A tampon is a type of menstrual hygiene product designed to absorb fluid internally, providing discretion and comfort during menstruation. The device consists of a compressed core of absorbent material, typically cotton, rayon, or a blend, which is inserted into the vaginal canal. Its purpose is to collect menstrual flow before it leaves the body, allowing individuals to participate in activities like swimming or athletics. Proper usage requires understanding the different product options and mastering the correct insertion technique for comfort and safety.
Choosing the Right Product
Selecting the appropriate product begins with matching the tampon’s absorbency to the volume of the menstrual flow. Tampons are standardized and labeled with absorbency ratings, ranging from Light for minimal flow to Super or Super Plus for the heaviest days of bleeding. Using the lowest absorbency level necessary to manage the flow is recommended, as using an overly absorbent tampon for a light flow can cause discomfort upon removal. If a tampon is saturated in less than four hours, a higher absorbency may be required, but if it is still mostly white after six hours, a lower absorbency should be chosen.
Tampons also come in two primary physical types: applicator and non-applicator, sometimes called digital tampons. Applicator tampons use a plastic or cardboard tube to guide the absorbent core into place without needing to use a finger for the final push. Non-applicator tampons are inserted directly using a clean finger to push the tampon into the correct position. Regardless of the style chosen, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before unwrapping the product to prevent introducing bacteria into the vaginal area.
Step-by-Step Insertion Guidance
Achieving a comfortable and effective insertion starts with finding a relaxed body position. Many people find success by sitting on the toilet with knees apart, standing with one foot propped up on a surface like a toilet seat, or squatting slightly. The muscles around the vaginal opening must be relaxed, as tension in the pelvic floor can make insertion difficult or even painful. Taking a deep breath before attempting insertion can help to loosen these muscles.
When using an applicator tampon, hold the applicator barrel at the indented grip area, typically between the thumb and middle finger, with the removal string facing downward. Gently insert the rounded tip into the vaginal opening, aiming the entire applicator not straight up, but slightly backward towards the lower back. This angle aligns with the natural tilt of the vaginal canal and is crucial for proper placement. The outer tube should slide in until the fingers holding the grip are near the body.
Once the outer tube is positioned, use the index finger to push the inner tube, or plunger, completely into the outer tube. This action fully releases the absorbent core into the vagina, leaving only the string hanging outside the body. After the plunger is fully extended, gently pull the entire applicator out and dispose of it, ensuring the string remains accessible. For a non-applicator (digital) tampon, use a clean index finger to push the compressed tampon directly into the vagina, again aiming toward the lower back, until the tip of the finger is fully inside.
The tampon is correctly inserted when it cannot be felt at all during movement, sitting, or walking. If there is any discomfort or a feeling that the tampon is sticking out, it is likely not pushed far enough into the vaginal canal. In this case, the tampon should be removed and a new one inserted, ensuring it is angled correctly and pushed high enough to rest in the upper third of the vagina. Proper placement allows the tampon to absorb fluid effectively without causing any sensation.
Safe Removal and Disposal
The maximum recommended wear time for a single tampon is between four and eight hours, and it should never be left in for longer than eight hours. Regular changes are necessary to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of certain complications. If the flow is light, a tampon may not need to be changed as frequently, but it must still be removed within the eight-hour limit.
To remove the tampon, use the toilet and gently pull the string at the same angle it was inserted, which is slightly down and forward. Pulling too quickly or at an awkward angle can cause unnecessary discomfort. If the string is difficult to find, squatting can help lower the pelvic floor and make the string more accessible. If the tampon feels dry or causes friction during removal, it indicates the absorbency level was too high for the current flow, and a lighter absorbency should be used next time.
Once removed, the used tampon and any applicator should be disposed of immediately. The proper method for disposal is to wrap the product securely in toilet paper or a dedicated sanitary bag and place it in the trash bin. Tampons should never be flushed down the toilet, as they are not designed to break down like toilet paper and can cause plumbing blockages.
Leaving a tampon in for an extended time or using an absorbency level that is higher than necessary increases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is caused by toxins produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which can overgrow in the presence of a saturated tampon worn too long. Following the four-to-eight-hour change guideline and selecting the appropriate absorbency are effective steps to minimize this risk.