A tampon is a menstrual hygiene product made of compressed absorbent material, typically cotton or rayon, designed for internal use to absorb menstrual flow. Shaped to fit comfortably within the vaginal canal, it includes a string for safe removal. Tampons allow for physical activities like swimming, offering an alternative to external products such as pads. Learning the proper technique for insertion and removal may take a few attempts, but it quickly becomes simple.
Selecting the Right Tampon and Preparation
Before insertion, select the appropriate product and prepare your body. Tampons come in two main styles: applicator tampons, which use a tube for placement, and digital tampons, inserted using a clean finger. New users should start with the lowest absorbency, labeled “light” or “regular,” as these are often smaller and easier to insert.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before unwrapping to minimize bacteria transfer. Finding a comfortable and relaxed position is important, as pelvic tension can hinder insertion. Many people find success sitting on the toilet with knees spread, standing with one foot elevated, or squatting slightly.
Step-by-Step Insertion Guide
Once prepared, unwrap the tampon and ensure the removal string is securely attached and hanging freely. If using an applicator tampon, hold the outer tube at the grip area—the middle or base where the two tubes meet—using your thumb and middle finger. Use your free hand to gently spread the labia, locating the vaginal opening between the urethra and the anus.
Begin inserting the tip of the applicator into the opening, aiming toward the small of your back, not straight up. This angle aligns with the natural backward curvature of the vaginal canal. Continue sliding the outer tube until your fingers holding the grip are near the entrance of your body.
Use your index finger to push the inner tube, or plunger, completely into the outer tube. This action pushes the compressed absorbent material out of the applicator and into the correct position. Once the tampon is fully deployed, gently slide the entire applicator out, leaving only the removal string hanging outside. Dispose of the wrapper and used applicator in a trash receptacle; never flush them.
Removal and Changing Frequency
Tampons must be changed regularly to maintain hygiene. The maximum recommended wear time is eight hours, regardless of flow. If a tampon is removed after less than four hours and still looks mostly dry, switch to a lower absorbency product.
To remove the tampon, relax your muscles and pull the string gently but firmly in the direction it hangs. The material expands with absorbed fluid but should slide out smoothly. If you feel resistance, ensure you are pulling straight and not at an awkward angle. Wrap the used tampon in toilet paper and discard it in the trash.
Safety Warnings and Troubleshooting Common Issues
Proper usage reduces the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The risk of TSS increases with higher absorbency tampons and prolonged wear time. Never leave a tampon in for longer than eight hours, and consider alternating tampons with pads, especially overnight.
If you experience sudden, flu-like symptoms while wearing a tampon—such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or a sunburn-like rash—remove it immediately. These symptoms require prompt medical attention; inform healthcare providers that you were using a tampon.
If the tampon feels uncomfortable after insertion, it means it was not pushed in far enough and is sitting too close to the vaginal entrance. Remove it and try again with a new tampon, ensuring the absorbent material is high enough to be unfelt.
If the removal string seems lost, squatting and gently bearing down, as if having a bowel movement, can help make the string or the end of the tampon accessible. Tampons cannot become lost inside the body because the cervical opening is too small to pass through.