How To Insert A Tampon Correctly – Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners
If you want to start using tampons but don’t know where to begin, then you are at the right place. Read this guide to know how to use and insert a tampon correctly.
Well, a tampon is a feminine hygiene product which has been used for centuries to absorb the blood during the menstrual periods. Apparently, the use of tampons can be scary, overwhelming and uncomfortable, but they don’t need to be.
With proper knowledge of the product and the usage details, there is little left to make the whole process look scary.
Tampons are actually gaining popularity as a period product very fast. Many women are shifting their preference from traditional sanitary napkins to tampons.
Tampons are indeed much more advanced as menstrual products. They have been designed keeping in mind the need of the modern-day women. They are easy to use and dispose.
Moreover, tampons allow extensive freedom of movement and daily activities.
For beginners, we need to dispel some false statements about the usage of tampons that seem scary but really they are just myths.
Myths about tampons
- There is no minimum age as to when the usage of the tampons is safe. rather they are safe at any age provided they are used according to the instructions that they come with.
- There is no harm in going to the toilet when you have a tampon inserted. You just have to gently lift the string of the tampon and continue with your business.
- The scariest myth about tampons is that they will get stuck in your body lifelong if not pulled out correctly. Really, there is no place for a tampon to stay in the little space of your vagina, and if at all the string breaks. You can gently use your fingers to it pull. The tampons also do not leave any residue that can create a problem later; rather they are completely safe and easy to use.
- By any means the thought that tampons make you lose your virginity seems like a joke and should be treated as such. The fact is that the use of the tampons does not affect your virginity at all.
How to insert a tampon with applicator
Inserting the tampon correctly into the vagina is not a big task keeping in mind the following instructions:
Step 1: Wash and clean your hands thoroughly before their use to ensure that any infection causing bacteria does not enter your body.
Step 2: Take the tampons out of the packet and lightly tug on the string on a piece to make the string firmly attached to the tampon. If you are keeping the tampon down, make sure that you keep it down at a hygienic place.
Step 3: Pull down your lowers and sit on a toilet seat with legs apart or squat. You can also place a foot on a stool, chair or the toilet seat to make sure that you can reach the vagina easily.
Step 4: The next job is to locate the vagina. Understand that there are three openings between your legs.
The first is the urethra from where the urine passes, the second is your vagina, and the third is the anus. Vagina is just a few inches lower than the urethra and easy to locate.
However, if you still have difficulty locating it, just track the flow of your blood to reach your vagina.
To do this, clean the area with water, use a small square piece of toilet paper, and touch it up to the different opening to understand exactly where the blood is coming from.
Step 5: To press the tampon in the vagina, hold the applicator correctly with a thumb and the middle finger keeping the index finger free on the string side.
Step 6: Hold the applicator at an angle with your vagina and put the applicator in your vagina. Now, gently press the tampon using your index finger till it can reach no further.
Step 7: Pull out the applicator from the vagina by tugging at it gently. Once the wrapper of the tampon is out, wrap it up in a toilet paper and throw it in the bin. Throwing it in the WC can cause some serious plumbing troubles.
Step 8: Once the tampon is inside you, make sure that you are not able to feel it when you walk. If you feel uncomfortable, it means that the tampon has not been correctly placed. Push it in slightly using your finger.
If the uncomfortable feeling still persists, it means that the tampon is still not correctly inserted. In this case, take that one out, take a new tampon, and repeat the process of inserting it.
When the tampon is inside, make sure that you exercise caution while removing it and disposing it off.
How to insert a tampon without an applicator
Follow these simple steps to ensure a hassle-free insertion of non-applicator tampons:
1. Clean your hands: First step is to ensure the hygiene. Wash your hands properly with a handwash or sanitizer before you opt for tampon insertion. Remember that you are about to deal with the most sensitive part of your body.
Vagina is a closely protected area that is vulnerable to infections very easily. To rule out all probable possibilities of having an infection, wash your hands and ensure that they are germ free.
2. Choose the correct tampon: Take out the tampon from the packaging. Check the tampon thoroughly. If there is any kind of tear or hole in the tampon, then abstain from using it.
Make sure that you have chosen the correct size of tampon according to your flow rate and size.
3. Prepare the tampon: Twist the tampon thoroughly for a few seconds. If you do so, the benefit that you shall get is, there will be indentation on the tampons.
You can do this by holding the string at the bottom end of the tampon and giving it a good twist.
A grooved surface will be easy to insert into the vagina, because you will have to insert a non-applicator tampon in a twisting fashion.
4. Attain a proper posture: Either stand up with one leg up against any support such as wall or bath tub. You can also sit on the toilet seat.
The latter is better in most of the cases because, sitting down automatically exposes the clitoris of the vagina. Insertion becomes easier in that case. Also, you will have a better support when you sit down.
If you do it in a standing posture, you might fall down.
5. Prepare your vagina: Remember guys, you are dealing with your vagina. At no point of time, you can be harsh or rough. It might create intravaginal abrasions which are extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Firstly, massage the skin around the vagina. This will relax the muscles around and let the vaginal orifice open up.
If you are already bleeding heavily, clean all the blood properly with water and towel dry the vagina.
Wait for a few minutes to let your vagina be a little pliable.
6. Insert the tampon: Now, follow the method properly. Hold the tampon firmly between your middle finger and thumb.
Before the tampon, insert the index finger in the vagina to kind of make a pathway for the tampon entrance.
Now, insert the tampon along the path created by your index finger. The direction in which you should aim the insertion is towards your lower back.
Insert till the tampon can be felt by your index finger. Now, take out the index finger.
7. Feel the position of the tampon: Now, feel if it has gone in the right position. Adjust it once or twice, till you feel hundred percent comfortable with the placing of the tampon. Always remember that the string of the tampon should be left outside the body.
That is all, you are done with inserting your tampon perfectly without the help of any kind of applicator.
After you are done with the task, wash your hands again to maintain stringent hygiene intact.
Applicator vs non-applicator tampon
There are broadly two types of tampons. One comes with an applicator and the other is a non-applicator type.
An applicator is actually a type of cardboard or plastic tube, relatively smaller in size. This helps you to insert the tampon within your vagina easily.
A non-applicator type tampon comes without this applicator. There is no other major difference between these two. The non-applicator type is exactly the same as the traditional one just without an applicator.
There is no difference in the functionality or usage of the two types. The difference lies only in the way of insertion.
Why will you use a non-applicator tampon?
First of all, let us discuss the pros and cons of using a non-applicator tampon.
1. The applicators that come with tampons are mostly straight or rather to be specific tubular in shape. The interior of vagina on the other hand is curvy. Hence, there occurs a disparity in shape.
The straight applicator hardly complies with the natural curve of vagina. Hence, it becomes a problematic issue for many women. Whereas, non-applicator tampons strike out this problem.
You can have a better control over the way you insert the tampon. It also tallies with the normal shape of vagina and hence comfort level is elevated.
2. Applicators are plastic or cardboard based. Hence, they form a potential part of non-biodegradable waste product.
So, you can avoid producing any environment non-friendly waste by switching over to a non-applicator tampon.
Things to be kept in mind while you use a non-applicator tampon
1. Many women fear that if they will push the tampon too deep, it will get somewhere into the deeper parts of the body and eventually they won’t be able to retrieve it back.
But, that is not the case. The cervix is anatomically designed in such a way that there is no possibility of anything to get lost in your genital tract.
So, insert the tampon to the maximum length. Doing this superficially will increase the chances of leakages and spills.
2. Make sure the string remains outside the body. It is provided to pull out the tampon from within.
3. Prolonged usage of tampons may lead to toxic shock syndrome. It is better to use tampons with less absorbance because you will have to change it often and that is actually good for health.
Moreover, it will not soak up the natural lubricant of the vagina.
How to avoid discomfort while using tampons
Try keeping in mind the following steps to avoid any discomfort:
- Change the tampon within 4-6 hours to ensure hygiene and avoid any infections or diseases. Therefore, you must always have extra supplies of tampons.
- Before removing the tampon, take a few deep breaths and loosen up. Remember that the process might be a little uncomfortable but will not cause any pain.
- Tug the string of the tampon gently to pull it out. A slight friction of the cotton fibers will make it a little uncomfortable but it will not be painful. If there is some resistance on the other end, it means that the tampon is dry. Use a lower absorbing one next time to avoid this problem. If it’s too dry, then use a little water so that the tampon does not stick.
- The usual design of the tampon is such that it dismantles itself when disposed through the flush. However, if it is a slow flow tank, wrap the tampon up in a toilet paper and dispose off in the dustbin.
The use of tampons is fairly easy and does not entail any risks if done with care. This product has been used for centuries to ensure the feminine hygiene. It still remains one of the best means to opt for during the monthly cycle.
The guide to buying the right tampon
There are different variants of tampons that come in the market.
They are low absorbing tampons, high absorbing tampons, tampons with applicators, and tampons without applicators. There is nothing to worry about the choices that different companies offer you.
When using the tampon for the first time, use the one that comes with the applicator because it makes ‘inserting’ considerably convenient.
The absorbency of the tampon should also be kept in mind while purchasing one.
Use high absorbing tampons for the first two or three days as the flow is usually high in these initial days. Use the low absorbing tampons for the following days.
If you are using the tampons for the first time, then use the low absorbing tampons as they are slim and more comfortable to use.
You can also try organic cotton tampons if you wish. They are new, soft, and made of 100 percent natural ingredients.
Happy periods!
Also Read: Pads vs Tampons: Which is better?
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