How to insert a tampon – step by step

How to insert a tampon for the first time?

Wash your hands thoroughly before application!

1. Try to relax – when you are stressed, you involuntarily tense your muscles, which can make it more difficult to insert a tampon.
2. Take a comfortable position – you can stand (with one leg resting on the toilet or bathtub, for example), sit, squat. See what will be most comfortable for you!
3. Take the tampon out of the box, remove the wrapper, and pull the string to make sure it is securely fastened.
4. Spread your labia slightly and – holding the tampon with your dominant hand between your thumb, index and middle finger – insert just the tip, then wait a few seconds. After that, your vaginal discharge should soften the tampon a little.
5. Then – holding it only with your thumb and middle finger – push it gently with your index finger into the vagina.
6. Does it hurt? Do you feel resistance? Try changing the angle of insertion, move the tampon slightly to the right or left. It should go in between the urethra and the anus. Don't be afraid of hitting the wrong hole, it's impossible - the urethral opening is tiny, and it's much higher up.

Depending on the length of your vagina, the tampon should be about three to five centimeters deep (but again, this is very individual). The most important thing is that you don't feel it when you're done.

If you are wondering how to choose the right size of tampons – take a look here .

Which days of your period are best to use tampons?

Start on the day when you have the most blood – the vaginal opening is the most moistened then, so inserting the tampon should go smoothly.

In the last days of bleeding, when it is not heavy, it is worth switching to pads/panty liners.

Are you worried about stains on your underwear? Read about situations in which a tampon can leak and how to prevent it.

How to insert a tampon with an applicator?

Using a tampon with an applicator is considered a more hygienic option because its design allows you to avoid direct contact of the hands with the hygiene product during its application.

1. However, don't forget to wash your hands before and after putting it in!
2. Pull on the inner tube – this will extend most of the applicator (you should hear a characteristic click).
3. Then, hold the lower part of the applicator between your thumb and middle finger , gently spread your labia and slowly insert the applicator into the vagina.
4. Press the smaller tube into the larger one as if you were using a syringe. The tampon is already inside. Now just remove the applicator and you're done!

How often should I change my tampon?

The tampon should be changed every 4-6 hours, and after a maximum of 8 hours . Keeping it inside the vagina for longer increases the risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome) .

And even more information on how often to change tampons can be found here !

How to remove a tampon?

To remove the tampon , wash your hands, take a comfortable position for yourself and try to relax your vaginal muscles. Next step - gently pull the string. Did it go? No? Move the string from side to side, the resistance should go away.

Are tampons suitable for the pool?

Yes! You can safely use them while swimming.

However, remember to insert a new tampon just before entering the water and replace it immediately after swimming.

Read more about it here !

I hope that the first time you inserted a tampon it wasn't difficult for you, and if so, I promise that after some time you will get the hang of it and the whole action won't take you more than half a minute.