Using a tampon may seem problematic and even a little painful if you're not used to it. With a little practice and the right information - including insertion and removal tips - you can quickly learn how to use these products painlessly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare for Insertion
Step 1. Be aware of the risks
Women who use tampons can develop a severe bacterial infection called toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which can even be fatal. If you manifest any one of the following symptoms while wearing a tampon, take it off and go to the emergency room immediately:
- Fever equal to or greater than 38.9 ° C;
- He retched;
- Diarrhea;
- Muscle aches;
- Sunburn-like rash with flaky skin, especially on the palms and soles of the feet
- Vertigo, dizziness or mental confusion;
- Pale, clammy skin (indicating a sudden drop in blood pressure).
Step 2. Evaluate the menstrual cup
This device is a small, flexible cup made from medical silicone or other hypoallergenic rubbers. The tampons and external absorbents absorb the flow, while the cup collects and holds it just like a glass contains water. Since it does not absorb menstrual blood, it has a lower risk of TSS.
- Menstrual cups fit in a similar way to tampons without applicator (i.e. fingers are used).
- You can hold the cup for up to 12 hours - much longer than the usual 4-8 hours recommended for tampons.
- The disadvantages are the different tests required to find the right model for your anatomical conformation and flow; removing can be a bit laborious (especially if you have to use a public restroom), as you need to rinse the cup in a sink before you can put it back in.
Step 3. Choose the tampon with the least absorbency in relation to flow
If you have light bleeding, don't buy super absorbent models. If you have a flow that varies between light and normal, buy one pack for each of the absorbency levels and use the right model as needed. Use "super" products only if you have a very heavy period.
- Some manufacturers offer multiple packs with tampons with normal and light absorbency, or normal and super or even with all three types.
- Use tampons only when bleeding has started, do not put them in before your period or to absorb other types of leaks.
- Toxic shock syndrome is more likely to occur when high absorbency models are used.
Step 4. Find the vaginal opening
Many young women are afraid to use tampons because they don't know their anatomy well; it is not a question of their lack, but it is a subject that is usually not thought about or not talked about. The opening of the vagina is located between the anus and the urethra. Follow the directions described here to find it:
- Rest one leg on a chair or toilet bowl while standing.
- Hold a hand or purse mirror with your dominant hand and place it between your legs to observe the genital area.
- Gently spread your labia (the fleshy folds around the opening of the vagina) with your non-dominant hand. Depending on the size of the latter, it may be necessary to pull them a little to see the urethra and vagina. If so, proceed with extreme care, as they are very delicate membranes and could tear if you pull them apart too hard.
- While keeping your lips parted, move the mirror to view the area between them.
- You should notice a crack with a small hole; the latter is the urethra, while the fissure is the vaginal opening.
Step 5. Practice with your fingers
You may find it helpful to experiment with your fingers before trying to insert the tampon. Treat your finger as a swab, holding it straight (but not stiff) to find the opening and then gently insert it.
- Do not force your finger to stay straight, but allow it to follow the natural curvature of the body.
- You can apply a drop of water-based lube to your finger before proceeding.
- If you have long nails, you need to be especially careful, as they could scratch the delicate mucous membranes of the genital area.
Step 6. Read the instructions on the sanitary pad packaging
Swabs should be accompanied by a detailed package insert with pictures showing the insertion. Read the leaflet carefully to understand the procedure.
Step 7. Get help
If you are having a hard time finding the vaginal opening and figuring out how to insert a tampon, ask a friend or relative to show you how. If you don't feel comfortable seeing another woman, your GP should be able to help you or get you in touch with someone who can.
Step 8. Go to the gynecologist
If, after practicing the tips and tricks described in this article, you still feel pain while inserting tampons (or other similar things), visit a gynecologist. You may be suffering from a treatable disease; if so, your doctor will provide you with the help you need.
One possible disease that causes pain in and around the vagina is vulvodynia
Part 2 of 3: Insert the tampon
Step 1. Relax and take your time
If you are anxious, chances are you tighten your muscles, complicating things. Try to calm down; it is very difficult for you to harm yourself if you proceed slowly and gently.
- Move calmly and pay attention to your body's reactions.
- If you simply can't get the tampon on, don't force it. Use an external one for now and try again the next day. Don't beat yourself up, most women need some time to get comfortable.
Step 2. Wash your hands thoroughly
Then remember to dry them.
Step 3. Remove the swab from its wrapping
Make sure it is not damaged in any way; lightly tug on the lanyard to make sure it is secure. If you are using an applicator model, make sure the lanyard comes out of the barrel.
If you need to put the tampon down before putting it on, check that the surface is clean
Step 4. Lower your pants, underwear and get into a comfortable position
The posture you choose for insertion depends on your personal preferences and your particular anatomy. Many girls sit on the toilet with their legs open, but if this doesn't seem comfortable to you, stand up and put one foot on a chair or on the toilet lid. alternatively, you can squat down.
Sitting on the toilet with your legs apart may be the best fit when you are in public places. To put your foot on the toilet, you have to completely remove one leg from your trousers which, in a small compartment of the public toilets, could come into contact with the dirty floor
Step 5. Spread your lips with your non-dominant hand
These are the fleshy folds found around the vaginal opening. Proceed gently and hold them in this position while placing the tampon correctly near the vagina.
Step 6. Grasp the applicator correctly
Hold it between your thumb and middle finger at the appropriate spot (the narrowest area or area with small ripples that is near the center of the applicator). Place your index finger on the end of the barrel - the thinnest tube from which the string should hang.
If you are using a type of tampon without an applicator, the procedure is the same, except that your finger replaces the applicator. Hold the pad at the base (to which the lanyard is attached), using your thumb and middle finger. It may be helpful to put some water-based lubricant on the tip of the tampon, to make it slide into the vagina more easily
Step 7. Insert the applicator into the vagina by directing it up and towards the coccyx
You have to keep it parallel to the vaginal opening; don't try to push it up. Stop when your fingers, which hold the center of the applicator, touch your lips.
- If you are having difficulty at this stage, try to rotate the applicator gently as you push it into your vagina.
- If you are using a model without an applicator, place the tip of the tampon in the vaginal opening, while holding it by the base with your thumb and middle finger.
Step 8. Use your index finger to push the thinner tube into the larger diameter one
In this way, you transfer the tampon into the vagina; you may feel a slight pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic walls indicating the presence of the tampon. When you feel that it cannot penetrate further, stop.
The tampon without applicator is pushed by the base with the index finger guiding it inside the body. The finger must maintain contact with the tampon until it continues further. Once it is inside the vagina, you should switch fingers and use your middle finger, which is longer and allows you to hold your hand at a more favorable angle
Step 9. Check that the tampon is in place
Once inserted, stand up and make sure it is well placed; you shouldn't feel it after pulling out the applicator. If you feel it, you need to sit down again and push it deeper with your finger.
Step 10. Remove the applicator
Make sure the swab is completely out of the tube before pulling the tube out of the body. You should feel the tampon come off the applicator, but if it doesn't, it means you haven't pushed the smaller tube all the way into the larger one.
If you have the perception that the applicator is still holding the tampon, move it slightly and remove it from the body; in this way, it should release the tampon
Step 11. Wash your hands and clean the bathroom
Part 3 of 3: Take out the tampon
Step 1. Know when to change or remove the tampon
You need to replace it at least every eight hours. A higher frequency may be needed, depending on the abundance of the flow, for example every 3 or 5 hours during the days of major bleeding. Here's how to know when to change your tampon:
- If your underwear feels wet, the tampon is likely dripping. To avoid stains and streaks on clothing, it is worth wearing a panty protector (a smaller, thinner sanitary napkin) in combination with the tampon.
- When sitting on the toilet, gently tug on the lanyard. If the tampon moves or begins to slide out, it is ready to be changed. In some cases, the tampon may come out spontaneously, another sign that it is time to replace it.
- If you notice any traces of blood on the cord, the tampon is completely soaked and you need to remove it.
Step 2. Relax
If you are stressed, you are more likely to contract the vaginal muscles, making it more difficult to extract.
Step 3. Get into the correct position
Sit on the toilet or stand with one leg raised on the toilet lid. If possible, choose the same posture you typically use to insert the tampon.
By sitting on the toilet while removing the sanitary napkin, you can be sure that the blood falls directly into the toilet, rather than onto your clothes or the floor
Step 4. Place your hand between your legs and pull the swab cord
Make sure you pull at the same angle you used to put the tampon on.
Step 5. Don't be too violent
If you have any difficulty in doing this, resist the temptation to pull hard on the lanyard, as you could break it; Additionally, you may experience pain if the tampon has become stuck because it is too dry.
Step 6. Don't panic if it doesn't come out easily
If you find that you are having a hard time removing the tampon, don't panic. It is not "lost" in the pelvic cavity! If you can't pull it out but see the string, here's what you can do:
- Gently tug on the lanyard as you push as if you were going to defecate. Swinging the cord as you push should help you move the tampon down slightly. When it is near the vaginal opening, grasp it with your fingers and gently pull it out, slowly moving it left and right as you pull it down.
- If you have major difficulties, you can consider a vaginal douch; by sprinkling water into the vagina, wet and soften the tampon, which should slide more easily in this way. If you choose this solution, strictly follow the instructions on the lavender package you bought at the pharmacy; if you are using a homemade lavender instead, remember to use sterilized water.
- In case you can't find the tampon, stick a finger in the vagina and move it in a circle around the walls. If you can feel the lanyard, you can insert another finger to grab it and pull the tampon out.
- Do not feel embarrassed to go to a gynecologist if you cannot find the tampon and / or are unable to remove it.
Step 7. Dispose of used sanitary napkin responsibly
Once removed, wrap it in toilet paper and throw it in the waste bin, do not throw it down the toilet; some applicators can be discharged into the toilet (this feature is indicated on the packaging), but not the pads, which can clog the drains; it is therefore essential to put them in the garbage.
If you are in a public bathroom, there is probably a specific, well-labeled container to throw away your tampons and pads. Putting them in these baskets is the safest way to dispose of them
Step 8. Wash your hands when finished
Advice
- Standard tampons shouldn't cause pain as you insert them, but if you are concerned about their diameter and would like something thinner, some manufacturers offer smaller tampons, but with the same absorbency; generally, they are referred to as "super-thin", "slim" or "extra-slim".
- To make insertion easier, place a small drop of water-based lubricant on the tip of the tampon before inserting it into the vagina.
Warnings
- If you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, lightheadedness, body aches, generalized pain, vomiting or diarrhea when using tampons, you may be suffering from toxic shock syndrome. If any whatever ailment of this type, remove the tampon and go to the emergency room immediately.
- Wash your hands before and after inserting the tampon or during each "practice" exercise that involves touching the genitals; otherwise, you expose yourself and other people to potential health hazards.
- Always check that the absorbency of the tampon is suitable for your flow - choose a low absorbent model for "light" days (at the beginning and end of menstruation) and a normal or very absorbent one for heavy bleeding days. Using a more absorbent product than necessary increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
- If the tampon has a damaged wrapping, do not use it.
- Do not keep the tampon in the body for more than eight hours; if you leave it in place for longer than recommended, you could develop toxic shock syndrome.
- Always proceed gently, never forcefully insert the tampon into the vagina and do not force it during extraction.
- If you sleep in a tampon, remember to set your alarm after eight hours or after the maximum number of hours indicated on the tampon pack.
- Bacteria that cause intoxication, including those responsible for toxic shock syndrome, can invade the bloodstream through microscopic lacerations on the vaginal walls; this is why you have to be very gentle when inserting the tampon.
- If you are sexually active, do not have intercourse while wearing the tampon, as it may compress in the vagina resulting in difficulty in removal.
