standing, squatting a little. You can try placing one foot on the toilet or the side of the tub to open up your vagina a little.
   • While anxiety is a completely natural feeling in this situation, you need to try to relax. The calmer you are, the easier it will be for you to insert the tampon.
6. 6 Take the swab with two fingers that hold the pen while you write. Take it in the middle, right where the smaller inner tube fits into the larger outer tube. The string should be clearly visible and looking down, away from your body, while the thicker part of the tampon should be facing up. You can also place your index finger on the base of the swab, and with your middle and thumb grip the grip tabs.
7. 7 Find your vagina. The vagina is located between the urethra and the anus. There are three openings: the urethra (where urine comes out), the vagina (in the middle), and the anus (in the back). You can easily find the urethra, after which you need to lower your fingers 2–5 cm down - this is how you will find the entrance to the vagina. Do not be afraid if some blood remains on your fingers - this is completely normal during your period.
   • Some girls recommend using the other hand to slightly push the labia (folds of skin around the opening of the vagina). This will make it easier for you to insert the tampon. One way or another, some people manage to insert a tampon without additional help.
8. 8 Place the tip of the tampon gently into the vagina. Now that you have found the vagina, all you need to do is slide the tampon 2–3 centimeters inside the vagina. Then you should slowly insert the tampon inside until your fingers touch the applicator and your body and the outside of the tampon tube is inside the vagina.
9. 9 Press down with your index finger on the thin part of the applicator. Stop when the thin and thick parts meet and your fingers touch the skin.The applicator is designed to help you insert the tampon deeper into the vagina. Proceed to push the inner tube of the swab through the outer tube.
10. 10 Use your thumb and middle fingers to remove the applicator. Now that you have placed the tampon over your vagina, all you need to do is remove the applicator. To do this, grasp it with your thumb and middle fingers and gently pull it out of your vagina. From the outside, a thread should be visible coming out of the vagina.
11. 11 Throw away the applicator. If the applicator is plastic, discard it in the bucket. If it is made of paper, check the instructions on the package to make sure it can be flushed down the toilet. If you are unsure, it is better and safer to throw it in the trash can.
12. 12 Consider using panty liners with the tampon. Although not necessary, some girls prefer to use panty liners with the tampon, just in case the tampon starts leaking a little after absorbing as much of the menstrual flow as it can. If you bathe frequently and change your tampons regularly, this won't happen, but pads give an extra sense of security. Plus, thin panty liners do not create discomfort.

Part 2 of 3: How to remove a tampon

1. 1 Make sure you are comfortable with the tampon. If the tampon is uncomfortable for you, it is most likely that you inserted it incorrectly. If you entered it properly, you shouldn't feel it at all. If the tampon is uncomfortable or is not fully inserted, you should remove it. If the edge of the tampon is visible from the vagina, it also means that the product was inserted incorrectly. In such cases, try again.
   • With a properly inserted tampon, you should be able to run, hike, bike, swim, and other exercise.
2. 2 When ready, remove the swab. The tampon should be changed every 6 to 8 hours (or even more often), but if the discharge is heavy, you may need to change it more often. It is very important to check the condition of your tampon every couple of hours, especially if you are using tampons for the first time. If you see a lot of blood while wiping after using the toilet, or if you notice it in the toilet, these are signs that it is time to replace the tampon. It can also be a sign that the tampon is only partially inserted, which is also a signal for replacement.
3. 3 Throw away the tampon. Although the instructions say the tampon can be washed off, it's best to throw it in the bin for safety - you don't want to call a plumber because the tampon clogs up old pipes in your house, do you? Therefore, wrap the used swab in toilet paper and throw it in the trash can. If you are in a public restroom, look for a trash can on the floor of the stall or on the door - these are the places where tampons should be thrown away.
4. 4 Change your tampons every 8 hours, or more often if needed. After removing the old tampon, you should insert a new one. Most girls don't put tampons on at night; you can use pads unless you expect to sleep less than 8 hours.
   • If the thread of the tampon becomes wet with menstrual fluid, you should also replace the tampon.
   • If the tampon is still difficult to remove (it looks a bit stuck), it has not absorbed enough liquid yet. If less than 8 hours have passed, try again later. Try using less absorbent tampons next time.
   • Leaving the tampon for more than 8 hours can cause toxic shock (TSS), which is rare but potentially fatal. If you leave the tampon for longer than the recommended time and experience a fever, rash, or vomiting, seek immediate help.
5. 5 Use swabs appropriate for the volume of your discharge. It is best to use tampons with the least absorbency that suits you. Start with regular tampons. If you find that you have to change them more often than every 4 hours, take them to the next level of absorbency. When the discharge is less profuse, switch to less absorbent tampons. At the end of your period, you may find that tampons become more difficult to insert. When your period ends, stop using tampons.
   • If you feel that your period is not completely over, use a panty liner.

Part 3 of 3: The Truth About Tampons

1. 1 The tampon cannot get lost in your body. The tampon has a very strong, strong thread that runs through the entire tampon, so it cannot come off. The string runs through the entire tampon (rather than just attaching to the tip, as it might seem), so it literally can't come off. Experiment: Take a new swab and try to pull the string with all your strength. You will find that it is very difficult to tear it off. That is why you can be sure that the tampon will not get stuck in you. This is a common fear among many girls, but it is completely unfounded.
2. 2 Keep in mind that the tampon does not interfere with urination. Some girls use tampons for years before they know they don't interfere with urination. Tampons are inserted into the vaginal opening, and you go to the toilet through the urethral opening. They are located close, but they are different holes, and therefore the inserted tampon does not press on the bladder and does not interfere with urination. Some girls fear that the tampon may fall out during urination - this is completely wrong.
3. 3 Tampons can be used by girls of any age who have started their period. You must not be over 16 or 18 to use tampons. Tampons are completely safe for younger girls if inserted correctly.
4. 4 Know that inserting a tampon not will rob you of your virginity. Some girls only start using tampons after their first sexual experience, because they believe that using tampons robs innocence. It is not true. While using tampons can accidentally rip or stretch your hymen, nothing "takes your innocence" apart from the sex itself. Tampons are effective for both virgins and girls who have had sexual experience.
5. 5 Using tampons will not cause health problems. Contrary to what you might hear, tampons do not cause fungal infections. There is no scientific evidence for this. This myth arose due to the fact that girls are prone to fungal infections during their period, when tampons are used.

Tips

• It can take several tries to get it right. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to insert the tampon.
• To relax, take a bath before inserting the tampon.
• If necessary, ask a trusted adult for help.
• Use the mirror until you feel comfortable inserting the tampon. It takes practice. If the tampon does not come out, part your outer labia with your other hand and try again.

Warnings

• Leaving the tampon for more than 8 hours can cause toxic shock (TSS), which is rare but potentially fatal. If you leave the tampon for longer than the recommended time and experience a fever, rash, or vomiting, seek immediate help.

What do you need

• Tampons
• Books
• Instructions for using the tampon (insert in the package)
• Sanitary napkin