Your First Tampon
You may feel nervous about using a tampon for the first time. It is normal to feel nervous, this is new to you, and you will generally do this alone.
Just remember we all have been in your shoes, and most of us have figured out how to place and remove a tampon with a little help from a friend, mom, book or doctor. And once we have managed to place the tampon --- most of us never go back to bulky sanitary napkins.
Take it slow...
What are tampons?
Tampons are cotton products used by women for decades to collect menstrual flow. This little wad of tissue is placed inside the vagina to absorb menstrual bleeding for a few hours. They generally need to be changed every 3-4 hours, more often on your heavy day (usually day 2.) They are completely safe and make having your period much less of a hassle.
How to place a tampon:
No fuss, no muss. Take it slow and easy, start with smallest tampon you can find, typically best with a tiny plastic applicator, start on a day with medium flow – it is impossible to place without bleeding.
1. Get comfortable. Take a few deep breaths and exhale. You can comfortably place a tampon in several different positions, as long as you have your period. Some options include:
2. Part your labia (the lips) to gently expose the vaginal opening.
3. Picture the angle needed. The vagina is not parallel with your spine as you might expect, but on a 45 degree angle, parallel with your sacrum. If you try to go parallel with spine you will keep hitting “a wall” – the anterior vaginal wall, which abuts your bladder, not dangerous, but it won’t let you get anywhere. You have to adjust the angle to follow the vagina.
4. Place tip of applicator into vagina. With your dominant hand, place the tampon applicator into the vaginal opening and insert up to the end of the applicator. (Strings are left outside vagina, for easy removal later.) With your pointer finger, slide the inner tube all the way into the outer tube until tubes are even — this slides the tampon out the applicator into the right place in your vagina. Then withdraw the applicator.
5. When the tampon is in the correct place, you won’t feel it - you’ll comfortably be able to forget it’s there. (Just like your earrings.)
6. Remove in 3-4 hours, throw out and replace with new tampon.
You may feel nervous about using a tampon for the first time. It is normal to feel nervous, this is new to you, and you will generally do this alone.
Just remember we all have been in your shoes, and most of us have figured out how to place and remove a tampon with a little help from a friend, mom, book or doctor. And once we have managed to place the tampon --- most of us never go back to bulky sanitary napkins.
Take it slow...
- It helps to know how to insert a tampon the right way.Remember that you learned to put in earrings when you were much younger and this is easier.
- The key is to relax and trust yourself. If worrying about it makes you tense, it may make insertion harder. As with all new procedures, it helps to read the package instructions carefully.
- You may want to try practicing inserting a tampon during your period when your flow is moderate to heavy. The tampon should glide in easily. Don't try if you don't have your period, or if your flow is very light, as the tampon cannot be placed easily in a dry place.
- To watch a video to learn how to insert a tampon, go to: www.beinggirl.com/article/how-to-insert-a-tampon
- This site has great advice for a young woman expecting her period any minute, interested in more info on tampons and menses.
What are tampons?
Tampons are cotton products used by women for decades to collect menstrual flow. This little wad of tissue is placed inside the vagina to absorb menstrual bleeding for a few hours. They generally need to be changed every 3-4 hours, more often on your heavy day (usually day 2.) They are completely safe and make having your period much less of a hassle.
How to place a tampon:
No fuss, no muss. Take it slow and easy, start with smallest tampon you can find, typically best with a tiny plastic applicator, start on a day with medium flow – it is impossible to place without bleeding.
1. Get comfortable. Take a few deep breaths and exhale. You can comfortably place a tampon in several different positions, as long as you have your period. Some options include:
- Sitting on the toilet with legs open.
- Standing with one knee bent, foot on toilet or side of tub
- Lying on your back on your bed – knees bent, legs relaxed.
2. Part your labia (the lips) to gently expose the vaginal opening.
3. Picture the angle needed. The vagina is not parallel with your spine as you might expect, but on a 45 degree angle, parallel with your sacrum. If you try to go parallel with spine you will keep hitting “a wall” – the anterior vaginal wall, which abuts your bladder, not dangerous, but it won’t let you get anywhere. You have to adjust the angle to follow the vagina.
4. Place tip of applicator into vagina. With your dominant hand, place the tampon applicator into the vaginal opening and insert up to the end of the applicator. (Strings are left outside vagina, for easy removal later.) With your pointer finger, slide the inner tube all the way into the outer tube until tubes are even — this slides the tampon out the applicator into the right place in your vagina. Then withdraw the applicator.
5. When the tampon is in the correct place, you won’t feel it - you’ll comfortably be able to forget it’s there. (Just like your earrings.)
6. Remove in 3-4 hours, throw out and replace with new tampon.
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Tampons: FAQs:
How old do you have to be to use tampons?
Many young women start off using pads during their periods because they are easier to use than tampons at first. But, there is no medical reason that you cannot use tampons as soon as you are ready to try them. If you have any questions or need advice, talk to your mom, older sister or girlfriend.
Can I use a tampon overnight?
Yes. Tampons can be worn for up to eight hours during the day or night. They give solid protection, and stay in place no matter how much you flip around when you sleep. If you are sleeping in (over the weekend...), use a pad at night.
Can tampons be used for discharges other than menstrual fluid?
No - you should only use tampons during your period. Remember, a little discharge is normal. A pantiliner may be used for discharge, but not daily. (If you think you have a lot of discharge between periods, talk to me.)
Can I use two tampons at the same time?
No. Only use one tampon at a time. If you're worried that your flow is too heavy, use a "Super" absorbency size, or add a pantiliner.
When I use a tampon, should I wear a pad too?
No, unless you are having exceptionally heavy period. (In which case, you should call me.) Sometimes it's helpful to wear a pantiliner when you're first getting used to tampons until you know how often to change them and which absorbency is best for you.
Should I use tampons with cardboard or plastic applicators?
This is up to you. Some young women like plastic applicators because they find them easier to insert. Others like cardboard because they're flushable. Try both and see which you prefer.
What size tampons should I use?
Start with a small tampon ("slender" or "light") when you are first adjusting to using tampons. Soon, the right absorbency tampon will also be the most comfortable.
Should small women or girls use smaller size tampons?
That is a reasonable place to start. However, young women of all sizes should start small and work up to the "right size" - the one that works for you, absorbency -wise and feels comfortable.
Will I still be a virgin if I use tampons?
Yes. A virgin is someone who hasn't had sexual intercourse. It has nothing to do with using tampons. Most girls can slide a tampon in through that same opening that lets menstrual fluid out without affecting the hymen.
Can a tampon get "lost" inside of you?
No. Despite the myths. This is a good question, one that I wondered about with my first tampon - but fortunately, there's no place for it to go. The tampon goes into the vagina, it is a blind pouch that ends with the cervix/uterus.
Can a tampon fall out? No.
It is held in place by the muscles around the entrance to the vagina, so it cannot fall out.
What if a tampon gets stuck?
It cannot really get "stuck" inside you. If you are gently pulling on the string to remove the tampon and it doesn't come easily: try to relax. You might be tense and "holding" your muscles. Second, you may want to leave the tampon in a little longer -it may not have absorbed enough menstrual fluid to become pliable. (A "dry" tampon is harder to remove.)
Do tampons plug up the flow?
Tampons absorb menstrual fluid in the vagina. Because of the shape of the vagina, they can't totally "plug up" the flow, even before they reach their full absorbency.
Do tampons make the vagina get bigger?
No. The vagina is a muscular tube, that can accommodate much more volume than a tampon, without damaging the musculature.
What if the withdrawal string breaks? - it won't. (I've tried just so I could tell you...)
Almost impossible, but if the string isn't easy to find, you can remove the tampon with your fingers. Find a comfortable position you use to insert tampons to remove it. If you get nervous and can't do it yourself, call and see me the same day. (It is no big deal to come in and have it removed, at least once a month someone just starting out with tampons is nervous, and asks for help. That's what I am here for.)
Do tampons hurt?
No, they should not feel like anything. (Similar to putting in an earring, you shouldn't feel it, once in place.)
Once inserted a tampon the right way, you shouldn't feel it.
Can tampons cause STDs?
No, STDs are caused by bacteria transmitted via sexual contact.
Is a tampon easy to take out?
Yes, because the vagina is a blind vaginal pouch, (think of a sock, if you put a barrette in there, you would find it; there is no where else for it to go...) The cord on tampons is sewn up through the entire length of the tampon so it won't come loose. Just pull the cord gently.
Do some people feel faint while putting in a tampon?
It's rare, but possible. Some young women are very sensitive to this. Better to wait a few months and try again.
How often should I change my tampon?
Usually every 3-4 hours - more frequently for a few hours of your "heavy" day. If you find you have to change your tampon more frequently than every four hours, you may need to use a tampon with higher absorbency. On the other hand, if you change a tampon after wearing it for eight hours and find that it's not saturated and white is showing, you should use a tampon with lower absorbency.
Should I use tampons if I am involved in athletic and dance activities? Absolutely. It will make your life easier. For athletic activities, especially those requiring a tight-fitting outfit, such as ballet, gymnastics, or skiing, tampons are a good choice, since no one will notice that you are menstruating. In addition, tampons are the only suitable form of menstrual protection for swimmers. Once an athlete feels comfortable using a tampon, she rarely goes back to accept the bulkiness of the pads.
How old do you have to be to use tampons?
Many young women start off using pads during their periods because they are easier to use than tampons at first. But, there is no medical reason that you cannot use tampons as soon as you are ready to try them. If you have any questions or need advice, talk to your mom, older sister or girlfriend.
Can I use a tampon overnight?
Yes. Tampons can be worn for up to eight hours during the day or night. They give solid protection, and stay in place no matter how much you flip around when you sleep. If you are sleeping in (over the weekend...), use a pad at night.
Can tampons be used for discharges other than menstrual fluid?
No - you should only use tampons during your period. Remember, a little discharge is normal. A pantiliner may be used for discharge, but not daily. (If you think you have a lot of discharge between periods, talk to me.)
Can I use two tampons at the same time?
No. Only use one tampon at a time. If you're worried that your flow is too heavy, use a "Super" absorbency size, or add a pantiliner.
When I use a tampon, should I wear a pad too?
No, unless you are having exceptionally heavy period. (In which case, you should call me.) Sometimes it's helpful to wear a pantiliner when you're first getting used to tampons until you know how often to change them and which absorbency is best for you.
Should I use tampons with cardboard or plastic applicators?
This is up to you. Some young women like plastic applicators because they find them easier to insert. Others like cardboard because they're flushable. Try both and see which you prefer.
What size tampons should I use?
Start with a small tampon ("slender" or "light") when you are first adjusting to using tampons. Soon, the right absorbency tampon will also be the most comfortable.
Should small women or girls use smaller size tampons?
That is a reasonable place to start. However, young women of all sizes should start small and work up to the "right size" - the one that works for you, absorbency -wise and feels comfortable.
Will I still be a virgin if I use tampons?
Yes. A virgin is someone who hasn't had sexual intercourse. It has nothing to do with using tampons. Most girls can slide a tampon in through that same opening that lets menstrual fluid out without affecting the hymen.
Can a tampon get "lost" inside of you?
No. Despite the myths. This is a good question, one that I wondered about with my first tampon - but fortunately, there's no place for it to go. The tampon goes into the vagina, it is a blind pouch that ends with the cervix/uterus.
Can a tampon fall out? No.
It is held in place by the muscles around the entrance to the vagina, so it cannot fall out.
What if a tampon gets stuck?
It cannot really get "stuck" inside you. If you are gently pulling on the string to remove the tampon and it doesn't come easily: try to relax. You might be tense and "holding" your muscles. Second, you may want to leave the tampon in a little longer -it may not have absorbed enough menstrual fluid to become pliable. (A "dry" tampon is harder to remove.)
Do tampons plug up the flow?
Tampons absorb menstrual fluid in the vagina. Because of the shape of the vagina, they can't totally "plug up" the flow, even before they reach their full absorbency.
Do tampons make the vagina get bigger?
No. The vagina is a muscular tube, that can accommodate much more volume than a tampon, without damaging the musculature.
What if the withdrawal string breaks? - it won't. (I've tried just so I could tell you...)
Almost impossible, but if the string isn't easy to find, you can remove the tampon with your fingers. Find a comfortable position you use to insert tampons to remove it. If you get nervous and can't do it yourself, call and see me the same day. (It is no big deal to come in and have it removed, at least once a month someone just starting out with tampons is nervous, and asks for help. That's what I am here for.)
Do tampons hurt?
No, they should not feel like anything. (Similar to putting in an earring, you shouldn't feel it, once in place.)
Once inserted a tampon the right way, you shouldn't feel it.
Can tampons cause STDs?
No, STDs are caused by bacteria transmitted via sexual contact.
Is a tampon easy to take out?
Yes, because the vagina is a blind vaginal pouch, (think of a sock, if you put a barrette in there, you would find it; there is no where else for it to go...) The cord on tampons is sewn up through the entire length of the tampon so it won't come loose. Just pull the cord gently.
Do some people feel faint while putting in a tampon?
It's rare, but possible. Some young women are very sensitive to this. Better to wait a few months and try again.
How often should I change my tampon?
Usually every 3-4 hours - more frequently for a few hours of your "heavy" day. If you find you have to change your tampon more frequently than every four hours, you may need to use a tampon with higher absorbency. On the other hand, if you change a tampon after wearing it for eight hours and find that it's not saturated and white is showing, you should use a tampon with lower absorbency.
Should I use tampons if I am involved in athletic and dance activities? Absolutely. It will make your life easier. For athletic activities, especially those requiring a tight-fitting outfit, such as ballet, gymnastics, or skiing, tampons are a good choice, since no one will notice that you are menstruating. In addition, tampons are the only suitable form of menstrual protection for swimmers. Once an athlete feels comfortable using a tampon, she rarely goes back to accept the bulkiness of the pads.