How to Insert a Tampon – Beginners Guide 2023

How do you put a tampon in? Start by inserting the applicator tip into the vaginal opening. To release the tampon from inside the vagina, gently push the plunger all the way in.

In this beginner guide, we are going to learn how to insert a tampon step by step, how and when to remove a tampon, as well as how often to change a tampon for the sake of your health!

Tampons at a Glance

• A girl may use pads when her period starts for the first few years until she gets used to and feels more at ease using tampons.
• Tampons are small, absorbent applicators made of cardboard or plastic that are inserted into the body to absorb menstrual blood.
• Tampons shouldn’t be felt, painful, or uncomfortable once inside because they collect blood before it leaves the body.
• To prevent toxic shock syndrome (TSS), tampons should always be changed every four to six hours. Never leave a tampon in for longer than eight hours.

What Are Tampons?

To absorb blood during a period’s days, tampons are used for menstrual flows. They are made of a cotton and rayon mixture, much like sanitary pads, and are used to catch any blood or other bodily fluids that leak from the vagina. Tampons should only be used for blood, not vaginal discharge, it is important to remember that.

Read More: Why is My Tampon Leaking

In the tip of the cardboard or plastic applicator, close to the open end, is where the actual tampon—made of absorbent material—is housed. Tampons have an “outer” barrel – what holds the tampon – and an “inner,” thin tube used to push the tampon into the vagina. A cord that has been inserted extends out of the body to make removal simple.

The index finger is used to insert tampons that don’t have applicators. Tampons with applicators are typically simpler to use for young girls and teenagers when their periods start.

The design of tampons allows them to hold six to eight grams of blood and comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and levels of absorbency. Your flow will determine how much blood you lose and what size tampon you use.

Tampon sizes include:

• Lite (used for lighter periods either at the beginning or the end days of a period)
• Regular/Normal (generally used for heavier days)
• Super (Super and super plus are for the heaviest days of bleeding)
• Super Plus

How to Insert a Tampon?

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Clean hands are better for everyone, even though your vagina isn’t dirty. Whenever you insert a tampon, it’s a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water.

Step 2: Get Out Your Tampon

Check its operation by removing the tampon’s packaging. The tampon itself is INSIDE the applicator, despite the fact that it may seem intimidating if you’ve never really looked at one. The tampon is simple to insert into your vagina thanks to the applicator. Although some are made of plastic and others of cardboard, both can be used safely! The applicator has a larger, outer tube that holds the tampon, a “grip” area where you’ll hold it, and a smaller tube at the end with the string coming out. The smaller tube is actually a “plunger” that you use to push the tampon out when it’s time. To see each part of a Tampax Pearl tampon, look at this diagram.

If you’re using a Tampax Pocket Pearl tampon (which is in a smaller, compact package), you’ll have to pull the plunger out until it “clicks” to make it work. The plunger won’t release the tampon if you don’t hear the click.

Step 3: Locate Your Vagina

We know you know it’s “down there,” but so many people have never really looked closely to be sure. So this is your opportunity. The place where the tampon will go in your vagina must be familiar to you, so grab a mirror and check.

Step 4: Get Comfy and Ready to Put the Tampon In

Find a relaxed position where you can still access your vagina. You can try lying down or elevating one foot on a step or other raised surface (such as the toilet seat) instead of standing or sitting on the toilet to insert a tampon. the edge of your tub). The most important thing is to take a deep breath and relax all those muscles “down there.” Inserting the tampon won’t be as simple if you squeeze your butt or the muscles surrounding the vagina.

Step 5: Set the Tip

Place the tampon tip at your vaginal opening while holding the tampon at the grip (the smaller portion directly above the plunger).

Step 6: Use the Right Angle

Aim the tampon toward your lower back rather than straight up once the tip is in place. Your vagina actually enters your body at a slight angle rather than straight up. It can also feel more comfortable to insert if you find the right angle for you.

Check this video for more information about how to insert a tampon:

Step 7: Tip to Grip

Now that you are prepared, slowly insert the tampon applicator from the tip all the way to the grip. Your grip’s fingers should likely touch your vulva, which is the external opening of your vagina, once you’ve inserted it far enough.

Step 8: Plunge

When you’ve reached tip to grip, it’s time to release the tampon by fully depressing the plunger with your pointer finger or the other hand.

Step 9: Remove the Applicator

Pull the applicator (both plastic pieces) out once the plunger has been fully inserted. The only thing left sticking out of your vagina will be the string.

How to Remove a Tampon?

To reduce the risk of leakage and toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a bacterial infection that can be fatal, change your tampon every four to six hours.

Sit over the toilet and carefully grasp the string between two fingers before gently pulling it out at the same angle that you inserted it when removing a tampon. Relax and pull slowly and steadily because if you are tense, you might not be able to remove it. Once finished, flush the used tampon.

How Do You Know When to Remove a Tampon?

Change your tampons every four to six hours. To prevent leaking and spotting, tampons should be changed frequently.

Avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) by never leaving a tampon in for longer than eight hours. TSS is extremely uncommon, but it’s still important to be aware of the symptoms.

When using super-absorbency tampons or leaving them in for a long time, it is possible to develop TSS, a type of bacterial infection that can be fatal. Symptoms can develop quickly and include:

• Faintness
• High fever
• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Vomiting or diarrhea

If you experience TSS symptoms, remove your tampon right away and call your doctor.

Why Use Tampons?

Girls can carry tampons discreetly before or during their periods because they are discreet, pocket-sized, and small. Tampons are frequently more comfortable than wearing pads on their underwear because they regulate the blood before it leaves the vagina.

For girls who are active or uncomfortable wearing pads, they are a preferred source because of this. Using tampons while swimming during your period is also convenient.

Once you become more accustomed to using tampons, many women choose to wear tampons during the day and pads at night, depending on their activities and the flow of their period.

Why It’s Important to Change Your Tampon Often

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can be avoided by frequently changing tampons. When tampons are left in for an extended period of time, TSS, a rare but potentially fatal condition, can sometimes develop.

Do not forget to change your tampon several times each day. Consider switching to a higher absorbency tampon for a few days to help control the flow in order to stop leaks.

The vagina can become dryened by using a tampon that is too absorbent, which increases the risk of TSS and increases the likelihood that the vagina will tear.

Check out the instructions on the tampon packaging if you still have questions, or consult a gynecologist or health care professional.

The Bottom Line

The act of putting in and taking out a tampon requires practice, just like riding a bike. It might seem strange at first, but as soon as you become familiar with the right procedures, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

Not all women use tampons, keep in mind. Menstrual cups, pads, and even period underwear are some additional ways to care for yourself during your period.

If you ever experience persistent pain or other strange symptoms after inserting or removing your tampon, see a doctor. There could be another issue developing that needs medical attention.

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