How to Overcome Fear When Using Tampons for the First Time

Learn About Tampons and Other Menstrual Products. You don’t necessarily have to use a tampon during your period. In fact, many people prefer using pads or menstrual cups. Tampons allow for more freedom of movement, especially when engaging in water sports. However, if you’re not used to it, inserting a tampon may feel a bit challenging.

• Pads are placed inside your underwear to absorb menstrual flow. There are many types of pads, from thin ones used daily to thicker ones designed for overnight use. Many women find pads bulky and uncomfortable, but they are easy to use and a safer option if you're worried about forgetting to change your tampon frequently.
• A menstrual cup is a small, flexible rubber cup that is inserted into the vagina. You insert the cup manually, and it collects the menstrual blood. You will need to remove the cup after a period of use to clean it and use it again. If you're concerned about the material of the tampon, this might be a more comfortable alternative, although you’ll still need to learn how to insert and remove the menstrual cup properly.

Understand the components of a tampon. Once you open the package, you'll find the tampon and an attached string. The tampon applicator consists of a hard plastic outer casing, which includes a push tube containing the absorbent core inside, a ridge to hold the applicator, and a small plunger to push the tampon into the vagina. You can flip the tampon around to inspect it more closely.

• If you're concerned the string might break when you pull the tampon out, give it a test pull or two. The string is securely attached and won't break easily, but it's always a good idea to test the string on each tampon before use.
• You should also make it a habit to carefully check the packaging before use, and avoid using tampons with damaged or torn wrappers.

Research different tampon brands. Not all tampons are the same. Before heading to the store to buy tampons, you can visit the websites of popular brands like Kotex or Playtex to learn about their different types. If you're using a tampon for the first time, it's recommended to choose smaller, lighter absorbency tampons that come with an applicator.

• You may want to purchase a box that contains larger sizes for heavier flow days, but these should only be used once you're accustomed to tampons.
• There are also tampons available without an applicator, which require you to insert the tampon with your fingers. However, tampons with applicators are generally easier to use, especially for first-time users.

Learn about your body and reproductive organs. Go to a private place, like the bathroom, sit on the toilet, and use a handheld mirror to examine your external genitalia, also known as the vulva. Don't be afraid, as this won't hurt at all. You'll notice the vaginal opening in the center and a smaller opening above it called the urethra (for urination). The tampon is inserted into the vaginal opening. Understanding your own body will make you more confident in using a tampon properly.

• Always remember to wash your hands before and after touching the vagina to prevent bacteria from spreading.
• You may think the vaginal opening is too small to fit a tampon, but it will expand enough when lubricated by menstrual blood.
• If you know a little about female reproductive anatomy, you'll understand that using a tampon won't break your hymen. The hymen is a thin membrane that covers the vaginal entrance, and it is not torn unless engaged in actual sexual intercourse.

Check out diagrams or instructional videos online. Many well-known websites, like The Period Blog, offer step-by-step images and instructions for inserting and removing a tampon. Some sites even allow you to ask questions in the comments section, and the site managers will respond to you.

• It’s also a good idea to read the instructions included in the tampon box. These often contain diagrams and important safety information you should know.
• Understanding diagrams of female genital anatomy will help you realize that the vagina is essentially a tube connected to the cervix. This means that a tampon cannot get permanently “lost” inside your body. The idea that a tampon can get lost is a complete myth.

Ask a friend or family member for advice. If you have a female friend who is already familiar with using tampons, ask her to guide you through the process, share some tips, and offer suggestions. You can also ask your mother or other women in your family, as long as they don't share your questions or concerns with others.

• For example, you might ask, "I’m planning to try using a tampon. Do you know of any reliable brands?" or "Do you have any tips to make using a tampon easier the first time?"

Consult with a doctor or nurse at school. You can ask your parents to schedule an appointment for you with a doctor or gynecologist. Or, if you feel comfortable, you can speak privately with the school nurse and share any questions or concerns you have.

• You can ask: "I am considering trying a tampon. Can you tell me if there are any risks associated with using tampons and what benefits they have compared to using sanitary pads?"
• You should think about whether you feel comfortable talking to the doctor. If not, talk to your parents and consider finding a different doctor.

Find a private place. When you decide to try inserting a tampon, it’s best to do it in a private space. A bathroom at home is ideal since using a school bathroom may lead to interruptions. If you still feel anxious at home about being disturbed, you can pretend you're taking a shower while trying to insert the tampon.

• Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the tampon.

Take deep breaths. Relax and breathe deeply a few times. You can count to 10 or quietly repeat to yourself, 'I can do this.' You can also listen to calming music on your iPod or do some light stretching to help your body relax.

Focus on staying calm. Imagine you're in a place you enjoy and doing things you like. Think about all the challenges you’ve overcome in the past and remind yourself that in no time, using a tampon will seem like a small task. It’s important to relax both your mind and body; otherwise, the vaginal muscles will tighten, making tampon insertion harder.

• If you feel you can’t relax, it’s better to try again at another time. If you feel your vaginal muscles clenching, you may be experiencing vaginismus, which is a completely normal response from your body when you're stressed, and it will ease as you relax more.

Take it slow. There's no need to rush, even taking the time to explore the tampon itself is already a step forward. Plus, it's better to go slow and be comfortable than to hurry, only to find yourself never wanting to use a tampon again.

Do it while sitting or squatting. You can sit on the toilet to insert the tampon, but many women find other positions easier. You might place one foot on the toilet seat to reach the vaginal area or try squatting with your legs spread. Experiment with different positions to discover which works best for you.

• When using a tampon for the first time, some women prefer not to try it in the bathroom. Instead, you can lie on your bed and spread your legs, or stand while holding onto a chair for balance.

Locate the vaginal opening. After using a mirror to observe, now use your fingers to find the opening. Then, insert the tip of the applicator. If you have experience with tampons, you'll find this process less intimidating and easier than using the tip of the applicator to probe for the opening.

Grip the edges of the tampon. You will hold the tampon firmly by its edges with your thumb and index finger. Your middle finger may then slide to the tip of the applicator. Of course, you can try different ways of holding it to find the most comfortable method. The key is to hold the tampon by its raised edges.

Insert the tip of the applicator into the vagina. Gently guide the tip of the applicator into the vaginal opening, allowing the entire applicator to enter, except for the part you are holding. Remember, the applicator should go inside, with the grip remaining outside. At this point, the tampon applicator should be parallel to the floor; trying to push it upward will result in it hitting the top of the vaginal walls.

• If the vagina is sufficiently lubricated, the tampon applicator will slide in smoothly. You should not force it or try to push it in.
• This step is often challenging for first-time users. If necessary, take a few deep breaths and pause before inserting the tampon applicator into the vagina.

Push the plunger inward. Place your middle finger on the plunger and press down until it fully moves into the applicator. Be sure to maintain a firm grip on the edges of the tampon. Once the plunger is completely inside the applicator, hold the edges tightly and gently pull the applicator out of the vagina.

• If you have inserted the tampon deep enough, you shouldn't feel it. If it's positioned too shallowly, you may feel discomfort. In this case, pull the string to remove the tampon and try again with a new one.

Stop if you experience pain. A slight discomfort when inserting a tampon for the first time is common due to tension or incorrect positioning. However, if you feel pain, you should stop immediately. You can try again or consult a doctor about the issue.

Remove the tampon by gently pulling the string. Once the tampon is inside the vagina, you'll notice the string is still hanging outside. Make sure to leave the string outside; don't push it in. When you're ready to remove the tampon, just grasp the string and pull gently—the tampon will slide out with it.

• Some people prefer to remove the tampon before urinating to prevent urine from soaking into the string.
• Dispose of the tampon properly after use. It’s usually not advisable to flush it down the toilet.

Change the tampon regularly. Follow the instructions provided in the tampon packaging. However, you should change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, or more frequently if your menstrual flow is heavy. Being aware of when to change your tampon will help reduce stress.

• Some women prefer alternating between tampons and sanitary pads, especially using pads at night.
• Remember to change your tampon regularly to avoid the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). This potentially dangerous condition can be prevented with careful tampon use.

Try again if the first attempt doesn’t work. If you can’t insert the tampon during your first attempt, don’t worry; this happens to many people. Some women try once and then wait a long time before trying again. Alternatively, you can switch to using sanitary pads. Choose the method that works best for you and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

• Only use tampons during menstruation. Tampons are not for absorbing vaginal discharge or for any other purposes.
• It’s important to stay relaxed. If you’re tense, inserting the tampon will be more difficult.
• You can use daily sanitary pads to prevent any menstrual leaks from occurring!

• You should use daily sanitary pads with tampons to absorb any menstrual leaks that may occur.
• If you feel like the tampon is stuck inside, try locating the string inside the vagina. If you can’t find it, a doctor can assist you in removing it easily.
• Some women may be allergic to scented tampons or tampons from a specific brand. If this happens, try switching to a different brand to see if the issue improves.