Putting In A Tampon - A Gentle Guide

17 Jun, 2025

Periods are a normal part of life for many people, and figuring out how to manage them can feel like a bit of a learning curve for some. There are lots of ways to go about it, and what works best for one person might be a little different for another. It's all about finding what feels most comfortable and secure for you as you move through your day.

For those looking for an option that offers a lot of freedom and discretion, tampons often come to mind. They are, you know, designed to be worn inside the body, which can be a real plus if you're active or just prefer not to deal with external pads. It’s pretty common to feel a little unsure about them at first, maybe even a little nervous about how they work or if they will feel okay.

That's completely fine, and actually, lots of people have those same thoughts when they first consider using them. The good news is that with a little guidance and some simple tips, putting in a tampon can become a pretty straightforward part of your routine. We're here to talk you through it, step by step, making sure you feel confident and ready to try it out for yourself.

Getting Ready for Putting in a Tampon
How to Hold a Tampon for Putting in a Tampon
Finding Your Comfortable Spot- What's the Best Position for Putting in a Tampon?
The First Step- Gently Putting in a Tampon
Pushing it Further- Is Your Tampon In Properly?
What to Do After Putting in a Tampon?
What If Putting in a Tampon Feels Uncomfortable?
When to Change Your Tampon- How Long Can You Keep Putting in a Tampon?

Getting Ready for Putting in a Tampon

Before you even think about holding that little cotton helper, it's really, really important to make sure your hands are clean. You see, your body's a pretty sensitive place, and we want to keep things as neat as possible down there. So, go ahead and give your hands a good scrub with some warm water and soap, just like you would before eating. This simple step, you know, helps keep everything fresh and clean, making the whole process a bit smoother for you. It's a small thing, but it actually makes a big difference when you're getting ready.

Next up, it’s about picking the right kind of tampon for you. There are a few different sizes available, usually labeled as "light," "regular," or "super." These labels tell you how much liquid they can take in. If you're just starting out, or if your flow isn't too heavy, beginning with a "light" or "regular" size is usually a pretty good idea. They are a bit smaller, which can make the first few times of putting in a tampon feel a little less intimidating. You can always try a different size later if you find you need something that holds more or less.

Also, take a moment to look at the tampon itself. Most tampons come with an applicator, which is a tube that helps you slide the tampon into place. There are plastic applicators, which tend to be smoother, and cardboard ones, which are a bit more eco-friendly. Some tampons don't have an applicator at all, and you use your finger to put them in. For beginners, the applicator kind is often easier to use, so you might want to start there. Just get familiar with how it looks and feels before you try to put it in.

How to Hold a Tampon for Putting in a Tampon

Once you've got your hands clean and your chosen tampon ready, it's time to unwrap it. Most tampons come in a wrapper that keeps them fresh and protected. You'll want to tear or peel this wrapper off carefully, making sure not to touch the actual tampon part that will go inside your body. The goal here, you know, is to keep it as clean as possible until it's in place. So, take your time with this part, maybe even practice unwrapping one or two if you feel like it helps.

Now, let's talk about how to hold it. If your tampon has an applicator, you'll notice it has two parts: an outer tube and a smaller, inner tube or plunger. You want to hold the applicator with your thumb and middle finger right where the two tubes meet, or at the ridged grip area if it has one. Your pointer finger, or index finger, will rest on the end of the inner tube, ready to push. This grip, you know, gives you good control and stability when you're getting ready to put it in.

Make sure the string, which hangs from the end of the tampon itself, is dangling freely from the applicator's bottom. This string is very, very important because it's what you'll use to take the tampon out later. If it's tucked away or caught, it might be a bit of a bother when it's time for removal. So, just give it a quick check to make sure it's hanging loose and ready. It's a little detail, but it actually helps a lot with the whole process of putting in a tampon.

Finding Your Comfortable Spot- What's the Best Position for Putting in a Tampon?

Finding a comfortable position is pretty key to making the process of putting in a tampon go smoothly. There isn't just one "right" way to stand or sit; it's really about what feels most relaxed and open for your body. One popular choice is to squat down a bit, maybe with your knees spread slightly apart. This position, you know, can help open up the area you're aiming for, making it a bit easier to guide the tampon in. You might want to try it out and see if it feels right for you.

Another option that many people find helpful is to stand with one foot raised up, perhaps on the toilet seat or on the edge of the bathtub. This stance can also help to open the vaginal opening, giving you a clearer path and a better angle for insertion. It allows you to sort of shift your weight and adjust until you find that sweet spot where you feel both steady and open. So, feel free to experiment with this one, too; it's all about what feels natural for your body when putting in a tampon.

Some people prefer to simply sit on the toilet, leaning forward a little. This can be a very relaxed position, especially if you're feeling a bit nervous or if you find standing awkward. It allows your muscles to stay loose, which is pretty important because tension can make insertion more difficult. The main idea, you know, is to find a position where you can keep your body calm and your muscles soft. If you're tense, it's going to be a bit harder to put the tampon in.

No matter which position you choose, the most important thing is to try and relax your body. When you're tense, the muscles around your vaginal opening can tighten up, making it harder for the tampon to slide in. Take a few slow, deep breaths. You might even try to gently push down a little, as if you're having a bowel movement, which can help to open the area a little more. This relaxation, you know, is probably the biggest helper in making putting in a tampon a comfortable experience.

The First Step- Gently Putting in a Tampon

With your body in a comfortable position and your tampon held correctly, it's time to locate the opening. This is the vaginal opening, which is located between your urethra (where you pee from) and your anus (where poop comes out). You can use a small mirror if you want to get a clearer view, especially when you're first learning. Feeling for it with a clean finger can also help you understand where it is and how it feels. It’s pretty important to know where you're aiming before you start.

Now, gently place the tip of the tampon applicator at the opening. You'll want to aim it slightly upwards and back, towards your lower back, rather than straight up. The vaginal canal isn't a straight path; it has a slight curve. So, this angle, you know, helps the tampon follow your body's natural shape, making the insertion much smoother. Don't force it; just let the tip rest there as you prepare for the next step.

With the tip positioned, begin to gently push the applicator into your body. You should feel it slide in with relative ease if you're relaxed and have the right angle. If you feel any resistance, or if it feels uncomfortable, stop for a moment. It might mean you need to adjust your angle a little, or maybe you need to relax your muscles even more. Remember, it's not a race; take your time and be gentle with yourself when putting in a tampon.

Pushing it Further- Is Your Tampon In Properly?

As you continue to push the outer tube of the applicator, you'll notice the inner tube, or plunger, starting to move. This inner part is what actually pushes the tampon out of the outer tube and into your body. Keep pushing steadily and smoothly until your pointer finger, which is on the plunger, reaches the end of the outer tube. You'll likely feel a slight click or a definite stop when the plunger is fully extended. This means the tampon itself has been released from the applicator.

You should feel the tampon sliding inward, but it shouldn't feel painful. If you feel a sharp pain, you might be pushing at the wrong angle or your muscles might be too tense. Again, stop, take a breath, and adjust. The goal is for it to glide in. Once the plunger is fully pushed, the tampon should be sitting comfortably inside your vaginal canal. It's almost like it just disappears inside you, which is a good sign that it's in the right place.

How do you know it's far enough? Well, once the tampon is in correctly, you really shouldn't feel it at all. If you can still feel it, or if it feels like it's sticking out or poking you, it probably isn't in deep enough. In that case, you might need to try again with a fresh tampon, making sure to push it a bit further next time. A properly placed tampon, you know, should be completely unnoticeable, allowing you to move freely and forget it's even there. That's how you know you've done a good job putting in a tampon.

What to Do After Putting in a Tampon?

Once you've pushed the plunger all the way in and the tampon is placed, it's time to remove the applicator. Gently pull the entire applicator out. It should slide out easily, leaving the tampon inside. Make sure to hold onto the string as you pull the applicator out, just to be certain it doesn't get pulled along with it. The string, you know, needs to stay outside your body so you can remove the tampon later on. So, a gentle, steady pull is all that's needed here.

After the applicator is out, take a quick look to make sure the string is hanging freely outside your body. This is a very, very important check, as it's your lifeline for taking the tampon out when you're ready. If the string isn't visible, don't panic. You can gently try to feel for it with a clean finger. If you still can't find it, you might need to squat down and gently bear down a little, which can sometimes help it appear. It's rare for the string to disappear completely, but it's good to know what to do if it seems to be hiding.

Finally, once the tampon is in and the string is checked, you'll want to wash your hands again with soap and warm water. This helps keep everything clean and tidy. You can then dispose of the used applicator in the trash. Remember, applicators, whether plastic or cardboard, should not be flushed down the toilet, as they can cause plumbing issues. So, a simple toss in the waste bin is the way to go after putting in a tampon.

What If Putting in a Tampon Feels Uncomfortable?

If you've put in a tampon and you can still feel it, or if it feels uncomfortable, it's a pretty clear sign that it might not be in the right spot. The most common reason for discomfort is that the tampon isn't pushed in far enough. The vaginal canal has nerve endings closer to the opening, so if the tampon is sitting there, you'll likely feel it. Try pushing it in a little further with your finger, if you're comfortable doing so, or remove it and try again with a fresh one, making sure to aim a bit higher and deeper this time. It's almost like finding the right parking spot for it.

Sometimes, the discomfort could also be related to the size of the tampon. If you're using a "super" absorbency tampon on a light flow day, it might feel a bit too large or dry for your body, making insertion or wear uncomfortable. If this happens, you might want to try a smaller size, like a "regular" or "light" next time. It's all about matching the tampon's capacity to your body's needs. So, don't be afraid to experiment a little with different sizes to find what feels best for you when putting in a tampon.

It's also very, very important to remember to stay calm. If you're feeling anxious or stressed, your muscles tend to tighten up, which can make insertion more difficult and uncomfortable. Take a few deep breaths, maybe step away for a moment, and try again when you feel more relaxed. Sometimes, just a change in mindset can make a big difference. Remember, your body is designed for this; it just needs a little gentle persuasion and a relaxed approach.

When to Change Your Tampon- How Long Can You Keep Putting in a Tampon?

Knowing when to change your tampon is pretty important for both comfort and health. Tampons come in different absorbencies, and these are designed for different levels of flow. A "light" tampon, for instance, is for lighter days or the beginning/end of your period, while a "super" is for heavier days. It's a good idea to use the lowest absorbency that meets your needs, as this can help prevent dryness and discomfort. You'll know it's time to change when you start to see some leakage or feel a sense of wetness.

Generally, tampons should be changed every four to eight hours. It's really, really important not to leave a tampon in for longer than eight hours, as this can increase the risk of something called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a rare but serious condition. If you're going to sleep, it's often a good idea to put in a fresh tampon right before bed and change it as soon as you wake up, making sure it's not in for more than the recommended time. So, setting a little reminder on your phone can actually be helpful.

Ultimately, listening to your body is probably the best guide. If you feel any discomfort, notice a smell, or simply feel like it's time for a change, then it probably is. It's better to change a tampon a little too early than to leave it in for too long. Paying attention to your flow and how you feel will help you figure out your personal rhythm for changing tampons, making the whole experience of putting in a tampon and wearing it much more comfortable and safe for you.

This article has covered the steps involved in putting in a tampon, from getting ready and finding a comfortable position to the actual insertion process and what to do afterwards. It also touched on how to handle discomfort and important guidelines for when to change your tampon.

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