How to Use a Tampon

Rest assured, the tampon won't get stuck or lost inside your body. It's true, simply because there's nowhere for it to go! The cervix at the end of the vagina is just a tiny opening for menstrual blood to exit. You can easily pull out the tampon by its string, or use your finger to find and remove the tampon if the string breaks.

• Don't forget to remove the tampon when your period ends!

Know that you can still use the bathroom while wearing a tampon. Simply shift the string to the side.

• Alternatively, you can carefully tuck the string in so it won't get in the way while you urinate. Just don't push it in too deep so that you can still easily feel the string.

Understand that there’s no age limit to start using a tampon. You can use a tampon at any age as long as you feel comfortable – there's no need to wait until you're 18. Some girls choose to use tampons instead of regular pads, especially if they engage in sports like swimming or gymnastics.

Understand that using a tampon won't take your virginity. Contrary to harmful rumors, a tampon does not cause you to "lose your virginity." A tampon may stretch the hymen (the thin membrane that typically stretches during sexual activity), but it does not tear the hymen. The hymen only partially covers the vaginal opening and is flexible and elastic. Even if the tampon stretches the hymen (which can also happen during other activities, like frequent horseback riding), it doesn't mean you are no longer virginal.

• Another myth says the hymen completely seals the vaginal opening. Don't worry, the hymen has a small opening that allows the tampon to go in and for menstrual blood to flow out of your body.
• Usually, the hymen stretches when you're relaxed, but if you try to insert the tampon while the hymen is stretched, it could tear. This can also happen during sports activities.

Always carry the necessary items when you go anywhere. Whether you're at work, at school, or doing sports, always keep a spare tampon in your bag. Especially when you first start menstruating, it’s good to have a tampon, daily pads, wet wipes, and a spare pair of underwear in your makeup bag.

If you sleep more than 8 hours at night, it is recommended to use nighttime sanitary pads. This way, you won’t need to get out of bed early to change your tampon and won’t have to worry about the rare but dangerous risk of toxic shock syndrome, caused when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enters the bloodstream.

Buy tampons. You may notice that stores carry various types of tampons in different sizes. The easiest ones to use for first-timers are as follows:

• Buy tampons with an applicator. There are two basic types of tampons: those without an applicator and those with one, a plastic tube that helps insert the tampon into the vagina. This makes placement easier for first-time users, so it's best to choose tampons with an applicator. (In the U.S., O.B. is a brand that sells tampons without an applicator – most other brands offer the applicator version.)
• Choose a tampon with the right absorbency. Absorbency refers to the amount of cotton in the tampon, ranging from low to high. Most women start with higher absorbency tampons during the first 1-2 days of their period when flow is heavier, then switch to lighter absorbency for the remaining days.
• If you're worried about discomfort, opt for a tampon with lower absorbency. You'll need to change it more frequently, but these are thinner and more comfortable. A good option for first-time users is Tampax Pearl Lite. You can also choose tampons labeled as "junior" or "slim." Smaller-sized tampons help you get used to placement and are easier to remove. You can switch to higher absorbency ones later if the lighter ones aren’t sufficient.
• If you have heavy flow, you might want to use a tampon alongside a daily pad or a thin pad to prevent leaks. This can happen even with high absorbency tampons within 4 hours.

Wash your hands. It may seem strange to wash your hands before inserting a tampon, but it's a smart precaution. The tampon applicator is sterilized, but washing your hands helps prevent infections caused by fungi or bacteria.

• If you accidentally drop a tampon on the floor, throw it away. It’s not worth saving a few cents to risk an infection later.

Sit on the toilet. Spread your knees wider than usual for easier maneuvering and clearer visibility while learning to insert a tampon, or sit in a frog-like position on the toilet bowl.

• You can also stand to insert the tampon. Place one foot on a raised surface, like the edge of the toilet. If this position feels more comfortable, go ahead and try it. However, many women prefer to sit on the toilet to avoid any mess if blood spills out.

Locate the vagina. This is the hardest step for first-time tampon users, but once you've done it, everything gets easier! Here are a few tips to help you find it more easily:

• Understand your body’s anatomy. There are three openings: the urethra (where urine exits) in the front, the vagina in the middle, and the anus at the back. Once you know where the urethra is, feel about 3–5 cm further back to locate the vaginal opening.
• Use the blood as a guide to find the vagina. This may sound strange, but it can be helpful if you’re struggling. Wet a piece of toilet paper and clean the genital area from front to back (or hop into the shower to wash). Once everything is clean, use a fresh piece of toilet paper to blot different spots until you find the area where the blood is coming from.
• Seek help. If you're still unsure, don’t worry, many girls have been in your shoes! Ask a trusted female relative, like your mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or cousin, to guide you. Don’t be embarrassed—every woman has gone through this at some point. You can also reach out to a doctor or nurse for assistance.

Hold the tampon properly. Use your thumb and middle finger to grip the middle of the tampon, where the smaller applicator tube meets the larger one. Place your index finger on the tip of the applicator, where the string is visible.

Gently insert the larger end of the applicator into the vagina. Aim it toward your lower back and push it in a few centimeters until your fingers touch the body. Don’t worry about getting your hands dirty—the menstrual blood is actually quite clean as long as bacteria don’t enter, and you can always wash your hands after inserting the tampon.

Use your index finger to push the smaller end of the applicator in. You’ll feel the tampon move up inside your body by a few centimeters. Stop when the thinner part of the applicator meets the larger tube.

Carefully remove the applicator from your body by gently pulling it out of the vagina. Don't worry – the tampon will not come out with the applicator as long as you follow the instructions and place it correctly. Wrap the applicator in its tampon wrapper or toilet paper and dispose of it in the trash.

• Do not flush the applicator down the toilet – it could damage the plumbing.

Make sure it's comfortable. You should not feel the tampon inside your body, and it should feel comfortable. If you experience pain while sitting or walking, it likely means the tampon is not positioned deep enough. You can insert a finger into the vagina to locate the tampon and gently push it further up, then try moving again. If it still hurts, the tampon was probably inserted incorrectly. Remove it and try inserting a new one.

Change the tampon every 4-6 hours. You don’t need to remove it right after 4 hours, but try not to leave it in for longer than 6 hours.

• While Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) from leaving a tampon in too long is extremely rare, it can be fatal. If you forget about the tampon for over 8 hours and suddenly develop a high fever, rash, or vomiting, remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention.

Relaxation. Removing the tampon is not as painful as many think. Take deep breaths, relax, and remember that while it may feel a little uncomfortable, it won't be painful.

Slowly pull the string at the end of the tampon. You might feel the cotton fibers lightly rubbing as the tampon is removed, but it won’t be painful.

• If you’re uncomfortable touching the string directly, you can use a piece of toilet paper to help pull it out.
• If it feels a bit stuck or difficult to remove, it may be because the tampon has dried out. Switch to one with a lighter absorbency. If it’s too dry, you can dampen it slightly with water to prevent sticking.

Dispose of the tampon properly. Some tampons are specially designed to be flushed down the toilet, as they break down easily and can pass through the plumbing without issue. However, if your toilet drains slowly, or if you have a septic system, or if the drain has been clogged in the past, it’s safest to wrap the tampon in toilet paper and throw it in the trash.