How To Use A Tampon

How to insert a tampon – Inserting a tampon for the first time can be intimidating. Be sure to wash your hands and try to be as relaxed as possible, so as to make it easier to slide in.

Sit on the toilet with your knees apart. Hold the tampon in one hand with the grip – middle of the tampon – in between your thumb and middle finger. Keep your index finger on the end of the thinner tube, where the cord extends. Using the tip of the tampon, open the folds of skin on your vagina and slide the entire barrel inside, angling towards your back. The tampon won’t go in smoothly and may be painful if inserted straight up and in. Insert it as far as your middle finger and thumb, at the grip – or middle – of the applicator. Once the barrel is comfortably inside, hold the grip and push with your index finger on the smaller tube to push the absorbent part of the tampon into the vagina. Push this until it meets the grip and your other fingers. Using your thumb and middle finger, pull out the barrel of the tampon, leaving the string to hang out. Do not pull the string! The tampon is inside and is attached to the string. You will use this to remove the tampon once it’s soaked through. Place the applicator back inside the plastic lining (or wrap in toilet paper) and dispose of it properly. Do not flush the plastic applicators.

If you can still feel the tampon, you can pull it out and try re-inserting a new one, pushing it up higher. If you think it may not be high enough, wash your hands and insert your finger to push it up further until you can’t feel it.

Can you sleep with a tampon in?

Can You Sleep with a Tampon In? If pads aren’t really your thing, you may be wondering can you wear a  to bed – or maybe you fell asleep and forgot to take out your tampon and are panicking a little. Either way, you’re wondering whether or not you can sleep with a tampon in.

A tampon doesn’t know if you are asleep or not. Whether you can sleep with a tampon in revolves around one key question –  are you going to sleep for more than eight hours ? Tampons shouldn’t be worn for longer than eight hours. This time limit is recommended because wearing the same tampon for a longer period will make you more likely to develop an irritation, or even an infection.

Infections include the rare but serious . It is safe to sleep with a tampon in as long as it’s not for more than eight hours. So, if you can keep your night-time snooze to 8 hours or under, then you can wear a tampon overnight. This means you may want to avoid sleeping with a tampon in at the weekend or on holiday, and instead use a pad when it’s more likely that you’ll hit the snooze button and sleep in.

How do I know my tampon is full?

The aim is to feel fresh all day The aim of the game is to feel fresh all day long, so changing your pad every four hours or so is ideal. If you’ve got a heavier flow, then it may need to be changed more often. Every girl is different. Check regularly when you go to the bathroom.

1. You might notice a feeling of wetness or dampness, occurrence of stains or the pad may feel heavy in your undies.
2. These are all signs that the pad may be full.
3. In this case, switch to a clean pad.
4. The best way to know if your tampon needs changing is to give a light tug on the tampon string, if it starts to pull out easily then it’s time to change, if not, it usually means you can leave it a bit longer.

Just remember with tampons, 4 hours is about right, and don’t leave one in for more than 8 hours. FAQ PERIOD PRODUCT

Should a tampon hurt at first?

Using A Tampon for the First Time There are few things in life as daunting as the thought of using a tampon for the first time. Is it inserted properly? How far is too far? How long can I leave it in for? Will it really stop me from bleeding all over my cute bathers at the beach this summer? We understand, you’ve got questions boo! And we’ve put together some answers that will hopefully make this whole process a little less stressful.

The truth is that tampons are awesome little contraptions that give women the freedom to do whatever they want during their period. Women have been using them since Ancient Egypt when tampons were made out of rolled up papyrus. But there are a few things you should know about them first before you dive in.

Do Tampons Hurt The First Time You Use Them? We’ll be honest with you. The first time you use a tampon may feel a little uncomfortable but the pain shouldn’t be particularly bad. Once properly inserted you shouldn’t feel the tampon at all. The key to an easy and pain free insertion is to relax.

When you’re stressed your pelvic floor muscles contract, making it much more difficult for the tampon to be inserted into the vagina. If you’re feeling nervous about inserting a tampon for the first time, take a deep breath and relax. The best time to try using tampons for the first time is when your period is at its heaviest, usually within the first couple of days of your bleed.

Once you get good at this the tampon should simply glide in with no trouble at all. A handy tip that can make insertion a little easier is to either stand with one foot on the edge of the bath or insert the tampon while you are seated on the toilet. You can also use a little bit of lubricant on the tip of the tampon to make insertion a little bit easier but please do not use Vaseline. How Far Is Too Far? You shouldn’t be able to feel a tampon at all once it has been properly inserted. If it’s feeling uncomfortable, it’s probably not inserted far enough into the vagina. Try again with a new tampon, remembering that there is no way a tampon can get ‘lost’ inside your vagina or uterus.

• All tampons have a handy string that hangs down outside the vagina to allow for ease of removal.
• If you cant find the string, don’t panic.
• The opening to your uterus is far too small to allow a tampon to slip up in there! That tampon is not going anywhere.
• Can I Go Swimming With a Tampon? You sure can! You can do almost any physical activity while wearing a tampon.

We do however recommend inserting a new tampon just before you head to the beach and changing it over again as soon as you get home. Your tampon will most likely absorb a little bit of water from your swim, making it less absorbent of your menstrual blood.

Change that bad boy over straight after your pool party or beach swim, and you’ll be laughing! How Long Can I Leave My Tampon In For? Good question! This is important information. You really really need to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow. Stronger flow? Change it more often.

If your flow is lighter you should still be changing your tampon every 6 to 8 hours. Under no circumstances should a tampon remain inserted for longer than 8 hours. This could put you at risk of developing, Although TSS is very rare, the effects can be extremely serious, with toxins damaging organs and body tissue, which can sadly lead to death if left untreated.

For this reason its critical you make sure you’ve removed your last tampon at the end of the day and consider using a pad overnight while you sleep. Easy as! We’ll be honest with you. When all is said and done, some women decide that tampons are not the right sanitary product for them. And that’s okay! You have so many options out there to try that means you can choose the product that is exactly right for you and your body.

But the convenience and freedom that old mate tampon allows women cannot be overstated. We bloody love ’em!

Is it better to wear pads or tampons?

Stained underwear uh huh not anymore! – The idea of the pad is very simple – absorbing. Pads are worn externally. Just stick them to your underwear and you’re good to go. The absorbent power of sanitary pads is such that they could probably blot ink as well.

1. Most of the women say that’s great since they feel it so they’re assured that they’re protected.
2. Tampons are worn internally.
3. That means it needs to be inserted, worn, and removed from your vagina.
4. And most importantly you should feel comfortable while doing this.
5. But many women just aren’t comfortable doing that.

It ofcourse sounds very scary to someone who has never tried tampons. One major fear related to tampons is what if it gets lost and I’m not able to remove it. This is probably the first thought that pops the mind of every newbie. Pads are easier and safer to use as compared to tampons.

Is it OK to flush tampons down the toilet?

Tampon recycling – what you can and cannot recycle – Most local authorities collect paper and cardboard materials, so you can dispose of Tampax cardboard packaging in recycling bins that have been provided. Please follow the instructions for household collection as set out by your local authority.

1. Important: for Tampax Pearl Compak products, please remove the plastic window before recycling the box and dispose of it in your regular household waste bin.
2. Please dispose your tampons, wrappers, and applicators in your regular household waste bin.
3. Do not flush them down the toilet.
4. Like many products used for personal or medical care, they are not recyclable.

While we continue to innovate for future solutions that reduce product waste, we are already taking several steps today to lessen the environmental footprint of our products:

80% of our cardboard is made with recycled materialSome of our tampons include responsibly sourced bio-based materials like cotton We are introducing bio-polyethylene derived from sugar cane into some of our tampon applicatorsWe are introducing reusable options to reduce the amount of waste disposed, such as the Tampax Cup.

For more information, please visit: https://www.recyclenow.com or https://www.gov.uk/ If you’re looking for full period protection, comfort and discretion, then tampons are your best choice. Not sure which ones should you choose? Well, for light to medium flow you can try Tampax Pearl Compak Regular tampons – they are free from fragrances and dyes, have a LeakGuard braid preventing leaks even before they happen and are easy to insert.

Why can I feel my tampon when I sit?

Tampon hurts when I walk or sit! – Tampon pain from walking or sitting can happen if you haven’t inserted the tampon deeply enough. When you put it in, it should go past the nerve endings of your pelvic floor muscles. If you’ve inserted the tampon to the correct depth, you won’t feel it when you’re active.

Why can I feel my tampon when I walk?

Why can I feel my tampon, then? – The most likely reason is that you didn’t push  your tampon  in far enough when you inserted it. Not to worry – simply use your finger to push it in a little further. If that doesn’t fix it, just take it out and try again with a fresh one.

Do tampons leak more than pads?

The second factor is leak protection. – Tampons are more likely to leak than pads because they can’t always absorb all the blood flow. Pads are better at absorbing blood, making them a good choice for people who are worried about leaks. However, it may mean you have to change them regularly.

Do tampons leak in the pool?

It is not unhygienic to swim while menstruating – In 2016, a fitness center in the country of Georgia made headlines when they posted saying “Dear ladies! Do not go into the pool during periods.” They claimed this was to protect other swimmers after someone “contaminated” the pool with menstrual blood, but there’s nothing unhygienic about swimming during your period.

1. If you use a tampon or menstrual cup, it’s unlikely that any blood will be released into the water while you swim.
2. Even if your period started while you were swimming and a small amount of blood came out, this would be diluted by the water.
3. Swimming pools contain small amounts of bodily fluids like urine and sweat, but the water is usually treated with chlorine to prevent the spread of disease.

In other words, you are not endangering anyone’s health by swimming during your period.

Should I feel my tampon slightly?

It’s an overused analogy, but we like to think about inserting and removing tampons just like riding a bike. Sure, at first it’s scary. But after you figure things out — and with enough practice — it becomes second nature. When it’s your very first time, it can be overwhelming to unfold and read every step of the directions included in a tampon box.

1. It’s a great place to start, but sometimes everything can be a tad overwhelming.
2. So, where do you start? That’s what we’re here to help you with.
3. Before you get started, it’s important to get familiar with the parts of the tampon and applicator, because it’s not all one piece.
4. For starters, there’s the actual tampon and string.

This is usually made of cotton, rayon, or organic cotton. The tampon is a small cylinder that fits inside the vaginal canal. The material is compressed and expands when it gets wet. The string is the part that extends outside of the vagina so you can pull it for removal (more on that later).

The applicator that surrounds the tampon and string is made of the barrel, grip, and plunger. Sometimes, if you have a travel-sized tampon, you might have to extend the plunger and click it into place. The plunger moves the tampon outside of the applicator. You do so by holding on to the grip with the tips of your fingers and placing another finger on the end of the plunger.

Honestly, this can be up to personal preference. Some types of tampons slide in easier than others. For starters, there’s the classic cardboard applicator. This type of applicator can be more uncomfortable because it’s rigid and doesn’t slide as easily inside the vaginal canal.

• However, this doesn’t mean all people find this applicator uncomfortable.
• On the other hand, there’s the plastic applicator.
• This type slides much easier given its slick material and rounded shape.
• Not really.
• Usually, your menstrual fluid is enough to lubricate your vagina for tampon insertion.
• If you’re using the lowest absorbency tampon and you’re still having issues inserting it, it might be helpful to add lube,

Now that you’re familiar with the parts you’re working with, it’s time to insert your tampon. You can certainly read the directions that come inside your tampon box, but here’s a refresher. First, and most importantly, wash your hands. You want to make sure you don’t spread any germs inside your vagina, even if you think you won’t come in close contact with the labia.

• Next, if it’s your first time, you might want a visual guide.
• Grab a handheld mirror, and get into a comfortable position.
• For some people, this is a squatting position with their legs bent.
• For others, it’s a sitting position on the toilet.
• Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to insert the tampon.
• Find the vaginal opening, and insert the applicator tip first.

Gently push the plunger all the way in to release the tampon inside the vagina. Once you’ve inserted the tampon, you can remove the applicator and discard it. This is a slightly different process. Instead of inserting an applicator, you’ll use your fingers to push the tampon into your vagina.

First, wash your hands. It’s particularly important to wash your hands with applicator-free tampons, because you’ll be inserting your finger inside your vagina. Unwrap the tampon from its packaging. Again, you’re going to want to get in a comfortable position. Then, use your finger to act like the plunger, and push the tampon up inside your vagina.

You might have to push it farther than you think so it stays secure. The good news here? There’s no applicator to throw away, so you don’t have to worry if you can’t find a trash can. This really depends. There’s no wrong way to deal with the string. It’s usually made from the same material as the tampon and doesn’t affect your vagina either way.

Some people prefer to tuck the string inside their labia, especially if they’re swimming or wearing tight clothing. Others prefer to let it hang out on their underwear for easy removal. Ultimately, it’s up to what you’re most comfortable with. If you decide to push the string inside your vagina — instead of just inside your labia — be aware that you might have a harder time locating the string for removal later on.

It might take some getting used to it if it’s your first time inserting a tampon. If the tampon is in the correct position, it probably won’t feel like anything. At the very least, you might feel the string brush up against the side of your labia. If it’s inserted correctly, you shouldn’t feel anything.

But if you don’t insert the tampon far enough, it might feel uncomfortable. To make it more comfortable, use a clean finger to push the tampon farther up the vaginal canal. With movement and walking, it might even move around and settle into a more comfortable position after a while. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s best to change a tampon every 4 to 8 hours.

You shouldn’t leave it in longer than 8 hours. If you remove it before 4 to 8 hours, that’s OK. Just know there probably won’t be much absorbed on the tampon. If you find yourself bleeding through a tampon before 4 hours, you might want to try a thicker absorbency.

If you wear it longer than 8 hours, you put yourself at risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS), While it’s extremely rare, TSS can cause organ damage, shock, and, in very rare cases, death. The good news is that the FDA has reported a significant decline in TSS cases associated with tampons over the past 20 years.

This doesn’t mean it’s completely gone, though. To decrease your risk for TSS, make sure to not wear your tampon longer than recommended. Don’t use a more absorbent tampon than needed. So it’s been 4 to 8 hours and you’re ready to remove your tampon. The good news is, since there’s no applicator necessary, some people find it much easier to remove a tampon than insert one.

Here’s what you can expect. First, you’re going to want to wash your hands. You might think you’re not getting any germs near your vagina by pulling a string, but it’s better to be safe. Next, get into the same comfortable position you chose before. This way, there’s a much more direct path for the tampon to release.

Now you’re ready to remove. Gently pull the end of the tampon string to release the tampon. Once it’s out of your vagina, carefully wrap the tampon in toilet paper and dispose of it in a trash can. Most tampons aren’t biodegradable. Septic systems weren’t built to manage tampons, so make sure not to flush it down the toilet.

Why is my tampon wet but not with blood?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process, Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Watery discharge is typical of healthy vaginas. Changes in hormone levels can alter the frequency and amount of discharge. Vaginal discharge is fluid that comes out of the vagina.

Most women have discharge at some point during their life. Discharge is usually white or clear. Some women have discharge every day, but others experience it only occasionally. The amount and type of discharge that you experience can change throughout your monthly menstrual cycle. It can also change throughout your life, including during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Most women have about 1 to 4 milliliters (around 1/2 teaspoon) of discharge every day during their reproductive years. You may experience more discharge when your estrogen levels increase because you are ovulating, pregnant, or using birth control pills,

• Normal discharge looks like water, egg whites, or milk, and has an mild odor.
• If you notice any significant changes in the consistency of your discharge, it could be a sign of an infection.
• Read on to learn more about watery discharge.
• Vaginal discharge helps keep your vagina clean and free from infection.

Healthy bacteria living in your vagina help make your secretions acidic. That acidic discharge fights off bad bacteria and clears out dead cells. Vaginal discharge can begin about six months to one year before a girl gets her period. It’s caused by hormonal changes.

What should we not do in periods?

2. Drinking a lot of – This is one of the worst things you can do when you’re menstruating! High caffeine content can exacerbate your pain and also contribute to breast tenderness. You might crave caffeine but you will definitely need to reduce the intake of coffee. Skip coffee if you’re on periods. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Why can’t I push my tampon in all the way?

**Please note that the following should not replace medical advice. If you are having issues with painful insertion please seek out a health care professional for an assessment as there are many reasons why you may be experiencing pain.** – A lot of us can remember the first time we tried to insert a tampon.

For many of us it was a relatively uneventful milestone, however for many women the thought of inserting a tampon is filled with stress, anxiety and a sense of failure. There are many reasons why it may be difficult to insert a tampon and as stated above it is important to be assessed by a medical professional to rule out any red flags or medical concerns before continuing on.

In clinic, I see a lot of women who feel like they are “hitting a wall” whenever they try and insert something vaginally. Many times this can be due to an increase in tone of the pelvic floor muscles. I have compiled some tips and tricks to help decrease discomfort and pain when inserting tampons: 1.

The type of applicator: For my patients that have pain with any type of insertion, I recommend using a plastic applicator (sorry environment!!) vs cardboard. This material glides along the vaginal wall easier and helps the tampon slide in with ease. ​ 2. Size of the tampon: In this case. size does matter! I recommend buying a variety pack of tampons that contains different sizes so you can have a choice of what level of absorbency you want to use depending on your flow.

How to insert a tampon (and why you might not be able to)

When first starting to use tampons, I recommend using the smallest size to make sure there is no discomfort on insertion. I also recommend using the “light days” size when you are at the beginning or tail end of your period when your flow is lighter. ​ 3.

• Lubricant: I recommend using a small amount of water-based lubricant if you feel as though the vaginal tissue is more dry and the applicator is not gliding well.
• Dryness is common during the book ends of your period (beginning and towards the end) so using a small amount of lubricant will make it much easier to insert the applicator.

Mid way through your period, when your flow is more heavy, a lubricant may not be needed as your body is producing enough lubrication on its own. If you are breastfeeding you may notice more dryness than usual so a lubricant is recommended during this time not only for tampon insertion but also during intercourse.

1. ​ 4. Situate your lady bits: Before trying to insert a tampon wash your hands and gently move the inner labia out of the way.
2. If your labia minora are a bit longer and reach past the labia majora, guess what? This is totally normal! It is worth noting though that the labia minora can be sensitive and if not moved out of the way you can feel some discomfort as you try and insert.5.

Deep breathing: I have my patients master diaphragmatic breathing to help relax the pelvic floor. I get them to practice this outside of trying to insert a tampon so they can relax their muscles on a more regular basis as well. When a patient inhales through their nose and directs the air into their belly and to the bottom of their rib cage the diaphragm descends down and acts like a piston toward the pelvic floor to help relax it.

On the exhale the pelvic floor naturally recoils back in. When inserting a tampon, in theory, as you inhale it should be easier to insert the tampon as the pelvic floor is more relaxed. I have found however in practice that some patients find it easy to insert on the exhale as the tampon feels like it is being drawn in.

I always get patients to try both! ​ 6. Position: I recommend women with pain to first try and insert the tampon lying down in bed if they can. Prop some pillows behind your head to put you in a semi reclined position but still relaxed. You shouldn’t feel any strain through the abdominal muscles.

• This way they you can be more relaxed and the tampon is then easier to insert.
• When using this position in conjunction with the deep breathing techniques mentioned in number 5, it can sometimes be easier to insert a tampon this way instead of sitting on the toilet starting off.7.
• Angle: When inserting the tampon many women feel like they cannot push the tampon any deeper when only the tip is in.

This can be a couple of different things. It can be muscle tension or it can just be the angle that you are inserting. Instead of inserting the applicator perpendicular to the opening, try and slide the applicator along the back wall angling it toward the base of the spine.