How To Insert A Tampon For The First Time: Whether it’s your first period or you’ve never used one during your period then it’s normal to feel scary as it’s not one of the easiest things. However, with certain tips, you will be able to insert a tampon safely and perfectly.
The secret is to relax and don’t try to insert a tampon when you’re not on your period. We’ll help you learn how to use a tampon for the first time and once you learn everything it will become super easy to insert it.
What Are Tampons?
Much like sanitary pads, Tampons are a blend of rayon and cotton used for menstrual flows to absorb the blood during the days of a period.
The tampon itself, absorbent material, sits inside the plastic or cardboard applicator at the tip near the open end. Tampons have an “outer” barrel that holds the tampon and an “inner,” thin tube used to push the tampon into the vagina. Once inserted, a cord extends out of the body for easy removal.
Remember, tampons should only be used for blood and not vaginal discharge.
Tampons come in various shapes and sizes with different levels of absorbency and are designed to hold from six to eight grams of blood. Depending on your flow, amounts of blood lost may vary and the tampon size you use will change.
Tampon Sizes Include:
- Lite (used for lighter periods/ at the beginning or the end days of a period)
- Regular/Normal (generally used for heavier days)
- Super/Super Plus (Super and super plus are for the heaviest days of bleeding)
Why Use Tampons?
Tampons are small and discreet for girls to carry before or during their periods. By managing the blood before it leaves the vagina, tampons are often more comfortable than wearing pads.
This makes tampons a favored source for active girls or those uncomfortable wearing pads. Tampons are also convenient when swimming during your period.
Once you feel more comfortable with tampons, you can alternate between pads and tampons depending on the activities and flow of period or wear tampons during the day and pads at night.
Also Read:
- The Best Period Hacks For Teens – Ultimate Guide
- How To Induce Period? Tips To Make Your Period Come Faster
- Gymnastics Underwear Guide: 4 Best Gymnastics Underwear
How To Insert A Tampon?
Inserting a tampon for the first time can be frightening. Be sure to wash your hands and try to be as relaxed as possible.
- Sit on the toilet with your knees apart.
- Hold the tampon in one hand with the grip in the middle of the tampon in between your thumb and middle finger.
- Keep your index finger on the end of the thinner tube, where the cord extends.
- Using the tip of the tampon, open the folds of skin on your vagina and slide the entire barrel inside, angling towards your back. The tampon won’t go in smoothly and may be painful if inserted straight up and in.
- Insert it as far as your middle finger and thumb, at the grip or middle of the applicator.
- Once the barrel is comfortably inside, hold the grip and push with your index finger on the smaller tube to push the absorbent part of the tampon into the vagina.
- Push this until it meets the grip and your other fingers.
- Using your thumb and middle finger, pull out the barrel of the tampon, leaving the string to hang out.
- Do not pull the string. You will use this to remove the tampon once it’s soaked through.
- Do not flush the plastic applicators. Dispose the applicator back properly.
Note: If you can still feel the tampon, you can pull it out and try re-inserting a new one by pushing it up higher. If you think it may not be high enough, wash your hands and insert your finger to push it up further until you can’t feel it.
How To Remove A Tampon?
Remember tampons should be changed every four to six hours to avoid leakage and spotting. Additionally leaving a tampon in for more than eight hours may cause Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS).
Steps To Remove A Tampon
Sit over the toilet and carefully grab the string between two fingers, gently pulling out at the same angle you used to insert it.
You may not be able to remove it while tensed, so relax and pull slowly and steadily. Flush the used tampon when finished.
Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS)
It is a form of bacterial infection that can be potentially fatal when using super-absorbency tampons or leaving them in for extended periods of time. Its symptoms include high fever, low blood pressure, headache, faintness, and vomiting. In this case, call your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of TSS.
The Bottom Line
Keep in mind, you may not insert a tampon correctly on your first try. We were all beginners once. For some, it works on the first try, but for others, it can take multiple efforts. Follow the above steps on how to insert a tampon and If you’re still facing problems, talk to a parent or trusted adult and ask them for help. There’s no shame in needing a little assistance when you first start using tampons!