How To Put A Tampon In: Make The Process Simple And Comfortable

A tampon is an internal protection method which is inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow before it leaves your body, different from external protection which includes pads and panty liners which are attached to the crotch of underpants to absorb your menstrual flow after it leaves the body. Some choose internal protection instead of the external one, because of the freedom it provides when walking or playing sports. So, tampons are the most common types of internal protection.

Tampons are a hygiene product that absorbs the menstrual flow during women periods. They are made of absorbent material but compressed into a small cylindrical shape which is inserted into your vagina. There are a few different types of tampons: Some tampons have applicators, which help guide the tampon into place, while other tampons can be inserted with a clean finger.

How To Put A Tampon In?

It’s important to stay relaxed when inserting a tampon. The process usually takes a few tries before being able to comfortably insert a tampon. Make sure to read and follow the instructions and diagrams so you know how to proceed.

A tampon is built of two parts; the tampon itself which you should insert into your vagina, and the plastic applicator you use to insert it. However, not all tampons are exactly the same. That’s why it’s important to learn how to use the applicator if it is your first time using a tampon. There are various sizes of tampons: regular, super, super plus. Each size holds a different amount of blood, with super plus holding the most. So, if you are having a heavy flow of menstrual blood or want to leave your tampon in for a longer time, you need to use super or super plus sizes. However, it is recommend starting with a regular tampon as it is the most slender one and the process of inserting it will be easier.

So, to inserting a tampon, make sure to follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap. You don’t want dirt or other bacteria which has accumulated on your hands to get in touch with the sensitive area of your body.

2. Unwrap the tampon. If you notice any flaws after unwrapping, do not use. Gently pull on strings to make sure they are firmly attached.

3. Get comfortable and relaxed. You can sit on the toilet with knees apart, stand with one foot on the toilet seat or bathtub, or you can squat down. You can try out different positions and find which one feels most comfortable for you.

4. If your tampon is made of an applicator, hold the applicator plunger with your thumb and middle finger and gently insert the tip of the tampon applicator into your vagina at a 45˚ angle. Now, slide the tapered applicator all the way into your vaginal opening until your fingers touch your body. Make sure the string is facing away from your body, not towards you.

5. Push the plunger into the barrel with your pointer finger. This will release the tampon and insert it inside your vagina. The plunger should now be inside the barrel.

6. Gently pull out the tampon applicator. The strings should be outside your body.

7. If you feel uncomfortable and you think you have inserted the tampon a little bit too far, just remove the tampon and insert a new one.

8. After inserting the tampon into your vagina, place the used applicator back into the discreet wrapper and throw away. Make sure not to flush the plastic applicator.

Tampon Removal

You should always read and follow the instructions that come with your tampons. They usually suggest that you can leave a tampon in for four to eight hours, although Dr. White, speaking for Refinery, says that eight hours is really pushing it. She recommends that if you’re sleeping more than eight hours, you should use a pad instead of a tampon. If the tampon is left inside your vagina for too long, this creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Whereas, if you pull out a super dry tampon, this can result in micro-tears on the inside of your vagina.

Also, it is not necessary to change your tampon after you pee. For more, read about this here: Tampons 101: Can You Pee With A Tampon In?

Below, read the steps you should follow in order to remove the tampon out of your vagina:

1. Relax your muscles and get into the same position you were while inserting the tampon.

2. Gently pull down on the strings and the tampon will slide out easily.

3. Wrap the removed tampon in a toilet paper and throw it away. Do not flush the used tampon in the toilet!

4. Wash hands!

You might also want to read: Tampons Vs Pads: What’s The Best Choice For Period Protection?