How to Avoid Pain When Using Tampons

If you use tampons (tube tampons), there will be times when you can’t get them into your vagina right away and it may be painful. Having trouble inserting tampons into the vagina is a common problem, so learn how to insert a tampon painlessly so you can use it with confidence.

Table of Contents

Choose the right tampon

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Familiarize yourself with the structure of the vagina. To make sure you’re inserting the tampon correctly, you need to understand how the tampon enters the vagina. Maybe you have felt and inserted tampons, but still don’t fully understand how they work. When you are just starting to use tampons, or if you have never learned about how tampons work, take a moment to observe your genitals to better understand what happens when using tampons. . ^{[1] X Research Source}

Before using a tampon, use a mirror and look at your vagina to see where the tampon is going and how you need to insert it.

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Use a suitable pusher. Tampons often come with a variety of pushers. You can choose to use a plastic or paper pusher, or use a tampon that doesn’t come with a pusher. Consider which one is best for you. For most women, plastic pushers are easier to use. ^{[2] X Research Source}

The plastic pusher has a smooth surface so it will easily slide into the vagina. Tampons that come with a paper pusher or without an ejector are more difficult to slip into the vagina and may get stuck or not fully penetrate the vagina.

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Choose a tampon of the right size. Because each woman’s menstrual cycle is different, tampons also come in different sizes and absorbency. When choosing a tampon, you should choose a small one, especially if you have pain or don’t know how to insert the tampon properly. It’s best to try a small or medium sized tampon. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Each tampon box has an explanation of the difference between different tampon sizes. Mini tampons are the smallest and thinnest. This type is not very absorbent, so if your period is heavy, you will have to change tampons more often. Medium sized tampons are also a good choice as they are still quite thin but have more absorbency.
The super absorbent tampon is quite large so it can make you uncomfortable. They are designed to be large in size to absorb heavy menstrual flow.
Use tampons with absorbency appropriate for the amount of menstrual flow. You should not use tampons with high absorbency unless absolutely necessary. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Put tampons in the body properly

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Wash your hands and prepare necessary utensils. Before putting the tampon in, you need to wash your hands with soap and dry them completely. Next, you unpack the tampon and place it close enough to easily reach, then let go. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

To loosen up, you can try a few Kegel exercises first to remind yourself to relax your muscles. Squeeze then relax the vaginal muscles three to four times.
If the tampon comes with a paper ejector, you can lubricate the ejector with vaseline wax, lubricating gel, or mineral oil before use. ^{[6] X Research Source}

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Choose the right posture. When in the right position, it will be easier for you to insert the tampon into your vagina. You can stand with your feet wide apart or prop up one foot on a chair, stool, toilet seat, or bathtub. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If you are uncomfortable with the above positions, you can lie on your back, bend your knees, and spread your feet shoulder-width apart.

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Place the tampon in front of the vagina. You will use your dominant hand to hold the center of the tampon body, where the small and large tubes meet; With the other hand, open the lips of the vagina. Don’t forget to relax your body. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

You need to keep the string facing out because it will be outside the vagina and be used to pull the tampon out.
Remember that you can use a mirror to see when a tampon is inserted, especially during the first few uses.

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Insert tampons. You will place the tip of the plunger into the vaginal opening and gently push the tampon in until it touches the vagina. The tampon should lie slightly behind your back. You will push the smaller tube with the index finger of the tampon handle, pushing slowly until you feel slight resistance or the small pusher is completely inside the large tube. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Use your thumb and middle finger to pull both pushers out without touching the rope.
Avoid touching the string while inserting the tampon because the string needs to follow the tampon to move into the vaginal canal.
Throw away the ejector and wash your hands after inserting the tampon.
You will not feel the presence of the tampon once it is inserted into the vagina. If you can still feel it, take the tampon out by pulling on the string and replace it with another one.
You can also try pushing the tampon deeper into your vagina to see if it’s more comfortable. If this doesn’t work, take out the tampon and start over.

Consider medical problems

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Determine if the hymen is intact. The hymen is a completely normal organ and is usually a thin crescent-shaped membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. The hymen will be punctured or torn during sex or it can be caused by physical activity, injury or illness. An intact hymen can interfere with tampon insertion and cause pain. ^{[10] X Research Source}

The hymen usually covers all or part of the vaginal opening. However, sometimes it is a band of tissue that crosses the vaginal opening, which can make inserting a tampon difficult and painful. You should see your doctor for an examination and to have this band of tissue removed if necessary.

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Do you stress when inserting tampons? Another common problem that women often face when using tampons is anxiety and stress, especially when tampons have failed before. The muscles of the vaginal wall can also be tight, just like the muscles in other parts of the body. This makes inserting tampons uncomfortable and sometimes quite painful.

The practice of Kegel exercises has helped many women solve the problem of vaginal muscle tightness. Kegel exercises are a series of movements that tighten and relax the vaginal muscles like when you want to squeeze to stop urinating and relax to continue. You can do these exercises anytime, anywhere. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the source} Every day, try squeezing and relaxing 3 times, ten reps each.

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Change tampons regularly to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). You should change tampons as needed, usually every 4 to 6 hours while awake or more often depending on the amount of menstrual flow. ^{[12] X Research Source} However, tampons should not be left on for more than one night. Leaving tampons in for too long increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare infection linked to tampon use. Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome include: ^{[13] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Flu-like symptoms, such as muscle pain, joint pain, or headache
Sudden high fever
Dizziness, fainting or lightheadedness
Vomiting
A rash that looks like a sunburn
Diarrhea

Advice

You should only use tampons during your period. If you use tampons during normal days, the vagina will be too dry for you to put the tampon in comfortably.
Many women have problems using tampons after having a baby, but it’s only a temporary problem, if not, you should discuss further with your doctor.
If you feel uncomfortable with using tampons, you can always use tampons! Using tampons is much easier, especially when you’re just getting your period.

Steps

Choose the right tampon

Put tampons in the body properly

Consider medical problems

Advice

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