If you feel your tampon, it is not positioned correctly and should be removed. A properly inserted tampon should be completely unnoticeable, allowing you to move, sit, and walk without any sensation of its presence. Discomfort signals that the tampon is sitting too low in the vaginal canal, resting against sensitive nerves and muscles. This feeling is almost never an indication that the tampon is full, but rather that its placement is causing friction or pressure. The immediate solution is to take it out and re-insert a new one correctly.
Why Tampon Placement Causes Discomfort
The sensation of the tampon occurs when it is lodged in the lower, more muscular third of the vagina. The vaginal canal angles backward toward the spine, and the tissue sensitivity varies throughout its length. The lower portion, closer to the opening, contains a greater concentration of sensory nerve endings and is surrounded by the sensitive pubococcygeus muscle.
When a tampon is inserted too shallowly, it presses against these structures, causing discomfort, pressure, or mild pain, especially during movement. This means the tampon has not passed the muscular ring separating the lower, sensitive area from the upper vaginal vault. The upper two-thirds of the vagina have far fewer nerve endings, which is why a properly placed tampon is unnoticeable.
Another cause of noticeable friction is using a tampon with an absorbency that is too high for the current flow. This makes the cotton too dry and abrasive against the vaginal walls during insertion or removal.
Immediate Steps When You Feel It
If you are experiencing noticeable discomfort, remove the tampon immediately. Do not try to push the current tampon further in, as this risks incorrect angling or causing further irritation to the delicate tissues. Relax your muscles, then gently pull the removal string to take the tampon out.
Once removed, inspect the tampon to assess your flow level. If the tampon is mostly white and dry, high absorbency is likely contributing to friction and discomfort. Consider switching to a lower absorbency option for the remainder of your cycle. This assessment helps inform your next insertion attempt to prevent recurrence.
Achieving Correct Tampon Placement
Proper insertion technique prevents future discomfort and requires aiming the tampon correctly inside the body. Before inserting a new tampon, find a comfortable position that allows you to relax your pelvic muscles, such as standing with one foot elevated or squatting slightly. Relaxation is necessary because tense muscles can compress the vaginal opening, making insertion difficult.
The correct angle for insertion is not straight up, but backward toward your lower back or tailbone, following the natural curve of the vaginal canal. Push the applicator or the tampon itself until your fingers touch your body. This ensures the tampon is past the sensitive nerve endings of the lower vagina. Once fully released, the string should be the only part visible outside the body, and you should not feel the tampon at all.
Recognizing Serious Warning Signs
While most discomfort is due to simple misplacement, it is important to distinguish this mild pressure from symptoms indicating a serious medical concern. Remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention if you experience a sudden high fever (102°F or higher), vomiting, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn.
These symptoms, which can progress rapidly, are potential indicators of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but severe illness caused by bacterial toxins. Other severe signs include confusion, severe muscle aches, or lightheadedness. If you suspect TSS, removing the tampon and informing a medical professional about its use is necessary for prompt diagnosis and treatment.