Close-up of the hands of a woman holding some tampons. Close-up of the hands of a woman holding some tampons.

How to Insert a Tampon? – Important Things to Know

Menstrual hygiene is a vital and unavoidable part of a woman’s life. There are a lot of menstrual products. Knowing how to insert a tampon can help you a lot concerning menstrual hygiene.

Products like tampons give more comfort. However, there are a few things that are not apparently that good about tampons. But that doesn’t make it bad either. Using a tampon improves one’s menstrual hygiene and, in most cases, doesn’t affect the hymen. You can fix the flaws of a tampon if you are more careful and cautious.

Thinking about the merits, using a tampon is worth the effort. The price of a tampon is a bit higher than the commonly used sanitary napkin. But this is a far more good product and gives you a better experience. This article discusses every aspect of inserting a tampon to the common doubts regarding using a tampon.

What Is a Tampon?

A tampon is a menstrual hygiene product inserted into the vagina to absorb blood and other secretions. Since it is placed internally, you can do anything during menstruation.

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Source: Depositphotos

As the tampon absorbs the blood, it expands. Most of these are made of cotton or rayon. Many brands are producing tampons. Some tampons are eco-friendly too. You can also get chemical-free tampons.

Tampons are available in different sizes and absorbance rates.  Most of the tampons are designed for single use only. However, there are reusable tampons, which are not widely accepted due to the risk of infections. This hygiene product is a safety device when used accurately.

Find out more about tampons.

Size Matters!

The first thing you need to know before using a tampon is to find the right tampon size. You have to consider the blood flow during your periods. If you are a beginner, it is always good to start with small-size tampons.

Finding the right size also matters in how to insert a tampon. Many women experience pain while inserting a tampon. This may be because of using a tampon of a big size. After a few cycles, you will get to know what size you should use. If you already know the flow pattern of your periods, then you can choose it accordingly.

A tampon can be used for 4-6 hours. If you face any leakage issues within a few hours of insertion, buy a size up. You can use different-sized tampons during different days of your cycle if you know your periods’ flow.

Parts Of A Tampon

To know how to insert a tampon, you need to know the different parts of this product. A tampon usually has a string and the tampon itself. Tampons with applicators are also available. For such a tampon, you can find the barrel, the grip, and the plunger also.

How To Insert A Tampon?

A thing you have to keep in mind is to be relaxed. This is a product for menstrual hygiene and definitely not a serial killer’s weapon! Relax your muscles. You don’t have to worry way too much about it.

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Source: Depositphotos

Usually, it takes a few tries to insert the tampon properly. Within a few cycles, it will become easier with practice. Read the instructions properly before the insertion. The initial step to inserting a tampon is to be relaxed. If you are tensed, inserting will get more difficult as the muscles surrounding the vagina will tighten up.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid infections. This is a mandatory step. Now, the next stage is to be in a comfortable position. You can sit on the toilet or keep one foot on the toilet seat and stand.

Many people get confused about the location of the vagina. You have the urethral opening, vaginal opening, and anus. You have to insert the tampon into the vaginal opening.

Now, you have located where to put it, so it’s time to discuss how to insert a tampon. Since there are two kinds of tampons: the one with applicators and the one without applicators, it is better to know how to insert a tampon with or without the applicators.

Tampons With Applicators

Applicators are made of plastic or cardboard. The plastic applicator helps to insert a tampon more easily. It is good to start with tampons with applicators for beginners.

Unwrap the tampon. You can see the applicator plunger, the tampon, and the tampon strings. Take the tampon in your hand. Using the applicator, insert the tampon into your vaginal opening till you reach the barrel end of the applicator.

Now push the plunger using your pointer finger. The tampon will be pushed to the vagina, and it will be out of the applicator. Pull out the applicator and dispose of it as per the guidelines. You can see the strings hanging out. This is for the removal of the tampon.

Tampons Without Applicators

The initial steps are the same. After unwrapping the tampon, make a space inside the tampon by widening the tampon’s base to put your index finger. Hold the tampon using your thumb and middle finger. Use your index finger to push the tampon into the vagina. Release the tampon once it has reached the vagina.

You will be able to see the tampon strings. After inserting it, you won’t feel anything. If you feel something inside the vagina, push the tampon again.

These are the basic steps to put in a tampon. Always remember to be relaxed; it makes the process simpler.

How Often Should You Change The Tampon?

Always remove a tampon every four to six hours. Since this product is inserted into your body, it shouldn’t be left without taking appropriate care. You have to be aware of when to pull out a tampon. Remove your tampon within 6 hours. Don’t leave it in your body.

How long should you leave a tampon in?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) chances are higher when you leave the tampon in for more hours without changing it. There is also a chance of leakage issues too.

How To Remove Your Tampon?

Removing the tampon is also an important step, like inserting it. Now that you know how to insert a tampon, you may have ideas about removing it too.

Sit on the toilet and find the strength of the tampon. Get the string and pull out the tampon with utmost care. Pull on the string at the same angle as you inserted it.

It is important to relax during this stage too. Gently pull it out and dispose of it accordingly. It is important to note that it does not flush the tampon in the toilet. Keep an alarm to remind you about removing the tampon. It will be beneficial for you and your body.

Tampons Vs. Other Menstrual Hygiene Products

The most common menstrual hygiene product is a sanitary pad. A tampon is relatively lot better than a pad when it comes to comfort. Since a tampon is inside the vagina, it collects blood more efficiently and avoids leakage to an extent.

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Source: Depositphotos

While sanitary pads are to be worn on underwear, it resists physical activities and gives discomfort. Using tampons helps when it comes to physical activities. You can swim, dance, or run more freely and safely than when you use a pad.

There are many other products like menstrual cups, period underwear, and so many other things. Choose it according to your convenience.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

As mentioned earlier, Toxic shock syndrome can occur if you don’t remove your tampons at the correct intervals of time. This is a rare but fatal infection. To put it simply, when you leave a tampon inside your body for too long, the growth of certain bacteria occurs. This bacteria spreads fast and affects the whole body.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome? (Tampons Disease)

The common symptoms are high fever, headache, low blood pressure, and rashes. Once you feel any of these symptoms while menstruating, check whether you have removed the tampon at the correct time. If not, remove it suddenly and consult a doctor.

Click here to know more about TSS.

Some Adverse Effects

This is not an eco-friendly option as organic tampons are not that used. Toxic Shock Syndrome is associated with the use of Superabsorbent tampons. Also, the vaginal fluids are absorbed along with the blood. This makes the vaginal area dry. You’ll have to learn this when you learn how to insert a tampon. This is the same with sanitary pads too.

Another fact is that most of the tampons are for single use only. Considering products like menstrual cups, which can be used for years, tampons have a short life.

Common Questions

Switching to a new alternative cause a lot of questions. Some common doubts regarding tampons are discussed here.

  • A popular question is whether inserting a tampon hurt. The answer is, during the initial time period, there is a chance to get hurt. But once you get the way, it is easy.
  • Another doubt is regarding urination while a tampon is kept in. You can urinate. There is a chance to get the tampon strings wet.
  • You cannot insert a tampon during days except your period days to collect vaginal discharge.
  • A common question about tampons is whether you can sleep with a tampon inside the vagina. It’s okay to sleep with the tampon if you are sleeping less than eight hours.
  • The right time to start using a tampon is also a popular doubt. There are no age limits to this.

There are many misconceptions about tampons, but doing thorough research or asking some close family members or friends will always help if you have doubts or questions. Though there is a chance to get hurt and breaking the hymen, that doesn’t matter much as we compare it with the benefits.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect menstrual hygiene product is a tedious process. However, it can make your life easier.

What To Do If You Have Lost Your Tampon?

Use a tampon with full awareness and care. Learning how to insert a tampon is a real lifesaver. This product enables every physical activity and makes menstruation more comfortable.

Many people feel reluctant to try out products like tampons because of fear. When you know how to insert a tampon, you will never go back into using other uncomfortable products.

Find more health advice here.

Last Updated on by Janhavi Ramesh Kowligi

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