How to Insert a Tampon for the First Time

Inserting a tampon for the first time can be a scary and haunting experience. However, things will be easier when you know how to use tampons correctly. This article will show you how to use tampons for the first time.

Table of Contents

Insert tampons

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e5/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e5/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-1-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Buy tampons. Buying tampons can be a bit complicated, but once you’re knowledgeable about the product, you won’t feel too overwhelmed. You can use the products of the tampon brands you normally use as most tampon companies make tampons, or check out a few popular tampon brands like Kotex and Playtex. Basically, there are three things to keep in mind: paper or plastic tampons, absorbency, and whether or not they have a push-up tube. You should clearly understand the following:

Paper or plastic. Some tampons have cardboard (paper) ejectors, others have plastic ejectors. The advantage of a paper pusher is its ability to flush with water quite well, but you should not try it if your sanitary plumbing system is not working properly. Some people think that plastic pushers are easier to use. You can try both and decide which works best for you.
With or without spool. Most tampons on the market have an ejector tube, while others do not. It’s easier to use tampons with push-ups for the first time and gives you more control over your movements. Using a tampon without a tube is a bit more difficult because you have to use your fingers to push the tampon into the vagina. The upside to tampons is that they’re super small, so you can even keep them in your pocket when needed.
Absorbency. The most common tampons are “regular” or “super absorbent”. Experts recommend starting with regular tampons to understand how to use them before switching to super absorbent ones. The size of this type of tampon is larger but not difficult to use. When your period is not heavy, you can also use regular tampons first, then switch to super absorbent tampons depending on your menstrual volume, or vice versa. Many tampon packs contain both regular and super absorbent, so you can mix and match.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/28/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/28/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-2-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Insert a tampon when menstrual bleeding is moderate to heavy. While this is not a must, in the early days of your period and your menstrual bleeding is still low, it is often more difficult to insert a tampon deep into the vagina. If your period is heavy, the vaginal wall becomes wet so you can insert the tampon more easily.

Some people want to try tampons before their period. Nothing terrible will happen if you do this, however, the process of inserting tampons into the vagina can be very difficult, and you should wait until the actual day of your period.
Although you don’t want to ask your mom or aunt for help, don’t be afraid to ask for support from trusted women if you find it really difficult to try tampons on your own, or if you’re nervous about using them.

READ More: How to Choose Ski Outfits

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/83/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/83/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-3-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wash your hands. Washing your hands before inserting a tampon is a very important step in keeping tampons and pushers sterile. This will help prevent bacteria from spreading into the vagina and causing an infection.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2f/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2f/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-4-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use dry hands to open the tampon cover. You should wait for your hands to be completely dry and then carefully tear off the cover of the tampon. A little bit of anxiety is normal, even if there’s no reason to worry. If you accidentally drop a tampon on the ground, you should throw it away and use a new one. It’s not worth the risk of getting an infection just because you miss a tampon.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/58/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/58/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-5-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Once you’re comfortable with tampons, you’ll know which position is right for you. Some women like to sit on the toilet to insert tampons. Others prefer standing and squatting. You can also place one foot on the toilet or the side of the tub for easy access to the vaginal opening.

While it’s natural to be anxious, you should try to relax as much as possible. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to insert a tampon.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/03/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/03/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-6-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Hold the tampon with your dominant hand. Hold the center of the tampon body, right at the intersection of the small pusher and the large ejector. The tampon should be in a visible position, facing down and out of your body, with the thick part of the tampon facing up. Place your index finger at the end of the tampon, and your middle finger and thumb to hold the body of the tampon.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/ba/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/ba/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-7-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find the location of the vagina. The vagina is located between the urethra and the anus. The female body has three “holes”: the urethra in the front where urine exits, the vagina in the middle, and the anus in the back. If you already know the location of the urethra, the vagina should be about 2 to 3 centimeters below the urethra. Don’t worry about blood stains on your hands because this is completely normal.

Many people recommend that you use your other hand to open the labia — that is, the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. This helps you position the tampon in the vaginal opening. However, some people are able to insert a tampon without this support.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9f/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9f/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-8-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Carefully insert the large end of the tampon into the vagina. At the time you find your vagina, insert the tampon a few centimeters deep into the vagina. Slowly push the tampon in an upward direction until your fingers touch the ejector tube and the body and outer tube of the tampon fit inside your vagina.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/da/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/da/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-9-Version-3. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use your index finger to press the small pusher up. Stop when the small pusher is fully moved into the large tube and the fingers touch the fleshy tissue. The pusher will help you push the tampon deep into the vagina. You can feel this when the inner tube of the tampon is pushed into the outer tube.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7e/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7e/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-10-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use your thumb and middle finger to pull the pusher out. Once the tampon has been inserted into the vagina, use your thumb and middle finger to gently pull the ejector out of the vagina while making sure the string stays outside the vaginal opening.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/25/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/25/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-11-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Discard the ejector tubes. Plastic pushers should be thrown away. For cardboard ejectors, carefully read the instructions on the packaging for flushing this type. If you’re not sure, it’s best to throw them away just to be safe.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d7/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d7/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-12-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Consider using daily tampons and tampons at the same time. Although this may seem unnecessary, many girls just use tampons with tampons in case the tampon starts to leak due to excessive absorption. It’s a bit inconvenient when you have to go to the bathroom often to change tampons, so wearing tampons every day will give you a more secure feeling. Ultra-thin sanitary napkins will work for you.

Remove the tampon from the body

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/da/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/da/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-13-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Make sure you are comfortable. If inserted incorrectly, tampons will make you uncomfortable. You will not feel the presence of tampons inside your body when used correctly. If you’re not really comfortable or the tampon doesn’t feel deep enough in your vagina, you should remove it right away. When you see that the bottom of the tampon is still outside the vagina, you have inserted the tampon in the wrong way. In this case, you should try again with a new tampon.

With tampons on, you can jog, walk, bike, swim, or do any physical activity you want.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cc/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cc/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-14-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Change tampons when really ready. You should change your tampon every 6 to 8 hours, but sometimes you need to change it earlier if your period is heavy. Checking tampons every hour or two is a must for the first time using a tampon. When you wipe your body and find a lot of blood, or see blood in the toilet, you should remove the tampon from your body because this is a sign that the tampon cannot absorb more blood. (This also means that the tampon is not inserted deep enough, and needs to be removed.)

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/99/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-15-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/99/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-15-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Throw away tampons. According to the instructions on the tampon covers, you can flush the tampon, however, tampons can clog your old toilet, so it’s better to wrap tampons in toilet paper and put them in the basket. trash if you don’t want to call a plumber. If you are in a public bath, you should dispose of used tampons in the trash can located at the bathroom or next to the door.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/82/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-16-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/82/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-16-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Change tampons every 8 hours or sooner as needed. You can continue inserting a new tampon after you throw away the old one. Most people do not use tampons when sleeping, you can use tampons at night as an alternative if you intend to sleep more than 8 hours.

You should change the bandage if the tampon string is stained with blood.
If the tampon has not absorbed enough menstrual flow, you will find it difficult or entangled to pull the bandage off your body. You should try again if you’ve been using tampons for less than 8 hours. Try using a less absorbent tampon next time.
If you leave a tampon in for more than eight hours, you can develop toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a very rare but potentially fatal condition if you leave the tampon in for too long. If you leave your tampon in for longer than recommended and experience symptoms such as a high fever, rash, or vomiting, go to the hospital right away.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2a/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2a/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-17-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a absorbent dressing that is appropriate for the volume of your period. It’s best to use tampons with less absorbency than you need. Start with a regular tampon. If you find yourself having to change your bandages as often as every four hours, switch to a more absorbent one. When your menstrual flow decreases, you should use a less absorbent bandage. As your period draws to a close, it becomes more difficult to insert tampons into your body. By the time your period ends, stop using tampons.

Use tampons as a precaution if you feel your period has not stopped completely.

The truth about tampons

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a3/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-18-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a3/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-18-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-18-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

You should understand that tampons will not get lost in your body. The extension cord with the tampon body is extremely strong and never falls off. You can even try tugging on the string of a new tampon — you’ll find that it’s hard to come apart, so the tampon can’t get stuck in your body. This is a common fear that everyone has, but it is completely unfounded.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9b/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-19-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9b/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-19-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Remember you can always urinate while using a tampon. Some people use tampons for years before learning that they can still wear tampons while urinating. The tampon is inserted into the vaginal opening, and urine comes out from the urethral opening. Although they’re close together, they’re completely separate, so inserting a tampon won’t fill your bladder or make it harder for you to urinate. Some people assume that tampons will flush with urine, but this is not the case. ^{[1] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1f/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-20-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-20-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1f/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-20-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-20-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

You should understand that a girl of any age can use tampons during her period. You don’t have to be over 16 or over 18 to use tampons. Tampons are absolutely safe for young girls to use, as long as they know how to insert tampons properly.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9a/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-21-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9a/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-21-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Be aware that using tampons will not make you lose your virginity. Some people believe that they only wear tampons after sex, and that using tampons before will make them lose their virginity. This is completely wrong. Tampons can sometimes tear or stretch the hymen, but only real sex can cause you to “lose your virginity”. Tampon is effective for virgin girls as well as those who no longer have “thousands of gold”. ^{[2] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d8/Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-22-Version-2.jpg/v4- 728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-22-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d8/ Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-22-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Insert-a-Tampon-for-the-First-Time-Step-22-Version-2. jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

You need to understand that using tampons will not cause health problems. Contrary to rumors, the use of tampons will not cause mold infections. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to prove that inflammation occurs when using tampons. Some people think that the woman in this case used tampons when the vagina was infected with mold right in the menstrual cycle. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Advice

You may have to try several times to use the tampon properly. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to insert a tampon.
You should shower before inserting tampons to be more relaxed.
If needed, don’t be afraid to get help from someone you trust.
Use a mirror until you get used to using your hands for the vagina. It takes practice, and if it’s difficult, try pulling on the vagina with your other hand to get a better look.

Warning

If you leave a tampon in for more than eight hours, you can develop toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a very rare but potentially fatal condition if you leave the tampon in for too long. If you leave your tampon in for longer than recommended and experience symptoms such as a high fever, rash, or vomiting, go to the hospital right away.

Things you need

Tampons sanitary napkins
Book
Instruction sheet for tampons
Sanitary napkin

Steps