Inserting a tampon for the first time can be a very scary and not very encouraging experience. However, it's easier than you think, as long as you know how to introduce it correctly. When wearing a tampon, you will be free to swim, run and do whatever you want, without the discomfort of a traditional sanitary pad. If you enter it correctly, it won't hurt you at all and, in fact, you won't even hear it. If you want to know how to insert a tampon for the first time, start reading the article from the first step.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Insert the tampon
Step 1. Purchase a pack of tampons
Juggling the world of buying tampons can be a little tricky, but once you know a little more about what to buy, you won't feel so intimidated. Among the most common brands are Tampax and o.b., without taking into account that other companies that produce normal ones also make tampons, so choose the ones that are right for you to feel at ease. Basically, there are three things to keep in mind: paper or plastic, absorbency, and whether the tampon has an applicator or not. Here's what you need to know:
- Paper or plastic. Some pads have a cardboard (paper) applicator, while others have a plastic applicator. The paper applicator has the advantage in most of the time that it is biodegradable and, therefore, it is possible to throw it down the toilet, but it is not appropriate to take this risk if you have an unreliable plumbing system. Some say plastic is even a little easier to use. You can try both and decide which one you like best.
- Applicator or no applicator. Most tampons are sold with the applicator, while others do not. In the beginning it will be much easier to use the ones with the applicator, because this way you will have more control during the insertion process. Tampons without an applicator require the tampon to be pushed into the vagina with the fingers, which can be a little more difficult. The advantage of these tampons is that they are very small, so you can even keep them in your pocket if needed.
- Absorbency. The most common types are "normal" or "super absorbent". Generally it is recommended to start with regular tampons to learn how to use them, before moving on to super ones. They are a bit larger, although not necessarily more difficult to use. You can also use regular tampons first, when the flow isn't that heavy, and then switch to more absorbent ones, depending on the flow, or vice versa. Some tampon packs have both regular and super absorbent ones, so you can mix and match.
Step 2. Insert the tampon when the flow is moderate or heavy
Although it is not always said, inserting the tampon when the period has just started and the flow is still light is a bit more difficult because it does not slide easily inside the vagina. If the flow is more abundant, the walls of the vagina are more humid and allow the tampon to flow inside more comfortably.
- Some girls will wonder if they can practice using tampons when not on their period. Even if nothing terrible happens with these operations, it will be more difficult to insert the tampon into the vagina under these circumstances, so it is recommended that you wait until your period begins.
- While asking your mom for help might be the last thing in the world you would do, if you try it alone and have a problem, or if you're just afraid to try, don't be afraid to ask a woman you trust for help.
Step 3. Wash your hands
It is important to wash your hands before inserting a tampon, as this will protect the tampon and applicator from any contamination before inserting. It is not advisable, in fact, to introduce bacteria into the vagina, causing some infections.
Step 4. Open the swab wrapper with dry hands
Wait until your hands are completely dry and then carefully tear off the wrapper on its top and push it out. It doesn't matter if you're a little nervous, even if there's no reason to be. If you accidentally drop the tampon on the floor, you should throw it away and start over with a new one. It's not a good idea to risk getting an infection just because you don't want to waste a tampon.
Step 5. Sit down or put yourself in a comfortable position
Since you should be comfortable during the introduction of the tampon, it is best to come up with the method that is most comfortable for you. Some women prefer to sit on the toilet when inserting a tampon. Others prefer to stand and squat a little. You can also rest one leg on the toilet or side of the tub to make the vaginal opening more accessible.
While it's natural to be nervous, you should try to relax as much as possible. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to insert the tampon
Step 6. Hold the tampon with the fingers you write with
Keep it in the center, right where the smaller inner tube fits into the larger outer tube. The cord must be easily visible and must point downward, away from the body, with the hard part of the pad facing up. You can also place your index finger on the base of the pad, while your middle and thumb grip it.
Step 7. Find the vagina
The vagina is between the urethra and the anus. There are three openings: the urethra, where urine comes from, the vagina, which is in the center, and the anus in the back. If you can find the urethra easily, 3-5 cm further back is the opening of the vagina. Don't be afraid to see some blood on your hands - it's perfectly normal.
There are those who recommend using the other hand to open the labia of the vagina, or the folds of the skin around the vaginal opening, to facilitate the introduction of the tampon into the opening. However, some women are able to insert it without this additional help
Step 8. Carefully place the top of the tampon into the vagina
Now that you've found the vagina, all you have to do is insert the tampon just a couple of inches or so into the top of the vagina. You should push it slowly, until your fingers touch the applicator and your body and until the outer tube of the tampon is inside the vagina.
Step 9. Press the thinnest part of the applicator with your index finger
Stop when the thin and thick parts meet and your fingers touch the skin. You need the applicator to help you push the tampon further up your vagina. Imagine pushing the inner tube of the tampon through the outer one.
Step 10. Use your thumb and middle finger to remove the applicator
Now that you've inserted the tampon into your vagina, all you need to do is remove the applicator. In this case, it is sufficient to use the thumb and middle finger to gently pull the applicator from the vagina. The string must hang from the vaginal opening.
Step 11. Discard the applicator
You should throw away the applicator if it is made of plastic. If it is cardboard, carefully check the instructions on the package to make sure there is a possibility of flushing it down the toilet. If you are unsure, it is best to leave it alone and throw it away.
Step 12. Consider wearing a panty liner with a tampon
While it is not necessary, many girls prefer to wear the panty protector together with the tampon, in case the tampon begins to lose a few drops once saturated. Even if you go to the bathroom regularly and change your tampon as needed, that's not unlikely to happen, so wearing a panty liner may give you an added sense of security. You will barely feel it.
Part 2 of 3: Remove the tampon
Step 1. Make sure you are comfortable
If you are not comfortable with the tampon, then you probably have not inserted it correctly. If you put it right, in fact you shouldn't feel it at all. If you feel uncomfortable or like it isn't all the way through, then it's best to remove it. You can also understand that you have not inserted it correctly from the fact that the bottom of the tampon is possibly still visible outside the vagina. If so, it's time to try again.
When the tampon is inside, you should be able to run, hike, cycle, swim, or engage in any physical activity you wish to do
Step 2. Remove the swab when ready
Although you need to remove the tampon every 6 to 8 hours at the most, you may find that you need to remove it sooner if you have a heavy flow. It is important to check yourself every hour or two, especially when using tampons for the first time. If you find that you need to clean yourself, seeing a lot of blood, or if you see blood in the toilet, then this is a sign that the tampon is no longer able to absorb and that it is time to remove it (it can also be an indication that you have not inserted it. deep, so even in this case you have to take it out).
Step 3. Discard the tampon
Although the instructions on the package might say it's biodegradable, if you want to be sure you don't have to call the plumber because the tampon has clogged the toilet, it is recommended that you wrap it in toilet paper and throw it away. If you are in a public bathroom, you should look for a container on the bathroom floor or on the side of the door, which is used specifically for disposing of this type of waste.
Step 4. Change tampon every 8 hours or sooner if needed
Once the swab is removed, you can insert another one. Most women don't sleep with a tampon, so it's a good idea to use a tampon at night unless you're planning on sleeping for less than 8 hours.
- If the swab cord is stained with blood, then it's time to change it.
- If you feel that the tampon is difficult to remove and a little "stuck", then it means that it has not yet absorbed enough menstrual flow. If it's been less than 8 hours, you should try again later. Try using a tampon with a lighter absorption next time if you have one.
- If you leave the tampon for more than 8 hours, you risk the very rare but life-threatening toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which occurs when you hold the tampon for too long. If you have left the tampon beyond the recommended time and feel fever, irritation, or vomiting, get help immediately.
Step 5. Use a tampon with the right absorbency for your flow
It is best to use tampons with less absorption than needed. Start with a regular tampon. If you see that you need to change it more than once every four hours, then you should switch to a tampon with a higher absorbency. When the cycle is waning, it is necessary to use tampons with lighter absorption. Once it is almost finished, you will notice that it will be more difficult to insert them. After all, stop using tampons.
Use a panty liner on extraordinary days when you feel your period isn't completely over
Part 3 of 3: Knowing Things the Way They Are
Step 1. Know that you can never lose a tampon inside the body
The pad has an extremely strong flexible and resistant cord that passes through it and which, therefore, can never come off. The string runs through the entire pad, instead of being attached at the end, so there really is no chance of it coming off on its own. You can also try taking a new pad and tugging on the rope vehemently for a while, however you will see that it is impossible to remove, so there is no chance that the pad will get stuck inside. This is a common fear that people have, but it is totally unfounded.
Step 2. Know that you can always pee when wearing a tampon
Some women who wear tampons take years to realize they can actually urinate with a tampon. The swab goes into your vaginal opening as urine exits the urethral opening. They are close together, but they are different holes and, therefore, inserting a tampon will not fill the bladder or make urination more difficult. Some people think that if they pee, the tampon is expelled directly, but this is absolutely not the case.
Step 3. Know that a girl of any age can start wearing a tampon once her period begins
You don't have to be over 16 or 18 to use a tampon. It is perfectly safe for younger girls, as long as they know how to insert it correctly.
Step 4. Know that inserting a tampon will not cause you to lose your virginity
Some people think that it is possible to wear tampons only after having sex and that if you use them before this time, you will lose your virginity. Well that's completely untrue. Although using a tampon may occasionally cause some injury or tension in the hymen, nothing will cause you to "lose your virginity" beyond the sexual act. Tampons work effectively for both those who are virgin and those who are not.
Step 5. Know that using a tampon will not cause any health problems
Wearing a tampon will not cause candidiasis, contrary to what you may hear. There is absolutely no scientific evidence for this. Some people think it's possible, because women tend to get candidiasis all the time, which is the same as tampons.
