A feeling that a tampon is slipping out or simply will not stay in place is a common and often frustrating experience for many people who menstruate. While this sense of expulsion or persistent discomfort can feel like a product failure, the cause is frequently a combination of minor errors in application or subtle differences in personal anatomy. Understanding how a tampon is meant to sit within the vaginal canal makes troubleshooting this issue straightforward. This problem is usually temporary and easily solved once the underlying reason for the slippage is identified.
Insertion Technique and Product Selection Errors
The most common reason for a tampon to feel like it is falling out is incorrect placement within the vaginal canal. The vagina angles sharply backward toward the tailbone, so the tampon should be aimed in this direction, not straight up, during insertion. If the tampon is not pushed far enough, it remains in the lower third of the vagina. This area is narrower and has more nerve endings, causing an uncomfortable feeling of pressure or slippage.
The tampon must be inserted past the vaginal muscles and into the upper, wider part of the canal, where it should be completely unfelt when correctly positioned. Inserting the applicator barrel until the fingers touch the body ensures the tampon is deep enough for comfortable wear. If the tampon is placed too low, pressure changes from movement or sitting can cause it to be pushed toward the opening.
Selecting the right absorbency is also a frequent factor in tampon expulsion. If a high-absorbency product is used on a light flow day, the tampon does not absorb enough moisture to fully expand and secure itself against the vaginal walls. The compressed, dry cotton remains too small and can easily slide out as a result of movement or gravity. Always use the lowest absorbency necessary for the current flow, which may mean switching absorbencies throughout the menstrual cycle.
Being tense or anxious during insertion can also complicate proper placement, as the pelvic muscles may involuntarily contract, resisting the tampon’s movement. Taking a few deep breaths and relaxing helps the vaginal muscles remain soft, allowing the tampon to be inserted smoothly and deeply. If the tampon is painful or uncomfortable immediately after insertion, it is almost certainly positioned incorrectly and should be removed and replaced with a new one.
Anatomical and Physiological Reasons for Expulsion
When proper technique is consistently used but the tampon still slips, the cause may relate to individual physical factors. The pelvic floor muscles, which support the pelvic organs, play a significant role in tampon retention. These muscles surround the vaginal canal, and if they are either overly weak or excessively tight, they can impact the tampon’s stability.
A weakened pelvic floor, often occurring after childbirth, can lead to a feeling of generalized pelvic pressure or that a tampon is falling out because the vaginal walls have less internal support. Conversely, overly tight pelvic floor muscles can also cause problems, as their constant tension may compress the vaginal canal and actively push the tampon out. In both cases, the lack of ideal muscle tone makes it difficult for the tampon to settle securely in place.
The position of the cervix, the opening to the uterus at the end of the vaginal canal, can also affect tampon fit. The cervix naturally moves lower in the vagina during menstruation, and in some individuals, it may sit particularly low. A low-sitting cervix reduces the functional space within the upper vagina, causing the tampon to sit too close to the opening and resulting in persistent discomfort and slippage.
An extremely heavy flow can also contribute to a tampon feeling unstable. When a tampon saturates quickly, it becomes heavy and slightly slick before it has time to fully expand and conform to the vaginal shape, making it prone to shifting. The constant, rapid flow of fluid can also compromise the tampon’s grip on the vaginal walls, leading to premature leakage and the sensation that the product is moving out of place.
When to Switch Products or Seek Medical Advice
If troubleshooting with technique and absorbency fails, changing the type of product used may be the best solution. Alternative internal options, such as a menstrual cup or disc, are designed to collect fluid rather than absorb it. These products use suction or placement near the pubic bone for retention, bypassing many issues tampons present. Cups and discs may provide a more secure fit for those with a low cervix or specific concerns about muscle tone. Switching to external protection, such as pads or period underwear, also eliminates the need to worry about internal retention.
It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider if difficulty with tampon use is accompanied by additional symptoms or began suddenly. Experiencing pain, unusual discharge, pelvic pressure, or the constant sensation of a tampon falling out, especially after childbirth or pelvic surgery, could suggest a condition like pelvic organ prolapse. A doctor can determine if there is an anatomical variation or a muscle-related issue that requires specific treatment, such as pelvic floor physical therapy.
Medical attention is necessary if a tampon causes severe pain, is impossible to remove, or if any signs of infection appear. Signs of infection include a sudden high fever, an unpleasant odor, or a sunburn-like rash. These symptoms may signal a serious condition that requires immediate professional evaluation. For most people, simple adjustments to technique or product selection are enough to resolve the problem and restore comfortable use.