How to Use a Tampon - Step By Step Guide

You probably heard your friends saying they use tampons and always wondered whether you should try using it. Then came the all-encompassing questions, 'Do tampons hurt?', ‘Are tampons safe?’ or 'How to insert a tampon?'

It’s true that inserting a tampon for the first time does sound a little intimidating and requires some guts. But rest assured that tampons are completely safe and a great product to manage periods. They stay put and soak menstrual discharge from within, reducing the chances of leakage. Some even prefer tampons over sanitary pads, and there are many options of tampons for beginners in the market.

The ALWAYS Tampax Cardboard tampons is a great way to begin. These are one of the most comfortable tampons and are equipped with quick-absorption channels and a cardboard applicator, these tampons assure you leak-free period protection for up to eight hours. TAMPAX tampons also have an anti-leak skirt for additional back-up protection, while their cardboard applicator features an anti-slip grip for easy insertion.

And now, if you have gained confidence or simply are curious to know how it works out and hence want to try using a tampon, let’s get started. The first question that probably pops in your head is ‘how to insert a tampon?’ Well, worry not, here’s your complete guide to help you figure out how to use a tampon as well as how to remove a tampon correctly.

Tampons are a safe way of managing menstruation and making period days easier. Read on to know how to put on a tampon correctly:

• What are Tampons?
• Tampons Are Safe
• Step-By-Step Guide - Using a Tampon
  
  1. Step 1: Wash your hands
  
  2. Step 2: Unwrap the tampon
  
  3. Step 3: Tampon insertion
  
  4. Step 4: Pull out the barrel
  
  5. Step 5: Discard the tampon
  
  
• Safety tips to wearing tampons
• What to do if you face problems inserting the tampon?
• How to remove a tampon?

Tampons resemble small, slender plugs and are made of cotton and rayon. The absorbent material is fitted into an applicator made from cardboard or plastic. They have an outer and inner barrel tube while being extended with a thread-like cord for easy removal. Tampons are designed to mainly absorb menstrual fluid and not vaginal discharge. Some tampons have applicators while some don't, and how to use tampons without an applicator is fairly similar to its counterpart.

Tampons do not interfere with the natural elasticity of your vagina. If the vagina can stretch enough to deliver a baby, a tampon is no big deal. Tampons, for beginners, may feel strange at first, especially because of the nature of inserting a foreign object into the vaginal cavity. However, once you learn how to insert a tampon, you will only wonder why using it didn't occur to you before.

Inserting a tampon does not hurt as you have complete control over the application. If you are still apprehensive about the discomfort or safety hazards that it may cause, read our step-by-step guide on how to use a tampon.

Start by taking long, relaxing breaths. Inserting a tampon is much easier when you are relaxed, calm, and composed. Next, follow the steps given below:

• Tampons are meant for one-time usage only. It should not be used more than once.
• Use tampons only when you have your period. They are not designed for managing vaginal discharge.
• Don't blindly opt for higher absorbency tampons. Use the lowest absorbency ones to prevent the risk of increasing vaginal dryness which is caused when the vagina's natural lubrication is absorbed. It’s best to start with tampons for light flow such as the ALWAYS Tampax Compak Lite tampons for days when you have a light flow. It is the most comfortable tampons and comes with a smooth, compact applicator for discretion, and a built-in protective skirt to help prevent leakage for up to 8 hours. This means you can go ahead with your day and activities without any worries.
• Similarly, choose a higher absorbency tampon for days when you have a heavy flow to avoid leakage. Each size is indictive of the amount of menstrual fluid it can absorb. If you end up changing your tampon every few hours, maybe you need a higher absorbency. You may want to keep multiple tampon sizes handy to manage your period well by using the higher absorbency tampon when you have heavy flow and lighter ones towards the end of your period when the flow gets lighter. This practice also helps for irregular cycles. ALWAYS Tampax Compak comes in multiples sizes depending on the period flow.
• Always change your tampon after you've had a bowel movement. The string of the tampon may get contaminated with bacteria from faeces and lead to unnecessary infections.
• Always use a tampon from a sealed packet which has not been damaged.
• If you experience symptoms such as sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or dizziness, or a sunburn-like rash during or soon after your period, stop using tampons and seek medical attention immediately. It could be Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is caused by an infection, and although it is a rare condition, one must be aware of its symptoms.
• The compact size of a tampon makes it easy and discrete when carrying it in your purse. Make sure you always have spare tampons with you at all times, you never know when you may need one!

Initially, it may be difficult and uncomfortable to insert a tampon, however with time, your body and mind will get used to it. If, even after repeated attempts, you feel like you're hitting a dead end when inserting a tampon in your vagina, then maybe you ought to stop trying and check if all's well down there.

If you've inserted a tampon correctly, you won't feel a thing. But, if it's not inserted correctly or it hasn't been pushed far enough, it will feel uncomfortable.

Most women find removing a tampon much easier than inserting one in. Here's the basics of how to remove a tampon.

• Always sanitise or wash your hands before you start so that you don’t contaminate your vaginal area, making it susceptible to infections.

• Similar to inserting a tampon, being relaxed and getting into a comfortable position is crucial. You may prefer the same position you used earlier when you inserted the tampon.

• Once you are in a comfortable and relaxed state, gently tug at the string towards the end of the tampon, which has been hanging out slightly. Don’t wring it out in one go, try removing it gently and slowly.

• It’s important to dispose the tampon properly and responsible. So, once the tampon is out, wrap it carefully in waste paper or toilet paper and dispose it in a waste bin. Remember, you should never flush your tampons and dispose them in the waste bin only

  
  
  

If it feels like the tampon is stuck while removing it, relax. It's probably just stuck between fold. Sit on a toilet seat with your feet resting on a stool, or you could stand with one leg on the toilet seat. Exert pressure the same way you would for a bowel movement. Usually that does the trick, releasing the tampon out of your vaginal cavity. If not, relax your muscles and insert your finger in your vagina and sweep it around the inside in a circular motion to get a hold of the tampon. If none of these steps help, and you're sure there's a tampon or a piece of it stuck in, see a doctor.

Now that you know how to use a tampon, the next step is to get yourself some good-quality tampons. You may shop at your local stores or go online and opt for well-designed tampons from ALWAYS. ALWAYS Tampax Compak tampons are designed to have a built-in protective skirt that prevents leakage for up to 8 hours. Soft and highly-absorbent, they gently hold the discharge and minimise the risk of leakage. The tampons come in different levels of absorbency, so you're sure to find a perfect fit. Browse through the Tampax Compak options of Lite, Regular, Super and Super Plus to choose one that suits your need of the month.

Now keep a track of your ovulation period with Always Safe Days Calculator.

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.