How to Use a Tampon

You may feel nervous about using a tampon for the first time. It is normal to feel nervous, especially if you have any unanswered questions about tampons. To help you could talk to your mum or a friend who has used tampons. Alternatively, hopefully, this guide will help answer your questions, address your worries, and make your first experience with tampons a positive one!

It is important to first learn how to use a tampon and then, just relax! The more you relax, the easier the insertion will be. When you are nervous, your muscles tense up, making insertion even harder.

Only insert a tampon when you have your period. If you try at other times your vagina will be drier making it very hard to insert a tampon. Added to this removing a dry tampon from a dry vagina can be hard. When you have your period your vagina is slick and the tampon slides in much more easily.

If you are using tampons for the first time, you might need a little practise. It may also help to try them first when your menstrual flow is heavy; this should allow the tampon to glide in more easily. Choose the smallest size tampon for the first time. By following these simple guidelines, and those that come with your package of tampons, your first experience with tampons should be easy.

How do you insert a tampon?

1          Preparation    

·             Wash your hands thoroughly before using a tampon

·             Remove the wrapper

·             Unravel the tampon string

Try not to handle the main part of the tampon more than necessary and avoid placing the tampon on any surfaces after you have unwrapped it.

2          Insertion

·             Hold the tampon at the cord end and get into a position that is most comfortable for you.
This may be squatting, standing with one leg up or sitting with knees apart.

·             Using your free hand spred open the labia

·             Gently push the tampon inside the vaginal opening ensuring the cord is left outside the body. Any resistence you may experience is normal but breathing out while inserting the tampon may help.

·             Use your middle finger to push the tampon fully inside the vagina. You should aim your finger towards your lower back when guiding the tampon in and push your finger inside to it’s full extent once again ensuring the cord remains outside the body.

Once the tampon is inserted you should feel no discomfort at all. If you do try rotating or pushing the tampon further. If this doesn’t help you may need to remove it and start again. Once you've put a tampon in a few times it will become easier and easier. Like anything, you just need a bit of practice.

3          When to Change

·             By lightly pulling on the string you will be able to tell if it’s time to change – if the tampon does not move you can leave it in a bit longer. Otherwise the tampon will slide out easily as it has absorbed all it can.

·             Though your individual needs will depend on your individual flow tampons should be changed 3 – 6 times a day and should never be left in for more than 8 hours.

4          Removal

·             Simply pull the string at the same angle at which the tampon was inserted. Ensure that the entire tampon has been removed and if not, consult your doctor.

·             If you ever have trouble finding the string, it can usually be easily reached from a squatting position.

·             Remember to remove the current tampon before inserting a new one.

 

It is important to match your period flow with the absorbency of the tampon. You may find you use super tampons for the first day and regular tampons for the second and third days and then mini tampons as the flow starts to reduce.

 

Toxic Shock Syndrome

You've probably heard of this disease before, and how it may be connected to tampon use. TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is an infection that is very rare, but potentially dangerous. TSS can affect anyone, male or female. However, it occurs most frequently in young women who wear tampons. You will probably never get TSS, but it's good to know what the symptoms are and how to avoid putting yourself at risk.

Tampons themselves do not cause TSS. TSS is caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. When a tampon is left inside your vagina for too long, it creates a perfect environment for different types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, to grow. To avoid developing TSS, follow these guidelines when using tampons:

·             Change your tampons at least every 4-8 hours or more often if necessary.

·             Choose the correct tampon absorbency. Use smaller sized tampons when your flow is lighter. TSS occurs more often when super-absorbent tampons are used. Don't use these unless your menstrual flow is particularly heavy.

·             Alternate between pad and tampon use. You might want to use pads at night, and tampons in the daytime.

·             Wash your hands before inserting or taking out your tampon.

·             Don't use tampons to absorb anything other than your menstrual flow. Only insert a tampon once menstrual blood is present.

If you experience the following symptoms while wearing a tampon, remove the tampon, and contact your health care provider immediately! These symptoms may seem similar to the flu. If they occur while you are menstruating and wearing a tampon, they may signal TSS. Otherwise, it might mean that you have another infection. It is recommended that you see your health care provider regardless. Symptoms of TSS include:

·             Sudden high fever

·             A sunburn-like rash

·             Diarrhea

·             Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness

·             Vomiting