Using a tampon for the first time can be scary, especially for young women just beginning to menstruate. There are benefits to using tampons, including comfort, discretion and the peace of mind that goes along with not having to worry about a pad slipping out of place. Before you can be confident using tampons, you have to get past that first step into the unknown: inserting a tampon correctly so that it's comfortable and effective.
Step 1
Wash your hands well. You don't want to introduce bacteria into your vagina along with the tampon.
Step 2
Get into a comfortable position with your legs apart. Try squatting with your knees apart or standing with one foot propped on the edge of the tub or the toilet lid. Don't worry; inserting a tampon only takes a few seconds, so you won't have to perform an endless balancing act. If your legs are fairly slender, you may be able to sit on the toilet with the lid open and insert the tampon that way. Whatever position you choose, you need to have plenty of room to reach between your legs.
Step 3
Unwrap the tampon. If you're using a tampon with an applicator, look at where the outer tube of the applicator and the inner part overlap. On the outer part of the tube, there should be ridges at the bottom. Grasp the applicator in that spot with your thumb and middle finger.
Step 4
Point the tampon at your body with the string end away from you and the rounded top of the tampon pointing toward your vagina.
Step 5
Relax, and insert the tampon into your vagina until your fingers touch your labia. Try using the fingers of your other hand to separate your inner labia to make insertion easier.
Step 6
Use your index finger to push the inner tube of the applicator in toward your body until the inner tube is flush with the outer tube.
Step 7
Gently pull the applicator back out. Make sure both parts of the applicator are out of your body; they should come out together easily. Discard the applicator in the trash.
Step 8
If you're using a tampon without an applicator, hold the tampon in one hand, and use your other hand to pull the string gently from side to side, making a small depression at the end of the tampon. Get into a comfortable position as in Step 2.
Step 9
Hold the tampon between your thumb and index or middle finger, and insert it most of the way into your vagina with the string facing away from your body. Let go, and place your index or middle finger into the depression at the end of the tampon.
Step 10
Use your finger to gently push the tampon as far as you can into your body. When the tampon is in the correct position, you won't be able to push it in any further.
Tips and Warnings
- You shouldn't be able to feel a tampon when it's inserted correctly. If you can, remove it, and try again with a new one.
- If you drop a tampon on the floor, throw it away and use another one to avoid the risk of infection. Always wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon.
