How To Use A Tampon With Pictures

Don’t forget to remove all tampons by the end of your period, though!

Alternatively, you can carefully tuck the string in, just so that it is out of the way when you pee. Tuck the string in shallowly, so that you can still feel it when you reach for it.

Another myth is that the hymen completely covers the vagina. Rest easy, your hymen does have an opening for tampon insertion and for your period to leave your body. The hymen normally will expand if you relax, but if you force a tampon through it while tense, your hymen may rupture. This can happen while doing sports, too.

Buy tampons with applicators. Tampons come in two basic types: with applicators, or a plastic tube that will help you push the tampon up into the vagina. Having the help of an applicator will make life easier when you’re first learning, so choose a box that includes them. (In the U. S. , O. B. is the primary brand that sells without applicators––most other brands have them. [6] X Research source ) Pick the right absorbency. Absorbency is a measure of how much absorbent cotton is in the tampon, ranging from light to heavy. [7] X Research source Most women use heavy absorbency tampons during the first day or two of their periods when bleeding is heaviest, and transition to lighter ones toward the end. [8] X Research source If you’re concerned about pain, though, try buying light absorbency tampons. You’ll have to change them more frequently, but they’ll be slimmer and more comfortable. A good beginning tampon is Tampax Pearl Lite. You can also just get “junior” or “slim” tampons. Using a smaller sized tampon at first will help you get used to inserting them and they will also be easier to take out. You can buy heavier tampons later if you discover light absorbency doesn’t work for you. If you have a heavy flow during the day, it may be handy to use a pantyliner or thin pad along with your tampon, in case the tampon overflows. Overflowing can happen even with heavy absorbency tampons, within 4 hours.

If you drop the tampon on the floor, throw it away. It’s not worth saving a few cents or even a few dollars on a tampon if you have to go through an uncomfortable and painful infection.

Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. If this works better for you, give it a shot. However, most women prefer sitting on the toilet so that any stray bleeding is contained.

Understand your anatomy. There are three openings: the urethra (where urine exits) at the front, the vagina in the middle, and the anus at the back. [10] X Research source If you already know where your urethra is, feel an inch or two behind it to find the opening of the vagina. Use the blood to guide you. This might sound weird, but it’ll help if you’re struggling. Wet a piece of toilet paper, and completely clean up all the menstrual blood in the area, from front to back (or hop in the shower and scrub down). Once everything is clear, dab yourself with a clean square of toilet paper until you find where the blood is coming from. Ask for help. If you are really and truly lost, don’t worry, as many girls before you have been here! Ask a trusted female relative––such as your mom, sister, grandma, aunt, or older cousin––to help you figure this out for the first time. Try not to feel embarrassed, and remember that every woman has been where you are now. You can also ask your doctor or nurse to help.

Never flush applicators — they can seriously damage plumbing.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an extremely rare but potentially fatal consequence of leaving a tampon in for too long. If you’ve accidentally left a tampon in for more than eight hours and you’re suddenly experiencing a high fever, a sudden rash, or vomiting, pull out the tampon and get medical help immediately.

If you’re queasy at the thought of grabbing the string with your bare fingers, do it with a square of toilet paper. If you do feel some catching and resistance as you pull the tampon out, it’s probably because it’s dry. Switch to a lighter absorbency to solve the problem. If it’s too dry, use some water so that it does not stick.