A tampon is a feminine hygiene product used to absorb blood during one's menstrual cycle. Unlike pads, which are placed onto the underwear, a tampon is inserted directly into the vagina. For a first-time user, a tampon can be a source of anxiety, but after a few attempts it should be easy to put in.
Putting a Tampon In
Step 1
Wash your hands and remove the tampon from its wrapper.
Step 2
Sit or stand in a comfortable position to make insertion easy. Some women find it comfortable to bend the knees and squat down slightly, while others like to place one leg on a slightly higher object like the toilet seat or a chair.
Step 3
Hold the tampon like you would hold a pen or pencil, and make sure the thicker end, or outer tube, is pointing toward you. The thinner end, or inner tube, and the string should be pointing outward.
Step 4
Locate your vaginal opening with your fingers--you can use a mirror to help you--and slowly push the tampon inside. Stop when your fingers touch the outer labia or when the outer tube of the tampon is all the way inside.
Step 5
With your index finger, push the inner tube into the outer tube. This motion causes the tampon to actually go all the way inside your vagina. Carefully pull the applicator out. Make sure the string is hanging out and is visible. To remove the tampon, simply pull on the string.
Tips and Warnings
- It may take more than one try before you are successful, so don't give up. Always wash your hands thoroughly before putting a tampon in to reduce risk of infection. If your first try doesn't work, discard the tampon and use a new one to try again. Relax your muscles when inserting the tampon to make it easier and less uncomfortable. If you feel any pain or discomfort after inserting the tampon, you probably didn't put it in correctly. Remove the tampon and try again.
- Change your tampon every four to six hours to avoid developing toxic shock syndrome, which is a serious though rare bacterial infection that can even result in death. Remove the tampon right away if you develop a fever, rash or diarrhea, or if you become dizzy, faint or nauseous. Contact a medical professional, as these symptoms may be signs of toxic shock syndrome.
Things You'll Need
- A tampon
