Why do I feel pain when I put in a tampon?

First of all: if you feel pain after inserting a tampon or during application, something is wrong. The worst thing you can do in this situation is to shrug your shoulders and say, "that's just how it is with tampons." Well, no!

Pain is not normal, discomfort is not normal. A properly inserted tampon is a tampon you don't think about (apart from monitoring the length of time you have it inside you).

Inserting a tampon and the hymen

If your hymen (or vaginal ring, also known as the hymen) is intact, inserting a tampon can actually be painful. In that case, you may have chosen a size that is too large – when we are not having sex, we should be using the smallest ones.

If they also cause pain, it may be due to the structure of the hymen. In that case, there are two options: to refrain from using tampons until intercourse or to decide to mechanically stretch the hymen.

You can read more about the hymen in our texts"The hymen, or the hymen in questions and answers" and " Can you use tampons if you are a virgin? ".

Pain when inserting a tampon

If you experience pain when inserting a tampon and it's not an issue with your hymen being intact, you may need to improve your technique .

Remember that the vagina is not directed vertically upwards , as sometimes shown in illustrative drawings. It is tilted at a certain angle and this is exactly how the tampon should be positioned during insertion: slightly towards the back, never straight ahead. Also remember about the right position: in a squat, in a crouch, with one leg resting on the toilet. Whatever is comfortable for you.

Be sure to check out our instructions: how to properly insert a tampon and how to remove a tampon .

If, on the other hand, you are certain that you are inserting the tampon correctly but you still feel pain, the reason may be a bit surprising to you. It is YOUR ATTITUDE.

You are preparing yourself for the pain, and as a result, your muscles tense up, so you actually feel pain when you try to insert the tampon. If your body is stressed and your muscles are tense , it can make it harder to insert the tampon . In this case, try practicing breathing before inserting the tampon. A few breaths in and out, or even just inserting the tampon while exhaling, can be an antidote to your pain.

The last thing I can think of is experimenting. If you don't get along with your tampons, consider changing them. Aim for those made of organic cotton (we recommend them, even for special tasks!).

Pain after inserting a tampon

Pain or discomfort after inserting a tampon is a sign of incorrect use . You probably didn't insert the tampon deep enough , which is why you simply feel it, and in the worst case scenario you can chafe or irritate the mucous membrane . The best solution is to remove the tampon and insert a new one correctly.

How deep should you insert the tampon? The finger you use to push the tampon should actually be almost completely inside your vagina. If you are using a tampon with an applicator , the applicator tube should be gently pushed into your vagina. To insert the tampon, press it all the way in, so that your fingers touch your vulva.

What if you apply it correctly and deeply but it still hurts?

Wait a minute. And is your tampon really well-fitted? It's very important to have the right size tampon (its absorbency level) for the intensity of your period.

A tampon that is too large can absorb your natural discharge and become noticeable – which is enough to make you think about it and feel uncomfortable (or maybe even painful). Reach for a smaller tampon or switch to a pad if your period is light.

Regardless of the size of the tampon you are using, you may want to try applying a small amount of lubricant to the top part of the tampon (the part that goes into your vagina first). The glide will definitely make things easier.

Can my stomach hurt after inserting a tampon?

Well-chosen, correctly insertedtampons are imperceptible = comfortable . Many people declare that they feel the tampon inside them, but it is not uncomfortable - it is more of an awareness that something has been applied inside them, and not any unpleasant sensation.

I have to point out that the pain you feel in your lower abdomen may be "typical" menstrual pain (pain and characteristic cramps are common complaints in menstruating people). However, if it is pain strictly related to tampon insertion and occurs only during this activity, it is probably the aforementioned tightened muscles that make it difficult to insert a tampon.

Should taking a tampon out hurt?

No, neither inserting nor removing a tampon should hurt. The situation is analogous here: read how to do it correctly. And then just: inhale, exhale. Relax!

I hope that with our mini guide you will quickly deal with pain and discomfort during insertion. And if you have never experienced it, but have heard about such cases and it stops you from using tampons - I encourage you to try. There is no point in assuming that inserting a tampon hurts!

If you want to learn even more about using tampons, we recommend our articles: " Why does a tampon leak? " and Where to throw away tampons ?.

How do I put a tampon in? , "Planned Parenthood", plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/how-do-i-put-a-tampon-in [accessed on April 15, 2022].
How do I use tampons, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups? , "Planned Parenthood", plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups [accessed on April 15, 2022].
The facts on tampons — and how to use them safely , "US Food and Drug Administration", fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely [accessed on April 15, 2022].
Using your first tampon , "Center for Young Women's Health", youngwomenshealth.org/2012/09/27/tampons/ [accessed on April 15, 2022].