How to Insert a Tampon Properly for the First Time

Inserting a tampon for the first time is not as difficult and scary as it may sound! Tampons are a safe, easy-to-use and healthy alternative to sanitary pads, and when inserted properly they will not cause any discomfort or pain.

The following instructions on how to insert a tampon properly are meant to help you relax and make your first insertion easier and less frightening.

Instructions

The best time for inserting the tampon for the first time is during the heavy time of your period. This will allow the tampon to glide more easily inside your vagina.

1. Wash your hands and unwrap the tampon. The larger tube that holds the tampon is the part that will be inserted inside the vagina, while the smaller bottom tube (the one with the string hanging out) will serve to push the tampon in.

2. Relax. If your muscles are tense, the insertion will be harder.

3. Choose the position that is most comfortable for you to insert the tampon. You may sit, stand or squat, but you should always keep your legs slightly spread. If you stand, you can place one foot on the toilet seat, tub or chair.

4. Now, look at the tampon. You will see grooved rings at the bottom of the larger, outer tube, exactly at the point where it meets the smaller, inner tube. Place your thumb and your middle finger on these rings and hold the applicator firmly, with the tip of the outer tube facing your body. The tube with the cord hanging out should be pointed in the other direction, away from your body.

5. Use your other hand to open the labia (the folds of skin around the vaginal opening), and place the tip of the larger tube at the opening of your vagina.

6. The vagina slants upward and toward the back of your body. So, gently push the applicator inside, aiming for the smaller back. Stop when the outer tube is completely inside the vagina, and your fingers touch your vaginal opening.

7. Now, use your index finger to delicately push the smaller, inner tube through the outer tube until it is completely inside it. This pushes the tampon out of the outer tube and into your vagina.

8. Remove your index finger from the tip of the inner tube and make sure the string hangs freely.

9. With your thumb and your middle finger gently remove both tubes from the vagina. Make sure again that the string is visible, accessible and freely hanging out of your vaginal opening.

10. To remove the tampon, gently and steadily pull the withdrawal strings down and forward, at the same angle at which the tampon was inserted. The used tampon can be flushed down the toilet.

11. Once you’ve removed the tubes, and if the tampon has been inserted properly, you should not feel anything.

If you however feel uncomfortable, that means that the tampon hasn’t been inserted correctly and that it has not been placed far enough into the vaginal canal. If this happens, take it out, relax and try inserting a new, fresh tampon a little bit deeper into the vagina.

Tips and Warnings

Tampon

1. Change your tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours, and use a pad at night if you sleep more than 6 hours.

2. Always wash your hands before and after changing your tampon.

3. Don’t use tampons to absorb your vaginal discharge – they are designed only for absorbing the menstrual flow.

4. Always remember to remove the old tampon before inserting the new one!

5. Make sure to choose the proper tampon absorbency, according to your flow. Wear smaller size tampons during light flow and bigger tampons when your menstrual flow is heavy.

6. A very small number of women (less than 2 percent) are born with a very small opening in their hymen, which prevents them from inserting tampons. If this is your case, you should consult your doctor, for he will be able to help you.

Important!

Following the above mentioned tips will help you avoid developing TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which is a very rare but quite dangerous infection. It can occur in both men and women, but it mostly affects women who wear tampons

The tampon itself does not cause TSS, but if left inside the vagina for a longer period of time, it may provide a friendly (warm and moist) environment for the growth of different types of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is one of them, and it is the bacterium that causes TSS.

As we have just mentioned, TSS is a very rare illness, but it is however good to learn to recognize its symptoms. The most important ones include: a sudden high fever, a sunburn-like rash, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and dizziness.

Remember that…

1. According to medical science, a girl cannot lose her virginity with a tampon, but only with an erected penis inserted inside the vagina.

2. A tampon cannot get lost inside your abdomen or your body – it stays in your vagina, because your cervix blocks the way.

3. You are not too young to wear tampons if you have already started your period.

Hopefully this post has helped you become more comfortable with tampons. Let us know.

About the author

Jessica

Jessica is a translator who has lived for many years in Asia and South America. She now lives and works in Europe, while preparing her new journeys. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, exploring different cultures and foods, and being in love.

3 Comments

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  • i know this sounds really weird but this helps. im 19 and my mom was never there so idk anything about feminine things especially how to use a tampon. thanks alot <3

  • Thxs a lot for the advice my mom died in a car crash when I was 10 years old now I am 16 and I was really scared to use a tampon and my dad is not the person to talk to. So thxs for helping girls like me!!!!!

  • Thankyou so much! I’m really nervous to talk to my mu about my period so I wanted to make sure about what I was doing! Thanks :)