How to Put a Tampon On: Step by Step Guide

The menstrual cycle is a very common process that every girl goes through every 28 days or generally in a month. There are several tools that the girls use in that period, including pads and tampons, undoubtedly these are the common ones. In the start, every girl prefers pads, because easy to use and is painless as well. But, do they give complete protection? Not quite sure, but tampons give complete protection. But, how to put a tampon on can be tricky. And, if you are the one putting it the first time, you are not alone and many other girls out there also deals with the same questions and worries you are going through. You don’t need to worry more, because we are here with the complete solution.

Why are Tampons not as much popular as Period Pads?

According to Euromonitor, pads are still the more popular period product in America. And, it would be safe to say in other parts of the World as well. The company found that in the year 2014, women between 12 and 54 years old bought an average of 111 pads each year. In comparison with pads, they only bought 66 tampons. But, why? Only the thought of inserting something into your body is scary for some. And, some may even think that it’s nearly impossible. However, once you learn it, it will be easy for you.

What are Tampons?

Girls use tampons during their menstrual flows to absorb the blood. Just like sanitary pads, they are also a blend of rayon and cotton that helps in collecting any blood and fluid flowing out of the vagina. Also, remember that use the tampons only for the period blood and not for the vaginal discharge.

The tampon itself is an absorbent material, but it sits inside the plastic or cardboard applicator at the tip near the open end. Moreover, tampons have an outer barrel and this is what holds the tampon along with an inner thin tube that you can use to push the tampon into the vagina. Once you insert it, a string extends out of the body that makes it easy to remove.

There are the tampons, that come without applicators and these are inserted using the index finger.

Tampon

Choose the right size Tampons

Tampons are not standard and come in various shapes and sizes with different levels of absorbency. Furthermore, they are designed to hold from six to eight grams of blood. Obviously, it then depends on your flow that which tampon is suitable for you. The amount of blood lost may vary and the tampon size you use will change with time.

As well as, different brands provide a different feel and hence they have different size and material options. But, one thing that is common in all tampon brands is that they provide different levels of absorbency. Although the names for their sizes may differ generally, you can group the tampon sizes as:

• Junior or slim, for very light days
• Regular, for normal flow
• Super, for heavy days
• Super plus/ultra, for very heavy flow

You see, each of the sizes indicates the amount of menstrual fluid it can absorb. So, if you are feeling that your tampon needs to be changed every few hours, it’s too small for you. And, if the maximum absorbency is still resulting in leaks, you can definitely use a sanitary pad and will then help you prevent stains.

Some manufacturers sell the tampons in multipacks with different sizes of tampons in each box. For instance, some tampons come with eight slim tampons for the first few days when periods may be lighter and multiple larger sizes for heavier flow days. This method is quite helpful to keep multiple tampon sizes on hand as it helps the young girls prevent leaks. Apart from it, it helps in unpredictable periods and irregular cycles as well.

How to Put a Tampon On?

Here is the step-by-step detailed guide of how to put a tampon on. We are sure that after this article, you will be able to deal with your scary thoughts.

Clean your Hands

Cleaning your hands doesn’t hurt anyone. Your vagina isn’t dirty but clean hands are a healthy option. It’s a smart way to proceed in putting a tampon on. Wash your hands with soap and water before you insert a tampon.

Get out your tampon

First, unwrap your tampon. And make sure that you know how a tampon works. Tampon itself may look intimidating, but it comes inside an applicator which makes it easy to insert. Some applicators are plastic and some are cardboard. You can use both of them safely.

Applicator usually has a larger, outer tube that holds the tampon. Moreover, it has a “grip” area where you’ll hold it along with a smaller tube at the end with the string coming out. The plunger is the smaller tube that you use to push the tampon out when it’s time.

Locate your vagina

Obviously, we know that you know that your vagina is down there. But, it actually means that some people don’t have a look at their vagina this much closely. It’s the chance now, grab the mirror and look where it is. Make sure that you became familiar with where your vaginal opening is.

Relax and Ready to put the tampon on

Before inserting a tampon, relax. Because relaxation makes it easy to insert a tampon. Find a position in which you are comfortable, relaxed, and still, then reach your vagina. Most people sit on the Toilet or some just stand while squatting a bit. But, there is no problem if you lie down or you prefer propping one foot on a step or other raised surface. The most important thing is that you take a deep breath and relax all the muscles that are down there. Because it won’t be easy for you to insert your vagina if you squeeze your butt or the muscles around the vagina.

Set the Tip

Now, hold the tampon at the “grip”. The grip is the smaller part right above the plunger and it helps in placing the tip of the tampon at your vaginal opening.

Use the right angle

Now, your tip is in place, move forward in aiming the tampon toward your lower back. No, not straight up! Because, the vagina doesn’t go straight up into your body, instead it actually has a slight angle. And, finding the angle that’s right for you can help make it feel more comfortable to insert.

Tip to grip

You are ready now.  Start inserting the tampon applicator slowly from the tip, all the way to the grip. When you realize that you’ve inserted it far enough. But how would you realize? Mostly, your fingers on the grip will probably be touching your vulva.

Plunge

After you inserted the tampon tip to grip, now it’s time to use your pointer finger or the other hand whatever is comfortable. Push the plunger all the way into your vagina and release the tampon.

Remove the applicator

It’s time to release your tampon. After you push the plunger in all the way, now pull the applicator out. The string should be the only thing left sticking out of your vagina.

TA-DA! You are done now! It’s this much easy!

Bonus Tip

Are you feeling that your tampon is uncomfortable and makes you feel like you need to waddle? This happens probably because the tampon isn’t far enough inside your vagina. If you are encountering this problem, just use your finger to push the tampon farther in. Usually, that fixes!

Are you struggling to put a tampon on?

The commonest reason people can’t get a tampon in is that most of the time they are inserting it at the wrong angle. Some other reasons are the people get tensed and squeeze all those muscles around the vaginal opening. But if you adjusted the tampon at a right angle, and you feel pretty relaxed too, and you still can’t get the tampon in? It’s the time that you should see a gynecologist because it may be something that requires treatment. Here are the two potential complications.

Tampon

Your hymen

Your hymen may vary which makes it difficult to insert a tampon. But, what exactly is the hymen? The hymen is a thin and stretchy rim of tissue that surrounds the vaginal opening in a girl’s body. Most hymens have a single opening in the middle that allows a tampon to easily pass through. Some hymens have a very small opening or a septum (a band of tissue) and this partially blocks the opening making it difficult to insert a tampon. So, if that’s the problem, it is a simple procedure that gynecologists do in the office, obviously after numbing that area so you don’t feel it.

Vaginismus

It’s a condition that makes the inserting of tampons difficult. The condition arises when the muscles around the vaginal opening squeeze so tight that they won’t let anything in the vagina. Moreover, the contractions usually are involuntary that simply means you can’t control them. Sometimes, you may not even realize it. Usually, the condition develops after an injury or traumatic experience that may or may not involve the vagina. Vaginismus is not something you can control, but it can definitely go away with treatment. Obviously, it would again involve talking with your gynecologist who would probably have you work with a pelvic floor physical therapist. And, we assure you they can do wonders to treat vaginismus!

How to Remove a tampon?

Now you have learned how to insert a tampon, so let’ discuss how to remove this as well. Start by washing your hands, as usual. Get in a comfortable position, relax your body, and reach out to the tampon string. Now, use your thumb and finger to grip the string and pull it slowly out of your vagina. No! Don’t flush your tampon, dispose of it rightly in the trash. Wash your hands again.

Why should I use a Tampon?

Basically, tampons are small, pocket-sized, and discreet for girls to carry before or during their periods. Tampons are often more comfortable than wearing the pads on underwear because it controls the blood before it leaves the vagina. Hence, it makes it a preferred source for active girls or those who are uncomfortable wearing pads. Moreover, tampons are also convenient when swimming during your menstrual cycles. It depends on your activities and the flow of your period. Some girls wear tampons during the day and wear sanitary pads during the night.

How often should I Change my Tampon?

According to FDA, you should change your tampon every 4-8 hours. Don’t leave your tampons longer than 8 hours.

Why do I need to change my Tampon often?

Now that your fear of tampons is gone, you should understand few points regarding tampons. You should change your tampons frequently so that you can prevent toxic shock syndrome (TSS). But, what TSS is? It’s a rare life-threatening condition usually caused by specific bacterial toxins that can sometimes develop when tampons are left in too long.

So don’t forget to change your tampon multiple times a day. So that you can prevent leaks. Moreover, you should consider moving up to a higher absorbency tampon for a few days to help manage the flow. And, if the tampon is too absorbent, it can dry out the vagina and make it more likely to tear. Hence, it increases the risk of contracting TSS.

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Conclusion

Can I wear tampons if I am a virgin? Yes! You can. There are no limitations, it works the same for every girl. It doesn’t let you lose your virginity, but can cause breaking your hymen or tear it. Do tampons hurt? Yes, they may but that’s not too bad. Once you are comfortable with it, it won’t cause much pain. These are some of the common questions that every girl thinks about before deciding to use tampons. Now, that you have decided, how to put a tampon on is a valid question. But, no worries! Our detailed step-by-step guide will help you out.