Many young women are anxious or nervous about using a tampon for the first time. This is a normal, however,inserting a tampon is nothing to be fearful of. When inserted properly, a tampon should not be painful or uncomfortable, according to the Center for Young Women's Health at the Children's Hospital of Boston. If you have trouble inserting a tampon, try a few more times. If you still have difficulty, visit your doctor. Some young women have a rare condition in which tampons cannot be properly inserted because of a small opening in the hymen.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Step 2
Unwrap the tampon and dispose of the wrapper.
Step 3
Stand or sit in a position that will be comfortable for inserting a tampon. Some positions that may be comfortable include squatting on the ground, standing with one leg propped up on a toilet seat or sitting on the toilet with your legs spread apart, according to the Center for Young Women's Health at the Children's Hospital of Boston.
Step 4
Position the tampon in your hand so that you are holding it using the same fingers that you use to hold a pen and write. Keep a grip in the part of the tampon where the smaller tube fits into the larger tube.
Step 5
Open your labia--the skin around the opening to the vagina--using your free hand. It will be easier to insert the tampon if the folds of the labia are spread apart.
Step 6
Insert the tampon in the opening on the vagina. It should be inserted deeply enough the the outer, larger tube is completely inside the vagina.
Step 7
Push the bottom of the tampon applicator with your index finger to insert the tampon in the vagina and free the applicator.
Step 8
Pull the applicator out of the vagina and discard it.
Step 9
Check to make sure the tampon was inserted properly by looking to see that the string attached to the bottom is visible outside the vagina.
Tips and Warnings
- Most tampons come with written directions and images that demonstrate how to properly insert a tampon. When a tampon is properly inserted, it should not be painful or uncomfortable, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. You should not even be able to tell you are using a tampon. If you have difficulty inserting the tampon on your first try, consider using a mirror to help you position and guide the tampon into the vagina. The first try to use a tampon, it may be easier to try it at a time when your menstrual flow is moderate or heavy. This will provide some lubrication to allow it to more easily slide into the vagina. When you first start using tampons, try starting with the smallest size until you are used to the application process and how it feels. Once you are used to using tampons, you can use the size that best controls your menstrual flow.
- Do not leave a tampon inserted for more than right hours. Tampons should be changed every four to six hours or even more frequently to prevent toxic shock syndrome, a rare but potentially life threatening bacterial infection, according to MedLine Plus. Do not use a tampon that has fallen on the floor or is otherwise contaminated after it has been unwrapped.
