How to Use a Tampon: 6 Simple Steps

Do you want to learn how to use a tampon? Continue reading to find out more.

For the first few years of a girl’s period, she might use pads until she gets used to and feels more at ease using tampons. It’s crucial to understand how to use a tampon securely if you do so for your period. We can assist if this is your first time Tampaxing.

Tampons 1are compact, plastic, or Youcardboard applicators with absorbent components designed to absorb menstrual blood. Although inserting your first tampon may seem terrifying, you’ll realize that it’s not as strange or frightening as you initially expected.

1. What Are Tampons?

A blood-coated tampon and some blood on the towel.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska/Pexels. Copyrights 2021

It should be simple to insert a tampon into the vagina, either with or without an applicator. FDA-approved tampons have a cylinder-like shape and are made of cotton, rayon, or a combination of the two. Tampons, similar to sanitary pads, absorb menstrual blood; the only difference is that they do it before it leaves the body. It’s critical to remember that tampons are only for use for blood, not vaginal discharge.2

Tampons are available at medical stores and grocery stores. They are made to retain six to eight grams of blood and are available in various sizes and absorbencies. Your menstrual flow will determine how much blood you lose and what size tampon you use. It is advisable not to use a tampon more than once.

Tampons contain two parts: an “inner,” thin tube used to push the tampon into the vagina and an “outer” barrel that stores the tampon. Once placed, a cord extends from the body for simple removal.

If the tampon does not have an applicator, use your index finger to insert a tampon. When periods start, young girls and teenagers typically find it easier to insert tampons with applicators. A “slender” tampon is preferable if you use one for the first time. Don’t worry; you can insert it without difficulty with moderate to heavy flow. So, this is your guide on how to use a tampon. Continue reading!

2. How to Use a Tampon?: Step-by-Step Guide

It’s typical for first-time users to be concerned about how to use a tampon. Our in-depth instructions will show you how to pick the appropriate size safely and how to use a tampon. Remember that your vagina is elastic enough to fit a tampon first.

The amount of blood that a tampon can hold determines its size—having trouble deciding on a tampon size? Many women utilize an absorbency of regular. Try the light size if you want to start with the smallest tampon until you figure it out.

How To Use Tampons | Everything you Need To Know To Survive Your Period!

2.1. Choosing the Right Size

Tampons are easily available in pharmacies and grocery shops. Use a tampon with an applicator if you’re not familiar with them. As well, look at the absorbency. Most women use tampons with high absorbency for the first few days of their menstruation. If it’s your first time using a tampon, choose a slender one.

Tampons differ from one another. Different brands could think differently and offer a variety of alternatives for sizes and materials. The fact that they offer various levels of absorbency is something that all tampon brands have in common. Each size indicates menstrual fluid absorption capacity. If a tampon is small, you must change it every few hours.

Tampons of various sizes come in each box and are sometimes available in multipacks. For example, some may include eight small tampons for lighter periods and a few larger sizes for heavier flow. Having a range of tampon sizes available can help stop leakage. Additionally, it helps during irregular periods.

2.2. Wash Your Hands

Your vagina is clean, but everyone benefits from having clean hands, and washing your hands before and after tampon insertion is crucial to avoid contamination. It’s a good idea to wash your hands before using the product, even though it’s sterile. If the tampon falls on the floor, throw it away since hygiene is crucial.

2.3. Insert a Tampon

You can put it in either while standing or while seated. Find your vagina while seated on the toilet with your knees apart. Yes, the initial few times might be difficult. There are three openings: the urethra, the vagina, and the anus, the hole at the back. The urethra 3is the first opening, where pee exits.

Now, place the applicator in the proper holding position at the point where the larger and smaller tubes of the applicator meet. Your index finger should be at the end of the string, and hold it between your thumb and middle finger.

A tampon is inserted in a grapefruit showing how to use a tampon.
Photo by Laker/ Pexels Copyrights 2020

Open the skin folds on your vagina with the tampon’s tip, then slide the entire barrel inside, angling it towards your back. Push until your finger makes contact with the skin at the applicator’s midpoint. If the tampon is put in straight up and in, it won’t go in easily and can hurt.

When the barrel of the tampon is completely inside, hold the grip securely and gently push the smaller tube with your index finger to insert the absorbent portion of the tampon into the vagina. Push it until your index finger touches the applicator’s thicker portion.

Gently pull out the tampon’s barrel with your thumb and middle finger, letting the string hang out. Avoid pulling the string! The string is hooked to the tampon, which is within. Once the tampon is fully soaked, you will use this to remove it.

After wrapping the applicator in toilet paper or placing it back inside the plastic lining, dispose of it in the trash. Don’t flush the applicator. You can insert the tampon while standing if you put one foot on a higher surface.

2.4. Make Sure the Tampon Is Correctly Inserted

You won’t feel anything inside you if the tampon is correctly inserted. There won’t be any discomfort. It has not been put right if sitting or walking hurts. It typically occurs when the tampon is not very deep in the vagina. Use your fingers to push it in, then assess how comfortable it is. If it still hurts, remove it and replace it with a new one.

2.5. Change Your Tampon Applicator

An exceptionally rare but possible consequence of leaving a tampon in the vagina for too long is toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a severe medical condition brought on by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Therefore, it shouldn’t stay inside the vagina for more than eight hours. Use a pad rather than a tampon if you sleep longer than eight hours at night.

2.6. Remove the Tampon

It’s time to learn how to remove a tampon now that you have learned how to use a tampon. Depending on the flow, tampons must be removed and changed every four to eight hours. Relax; you won’t feel any pain when removing a tampon. Wash your hands first, find a comfortable position, and let your body relax. Next, find the tampon string with your hands and slowly remove the tampon out of the vagina by pulling the string. Since there could be some friction, it might feel a little painful.

Experiencing resistance could mean that it’s overly dry. Use water, and it will be simple to remove. Put the tampon in the trash. Never flush a tampon because some may not biodegrade, and others can clog septic systems.

A blood-filled tampon on a toilet paper.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska/ Pexels Copyrights 2021

Please read the instructions on the label to find out whether to flush a tampon or throw it away. The best approach is to wrap it in paper and dispose of it in a trash can. Remember to wash your hands after removing the tampon.

3. Why It’s Critical to Change Your Tampons Frequently?

Change your tampons every four to six hours. It’s essential to change your tampons frequently to avoid leaking and spotting. Furthermore, changing tampons is necessary to prevent toxic shock syndrome4 (TSS). TSS, an uncommon but potentially fatal bacterial infection, can occasionally occur.

If the tampon is overly absorbent, or if you keep them in for too long. Never wear a tampon for more than eight hours. It can dry out the vagina, increasing the likelihood of a rip and the chance of getting TSS. Even though TSS is uncommon, it’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms. Faintness, a high fever, sore throat, low blood pressure, headaches, and vomiting or diarrhea are among the symptoms that might appear suddenly. If you suffer from TSS symptoms, remove your tampon immediately and call your doctor.

Do not forget to change your tampon several times each day. Consider switching to a tampon with more absorbency for a few days to manage the flow to prevent leaks effectively. Sit over the toilet and gently pull the string out of the tampon at the same angle you inserted it by delicately grabbing it between two fingers. If you are tense, you might not be able to remove it, so relax and gently pull slowly. Once finished, dispose of the used tampon wrapping with toilet paper.

4. Does Using a Tampon Hurt?

Why does it hurt to put a tampon in - 3 common causes of tampon pain.

Undoubtedly, inserting a tampon can feel “weird,” especially if it’s your first time. The good news is that YOU are fully in charge; therefore, it doesn’t have to hurt. It has not been put right if sitting or walking hurts. The tampon is typically not too far in the vagina when it happens. Your finger can press it in, after which you can check its comfort. If it still hurts, remove it and replace it with a new one.

5. Tips on How to Use a Tampon 

After learning how to use a tampon, there are a few guidelines to remember that will help you do it correctly.

  • Pay close attention to the package’s labeled directions, even if you’ve previously used tampons.
  • Before and after using a tampon, wash your hands. It will decrease the risk of vaginal infections.
  • Make sure you always have extra tampons because you need to change your tampons every four to six hours.
  • Depending on the flow, use tampons. Use higher absorbency tampons when you must stop a heavy flow during the first couple of days of your period. You can switch to a light or regular absorbency tampon when there is no heavy flow.
  •  Tampon use is acceptable at any age. You can use a tampon at any age if it makes you comfortable; there is no minimum age requirement. Many females, especially those participating in sports, use tampons before pads.
  • Tampon use won’t cause you to lose your virginity. Using a tampon will prevent your hymen from tearing. Hymen: The delicate membrane may somewhat expand, but it won’t break. You won’t lose your virginity if you insert tampons.
  • You can use the restroom while wearing a tampon. Using the restroom is not difficult for you when you have a tampon inside your vagina. Pull the string so that it is out of the way.
  • After your period is over, avoid using tampons. It is not advisable to wear a tampon after your period has been over since the dry tampon can break out painfully due to friction.
  • After swimming, replace your tampon. The tampon string gets wet after swimming, and saltwater or chlorine in the water can irritate your skin. It would be best if you changed your tampon immediately after swimming.
A woman wearing a tank top showing a tampon.
Photo by Viktoria Slowikowska/ Pexels Copyrights 2020

6. Conclusion

The FDA 5advises against using reusable tampons. The FDA has only endorsed or certified single-use tampons (TSS) to prevent toxic shock syndrome. Additional risks of infections like yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections may be prevalent with reusable tampons.

You should always seek medical attention from a doctor you trust if you have trouble inserting a tampon or if the pain associated with insertion is ongoing. Don’t put yourself through pain or discomfort just because it appears awkward. Not at all! More often than you may think, gynecologists address those issues.

Let’s hope you now understand how to use a tampon clearly. Check out the instructions on the tampon container if you still have questions, or consult a gynecologist 6or health care professional.

I’m done now! You are now aware of how to use a tampon. Take note of this crucial information, and if you know of anyone else who might benefit from it, please let them know.

If you have any comments or recommendations for this post, please leave them below. Good day..!

If you liked this one, here’s something more to read.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

7.1. Can you sleep with tampons in?

Yes, one can sleep with tampons in. However, keep track that the tampon holds less blood as it should not hold blood for more than 8 hours.

7.2. Is a tampon better than a pad?

It is really up to the person who prefers what. However, people seem to have more advantages with tampons as it is easier to store and use. Also, it is better to use in the swimming pools.

7.3. Do you take out a tampon when you pee?

No. It is perfectly okay to pee with a tampon in. A tampon does not block the urine flow. However, while peeing, the string might get into the pee.

  1. Billon, Amaury, et al. “Association of characteristics of tampon use with menstrual toxic shock syndrome in France.” EClinicalMedicine 21 (2020). ↩︎
  2. Rao, Vanishree L., and Tahir Mahmood. “Vaginal discharge.” Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine 30.1 (2020): 11-18. ↩︎
  3. Yang, Ming, et al. “Urine‐Microenvironment‐Initiated Composite Hydrogel Patch Reconfiguration Propels Scarless Memory Repair and Reinvigoration of the Urethra.” Advanced Materials 34.14 (2022): 2109522. ↩︎
  4. Buonsenso, Danilo, Francesca Riitano, and Piero Valentini. “Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally related with SARS-CoV-2: immunological similarities with acute rheumatic fever and toxic shock syndrome.” Frontiers in Pediatrics 8 (2020): 574. ↩︎
  5. Darrow, Jonathan J., Jerry Avorn, and Aaron S. Kesselheim. “FDA approval and regulation of pharmaceuticals, 1983-2018.” Jama 323.2 (2020): 164-176. ↩︎
  6. Liehr, Thomas. “Non-invasive prenatal testing, what patients do not learn, may be due to lack of specialist genetic training by gynecologists and obstetricians?.” Frontiers in Genetics 12 (2021): 1072. ↩︎

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