Tampons are a widely used menstrual hygiene product designed to absorb menstrual flow internally. They offer a discreet and comfortable option for managing periods, allowing individuals to maintain daily activities without interruption. Many people, particularly those new to using them, have questions about how to properly insert a tampon and ensure it is positioned correctly. Understanding the appropriate usage helps demystify the process and promotes a comfortable experience.
Finding the Right Placement
A correctly inserted tampon should not be felt once it is in place. The vagina is a muscular tube, typically a few inches long, that angles towards the lower back rather than straight upwards. It is important to push the tampon far enough past the vaginal opening, beyond the sensitive nerve endings located at the entrance, into the wider, less sensitive part of the vaginal canal.
A Step-by-Step Insertion Guide
Before beginning, always wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria. Unwrap the tampon and find a comfortable position, such as sitting on the toilet with knees apart, squatting, or standing with one leg elevated. This helps relax the muscles and aligns the vaginal canal for easier insertion. Hold the tampon applicator at the grip, which is typically the smaller part just above the plunger, and place the tip at your vaginal opening.
Gently insert the applicator into the vagina, aiming towards your lower back, not straight up. Continue to slide the applicator until your fingers holding the grip touch your body, or the base of the applicator reaches the entrance of your vagina. With your index finger, push the inner tube (plunger) completely into the outer tube, which releases the tampon into the vaginal canal. Once the tampon is fully inserted, carefully remove and dispose of the applicator, leaving the string hanging outside the body for removal.
Addressing Common Tampon Concerns
If a tampon feels uncomfortable after insertion, it likely means it is not in far enough or is at the wrong angle. In such cases, it is best to remove it and try again with a new tampon, ensuring it is pushed higher into the vaginal canal. Difficulty inserting can sometimes be alleviated by ensuring relaxation, trying a different body position, or selecting a lower absorbency tampon, especially on lighter flow days when there is less natural lubrication. A small amount of water-based lubricant can also assist if dryness is an issue.
Concerns about a “lost” tampon are common, but it is anatomically impossible for a tampon to get lost inside the body. The cervix acts as a barrier at the end of the vaginal canal, preventing the tampon from moving into other internal organs. If the string is not visible, the tampon may be pushed high up or sideways in the vagina, but it can typically be retrieved by inserting a clean finger to locate and pull it out. In rare instances where the string breaks, or the tampon cannot be reached, a healthcare provider can safely remove it.
Safe Removal and Disposal
Tampons should generally be changed every 4 to 8 hours, or sooner if your menstrual flow is heavy. It is unsafe to wear a tampon for more than 8 hours, as this can increase the risk of infection. To remove a tampon, relax your muscles and gently pull the string that hangs outside your body. If removal feels difficult or dry, it may indicate that the tampon is not yet fully saturated, and a lower absorbency might be suitable for future use.
For disposal, never flush tampons down the toilet, as they can clog plumbing systems and harm the environment. Instead, wrap the used tampon in toilet paper or its original wrapper and place it in a trash bin. Many public restrooms offer designated sanitary disposal bins, which are designed for hygienic disposal. Proper disposal helps maintain cleanliness and prevents potential health hazards.