How to Use Tampon

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This article was co-written by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Rebecca LevyGantt is an obstetrician and gynecologist who runs a private business in Napa, California. Dr. LevyGantt specializes in menopause, perimenopause, and hormone management, including biologic and mixed hormone therapy and replacement therapy. She is also a nationally certified menopausal physician and is on the national list of physicians specializing in the management of menopause. She received a master’s degree in physical therapy from Boston University and a doctorate in orthopedic medicine from the New York University School of Orthopedic Medicine.

There are 12 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 129,342 times.

Using a tampon for the first time can be confusing, especially if you’re getting your period for the first time. Don’t worry, as long as you understand how to use it, this is simple.

Table of Contents

Dispel some myths

There are many myths about using tampons, including false information that you may have heard of. Finding out the truth can help you dispel your fears and clear up any misunderstandings.

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Rest assured that the tampon will not get stuck or lost in the body. ^{[1] X Research Source} Really, it simply has nowhere to go! The cervix at the end of the vagina is just a tiny opening for menstrual blood to flow out. You can completely hold the string to pull the tampon out, or put your finger in to find the tampon and remove it if the string breaks.

Don’t forget to take out your tampon when the “red light” period ends!

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Know that you can still go to the bathroom while using a tampon. Just lift the rope slightly to the side.

Another way is to carefully tuck the string in so it doesn’t get in the way when you pee. Make sure you don’t tuck it too deep so you can still easily feel the rope.

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Know that there is no age limit to start using tampons. ^{[2] X Research Source} You can use tampons at any age, as long as you feel comfortable – you don’t have to be over 18. Some girls don’t use regular tampons but use tampons, especially if they play sports like swimming or gymnastics.

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Understand that tampons won’t make you lose your virginity . ^{[3] X Source of Research} Contrary to unhelpful myths, tampons do not make you “lose your virginity.” Tampons can dilate the hymen (the thin membrane that normally stretches during sex), but the hymen will not tear. The hymen only partially covers the vaginal opening, has the ability to stretch and bend. Even if a tampon dilates your hymen (which can also happen during other activities, such as frequent horseback riding), that doesn’t mean you’re not virgin.

Another myth says that the hymen seals the vagina. Don’t worry, the hymen has a hole that you can put a tampon in and the menstrual cycle out of the body.
Normally, the hymen will relax when you relax, but if you push the tampon in when the hymen is stretched, it can tear. This can also happen when you play sports.

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Remember to bring enough items with you when going anywhere. Whether going to work, school, or playing sports, always carry a spare tampon in your pocket. Especially when you first start menstruating, you should have ready tampons, daily tampons, wet tissues and a spare pair of underwear in your makeup bag.

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If you sleep more than 8 hours at night, you should use nighttime tampons . That way, you won’t have to get out of bed early to change tampons and don’t have to worry about the risk of toxic shock, a rare but dangerous condition that occurs when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter the bloodstream. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Before using tampons

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Buy tampons. You’ve probably also seen a variety of tampons in different sizes at the supermarket. The following are easiest to use for the first time:

Buy tampons with push tubes. Tampons come in two basic types: one without an ejector and one with an ejector, a plastic tube that helps you push the tampon into your vagina. It will make it easier for you to put the tampon on for the first time, so you should choose a tampon with an ejector tube. (In the US, OB is the brand for tampons without pushers – most other brands sell pushers. ^{[5] X Source of Research} )
Choose a tampon with the right absorbency. Absorbency is the amount of absorbent cotton in the tampon, from a little to a lot. ^{[6] X Sources of Research} Most women use more absorbent tampons for the first 1-2 days when their period is at their heaviest and switch to a less absorbent type in the last days of their cycle. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
If you’re afraid of pain, you can buy tampons that are less absorbent. You’ll have to change them more often with these, but they’re lighter and more comfortable. The type of tampon suitable for first use is the Tampax Pearl Lite. You can also simply choose one labeled “junior” (small) or “slim” (thin). The smaller tampon will help you get used to it when you first use it and also make it easier to remove. You can buy a more absorbent one later if you feel the lightweight one isn’t enough.
If your period is heavy, you may want to use tampons with a daily tampon or thin bandage to prevent tampons from spilling. This situation can happen even with a highly absorbent tampon within 4 hours.

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Hand washing. It may sound odd to tell you to wash your hands before putting on a tampon, but it’s wise. ^{[8] X Research Source} Tampon pushers are sterilized, and hand washing helps prevent bacterial or fungal infections.

If you accidentally drop your tampon on the floor, throw it away. It’s not worth saving a few thousand dong for a tampon and then suffering from an infection.

Put tampons

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Sit on the toilet. Spread your knees farther apart than usual for easier maneuvering and better visibility while you’re learning how to put on a tampon, or sit in a frog-like position on the toilet.

You can also stand to place the tampon. One foot rests on a higher surface, such as a toilet bowl. If you find this pose easier, try it. However, many women often sit on the toilet so that when the blood comes out, it will also fall into the toilet.

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Find the vagina. This is the most difficult step for a first-time tampon user, but once you do, everything will be fine later on! Here’s how to make it a little easier to find:

Learn about body composition. There are three openings in all: the urethral opening (where urine exits) in the front, the vagina in the middle, and the anus in the back. ^{[9] X Source of study} If you already know where the urethral opening is, feel 3 -5 cm behind to find the vaginal opening.
Use the blood stain to find the vagina. It sounds strange, but this is also useful if you get stuck. Dampen a piece of toilet paper with water to moisten it and wipe it from front to back (or in the shower to wash it). When everything is clean, you can use clean toilet paper to blot each spot until you find where the blood is coming from.
Find help. If you’re really lost, don’t worry, because many girls are just like you at first! Ask the women in your family such as your mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, aunt or cousin you trust for guidance if you are having trouble the first time. Don’t be ashamed, because every woman has gone through the same situation as you are now. You can also ask your doctor or nurse for help.

Take out tampons

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Change tampons every 4-6 hours. You don’t have to take it out immediately after 4 hours, but try not to leave it on for longer than 6 hours.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by leaving tampons too long in the vagina is extremely rare but can lead to death. If you leave your tampon out for longer than 8 hours and suddenly develop a high fever, rash, or vomiting, remove the tampon and seek immediate medical attention.

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Relax . Taking out tampons is not as painful as many people think. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember that it may be a little uncomfortable, but it won’t hurt.

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Slowly pull the string at the end of the tampon. You may feel the cotton fibers rub gently when the tampon is pulled out, but it should not hurt.

If you’re afraid to hold on to the rope, you can line a piece of toilet paper to pull it out.
If you feel a little entangled or difficult to pull out, it is probably because the tampon is dry. Switch to one with a lighter absorbency. If it’s too dry, you can sprinkle some water to keep it from sticking.

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Throw away tampons. Some tampons are specially designed to be flushed down the toilet because they break down and pass through the drain easily. However, if your toilet is slow-flowing or has a septic tank, or the drain has been blocked, the safe option is to wrap it up with toilet paper and throw it in the trash.

Advice

The cord of the tampon doesn’t break easily, so don’t worry.
If it doesn’t feel right after putting on a tampon, don’t put the tampon back in. Get a new tampon.
Don’t assume you need to use tampons. Regular tampons and “menstrual” cups are also very good. Use whatever you feel most comfortable with.
Remember to change your tampon after swimming to prevent pool water/bacteria from getting into the tampon.
Use extra daily tampons (very thin ones, often used as prophylactic or when menstruation is very light) to prevent leakage without having to use regular-sized tampons.
Do not use tampons if your period is very light, as you may experience pain when taking it out.
Remember to take the tube out after putting on the tampon. It will be painful and unsafe.
If needed, you can use a hand-held mirror to look for the vagina.
If you feel like your period is coming, wear dark clothing, or use tampons and pads before wearing white.
While you can start using tampons on your first period, it’s probably better to wait three to four cycles to see how heavy or light your period is to choose a tampon with the right absorbency. When using tampons for the first few periods, you should choose the smallest size and see if you need to remove it after 4.6 or 8 hours.
If you go swimming during the red light period, don’t be afraid to ask others if they have a spare tampon.
Avoid applying Vaseline to tampons because it is very dangerous. Vaseline and similar products are for external use only and can cause infection. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Warning

If you know the tampon is stuck, don’t try to pull it out too hard. If the skin breaks, it will be very painful.
Remember to remove the tampon before having sex because the tampon can be pushed inward making it difficult to remove.
Do not leave tampons in for more than 8 hours, as prolonged tampons can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition. If you sleep longer than 8 hours, use tampons at night.
If you accidentally drop a tampon, don’t use it. You can get an infection easily from bacteria on the floor.
If you can’t get a tampon out, ask an adult for help. If it doesn’t work, you should quickly go to the hospital for them to handle.
Be aware of risks such as toxic shock syndrome, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and other vaginal infections. Don’t use Vaseline!
Do not use tampons during non-menstrual periods; You may experience pain and infection.
Do not use 2 tampons at the same time; If you do, you may not be able to find one or both may be difficult to get out without medical help.

Steps