How to Insert a Tampon for the First Time

Purchase tampons. Buying tampons might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you familiarize yourself with the product, it won’t feel as daunting. You can opt for brands you already trust for sanitary pads, as most pad manufacturers also produce tampons, or explore popular tampon brands like Kotex and Playtex. Essentially, there are three key factors to consider: cardboard or plastic applicators, absorbency levels, and whether the tampon has an applicator or not. Here’s what you need to know:

• Cardboard or plastic. Some tampons come with cardboard applicators, while others have plastic ones. Cardboard applicators are more environmentally friendly and dissolve better in water, but they might not be ideal if your plumbing system isn’t robust. Many find plastic applicators easier to use. Try both to see which works best for you.
• With or without an applicator. Most tampons on the market come with applicators, while others are non-applicator. Using an applicator tampon for your first time can make the process easier and give you better control. Non-applicator tampons require you to use your fingers to insert the tampon, which can be a bit trickier. However, they are compact and easy to carry discreetly.
• Absorbency. The most common tampon types are "regular" or "super absorbent." Experts recommend starting with regular tampons to get comfortable with the process before moving to super absorbent ones. Super absorbent tampons are larger but not necessarily harder to use. You can start with regular tampons when your flow is lighter and switch to super absorbent ones as needed, or vice versa. Many tampon packages include both types, allowing you to mix and match.

Insert the tampon when your menstrual flow is moderate to heavy. While not mandatory, inserting a tampon can be more challenging during the early days of your period when the flow is lighter. When your menstrual flow is heavier, the vaginal walls are more lubricated, making it easier to insert the tampon.

• Some people may want to try using a tampon before their period starts. While nothing terrible will happen, the process can be more difficult, and it’s better to wait until your actual period begins.
• Although you might hesitate to ask your mother or aunt for help, don’t be afraid to seek guidance from a trusted woman if you find it challenging to use a tampon on your own or if you feel anxious about the process.

Wash your hands thoroughly. Cleaning your hands before inserting a tampon is a crucial step to ensure the tampon and applicator remain sterile. This helps prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and causing infections.

Use dry hands to open the tampon wrapper. Wait until your hands are completely dry, then carefully tear open the tampon wrapper. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous, but there’s no need to worry. If you accidentally drop the tampon, discard it and use a new one. It’s not worth risking an infection over a single tampon.

Sit or stand in a comfortable position. As you become more comfortable using tampons, you’ll find the position that works best for you. Some women prefer sitting on the toilet to insert a tampon, while others prefer standing or squatting. You can also place one foot on the toilet or bathtub edge for easier access to the vaginal opening.

• While it’s natural to feel nervous, try to relax as much as possible. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to insert the tampon.

Hold the tampon with your dominant hand. Grip the middle of the tampon, where the smaller and larger applicator tubes meet. The tampon string should be visible, pointing downward and outside your body, with the thicker part of the tampon angled upward. Place your index finger at the base of the tampon, while your middle finger and thumb hold the body of the tampon.

Locate the vaginal opening. The vagina is situated between the urethra and the anus. The female body has three openings: the urethra at the front, where urine exits; the vagina in the middle; and the anus at the back. If you know where the urethra is, the vaginal opening is about 2 to 3 cm below it. Don’t worry if you get some blood on your hands—this is completely normal.

• Many recommend using your other hand to spread the labia—the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. This helps guide the tampon into place. However, some people can insert a tampon without this step.

Gently insert the wider end of the tampon into the vagina. Once you’ve located your vaginal opening, insert the tampon a few centimeters inside. Slowly push it upward at an angle until your fingers touch the applicator and the outer tube is fully inside your vagina.

Use your index finger to push the smaller tube upward. Stop when the smaller tube is fully inside the larger one and your fingers touch your body. The applicator helps guide the tampon deeper into the vagina. You’ll feel this as the inner tube slides into the outer tube.

Use your thumb and middle finger to remove the applicator. Once the tampon is in place, gently pull the applicator out with your thumb and middle finger, ensuring the string remains outside the vaginal opening.

Dispose of the applicator. Plastic applicators should be thrown away. For cardboard applicators, check the packaging instructions to see if they can be flushed. If unsure, it’s safest to dispose of them in the trash.

Consider using panty liners and tampons together. While it may seem unnecessary, many girls use panty liners alongside tampons as a backup in case the tampon leaks due to over-absorption. It can be inconvenient to frequently visit the restroom to change tampons, so wearing a panty liner provides an extra sense of security. Ultra-thin panty liners are a great option.

Ensure you feel comfortable. If inserted incorrectly, a tampon can cause discomfort. When used properly, you shouldn’t feel its presence inside your body. If you’re not entirely comfortable or feel the tampon isn’t deep enough, remove it immediately. If you notice the base of the tampon sticking out, it means it wasn’t inserted correctly. In this case, try again with a new tampon.

• With a tampon in place, you can run, walk, cycle, swim, or engage in any physical activity you enjoy.

Change the tampon when ready. Tampons should be replaced every 6 to 8 hours, but you may need to change them sooner if your flow is heavy. For first-time users, check the tampon every hour or two. If you notice significant bleeding while wiping or see blood in the toilet, it’s time to remove the tampon as it may no longer be effective. (This could also mean the tampon wasn’t inserted deeply enough and needs to be removed.)

Dispose of the tampon properly. While tampon packaging may suggest flushing, doing so can clog older plumbing systems. It’s safer to wrap the used tampon in toilet paper and throw it in the trash to avoid plumbing issues. In public restrooms, always discard used tampons in the designated bins provided near the entrance or inside the restroom.

Change your tampon every 8 hours or sooner if needed. You can insert a new tampon after removing the old one. Most people avoid using tampons while sleeping, so consider switching to overnight pads if you plan to sleep for more than 8 hours.

• Replace the tampon if the string becomes soaked with blood.
• If the tampon hasn’t absorbed enough menstrual fluid, removing it may feel difficult or uncomfortable. Try again if you’ve used the tampon for less than 8 hours. Consider using a lower-absorbency tampon next time.
• Leaving a tampon in for more than 8 hours can increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. If you exceed the recommended time and experience symptoms like high fever, rash, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.

Choose the right absorbency level for your menstrual flow. It’s best to use a tampon with slightly lower absorbency than you think you need. Start with a regular tampon. If you find yourself changing it every 4 hours, switch to a higher absorbency. As your flow lightens, opt for a lower absorbency tampon. Inserting a tampon becomes more challenging as your period ends. When your period is nearly over, stop using tampons altogether.

• Keep panty liners on hand for light spotting as your period winds down.

Understand that a tampon cannot get lost inside your body. The string attached to the tampon is extremely secure and won’t detach. You can even test this by pulling firmly on the string of a new tampon—it’s nearly impossible to separate. This means a tampon cannot get stuck inside you. This is a common fear, but it’s completely unfounded.

Remember, you can urinate while wearing a tampon. Some people use tampons for years before realizing they can still pee with one in place. Tampons are inserted into the vaginal opening, while urine exits through the urethra. Although these openings are close, they are entirely separate, so a tampon won’t affect your ability to urinate. Some worry the tampon will come out with urine, but this is not possible.

Understand that girls of any age can use tampons during their menstrual cycle. There’s no requirement to be over 16 or 18 to use tampons. Tampons are completely safe for young girls, as long as they know how to insert them correctly.

Know that using a tampon will not cause you to lose your virginity. Some believe tampons should only be used after sexual activity, thinking tampons can take away virginity. This is entirely false. While tampons may stretch or tear the hymen, only sexual intercourse can result in the loss of virginity. Tampons are effective for both virgins and those who are not.

Understand that tampons do not cause health issues. Contrary to rumors, tampons do not lead to yeast infections. There is no scientific evidence linking tampon use to infections. Some believe infections occur when tampons are used during an existing yeast infection in the menstrual cycle.

• It may take a few tries to use tampons correctly. The more relaxed you are, the easier it becomes.
• Consider showering before inserting a tampon to help you relax.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone you trust if needed.
• Use a mirror until you’re comfortable using your hands to locate the vaginal opening. Practice is key, and if you’re struggling, try using your other hand to spread the labia for better visibility.

• Leaving a tampon in for more than eight hours can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal condition. If you exceed the recommended time and experience symptoms like high fever, rash, or vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

• Tampons with applicators
• Books
• Tampon usage guide
• Sanitary pads