Feeling like a tampon is being pushed out can be a common, unsettling, and uncomfortable sensation that many individuals experience. This article aims to explore the common reasons behind this sensation and offer actionable advice for managing it, providing reassurance and practical solutions.
Why You Feel This Sensation
Several factors can contribute to the feeling that a tampon is being pushed out. Improper insertion is a common reason; if a tampon is not inserted deeply enough, it can remain in a sensitive area, leading to discomfort or pressure, especially during movement. The vagina is angled towards the lower back, so inserting the tampon straight up may result in incorrect placement. A correctly inserted tampon should be positioned high enough that it cannot be felt.
A saturated tampon is another common cause. As a tampon absorbs menstrual fluid, it expands and presses against the vaginal walls, creating a sensation of fullness or slippage. This expansion can make the tampon feel like it is moving or being expelled.
Using the wrong size or absorbency tampon can also lead to this sensation. A tampon that is too large for an individual’s flow or anatomy can create excessive pressure within the vagina. Conversely, a tampon with too low an absorbency for a heavy flow will quickly become saturated, leading to a feeling of sagging or being pushed out.
Pelvic floor muscle activity can affect how a tampon feels. These muscles surround the vaginal canal, and their contraction or relaxation can exert pressure on the tampon. Everyday movements, such as coughing, sneezing, or bowel movements, engage these muscles, contributing to the sensation of it being pushed out. Both overly tight or weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to discomfort or the feeling that a tampon is not staying in place.
Individual anatomical variations can also influence tampon fit and sensation. The angle of the uterus, for instance, can affect the vaginal canal’s orientation, potentially making tampon insertion trickier. In some cases, conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, where organs shift downward, can result in a persistent feeling of vaginal fullness or that a tampon is falling out.
What to Do When It Happens
When you experience the sensation of a tampon being pushed out, checking its insertion is a practical first step. A properly inserted tampon should be high enough that you do not feel it. If you feel the tampon at the vaginal opening or it is uncomfortable, gently push it further in with a clean finger to ensure proper placement.
If the tampon feels full or uncomfortable, changing it can often resolve the issue. A quickly saturated tampon can cause discomfort and the feeling of being pushed out, even if it hasn’t been the recommended four to eight hours. Always use a fresh tampon rather than attempting to reinsert a removed one.
Experimenting with different tampon sizes and absorbencies can improve comfort. Tampons are sized by absorbency, not physical dimensions, so choosing the lowest absorbency necessary for your flow is recommended. If your current tampon saturates quickly or feels too large, trying a higher absorbency or a different size can help find a more comfortable fit throughout your cycle.
Relaxing your pelvic muscles during insertion is beneficial. Tension in these muscles can make insertion difficult and contribute to discomfort. Taking a few deep breaths and finding a comfortable position, such as sitting on the toilet or standing with one foot raised, can help relax the muscles, allowing for smoother insertion.
If tampons consistently cause discomfort despite trying different techniques and sizes, considering alternative menstrual products is helpful. Options such as pads or menstrual cups offer different methods of managing menstrual flow. Menstrual cups, for instance, collect fluid rather than absorbing it, which some individuals find more comfortable.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While the sensation of a tampon being pushed out is often due to common factors, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Persistent or severe pain, rather than just pressure, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Tampons should not cause pain when inserted, worn, or removed correctly.
Changes in discharge or a foul odor accompanying the sensation indicate a need for medical consultation. Unusual vaginal discharge, such as yellow, green, thick, lumpy, or malodorous, can indicate an infection. These symptoms suggest the need for a medical consultation.
Fever or flu-like symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness, alongside tampon use, are important warning signs. These symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
An inability to remove a tampon requires professional help. If you cannot locate or remove a tampon yourself, seeking medical assistance is important to prevent complications.
Consulting a doctor is also advisable if the sensation of a tampon being pushed out, or any other discomfort associated with tampon use, is a recurring problem despite trying different methods and products. This could indicate an underlying medical condition, such as pelvic floor dysfunction or anatomical variations, that a healthcare provider can diagnose and address.