How to Insert a Tampon
Find the most relaxed position for your body while inserting the tampon. Raising one of your legs on a footstool or on the rim of a toilet makes the process easier. Here's how to insert a tampon without any problems or discomfort.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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-
1
Buy tampons that are appropriate to your menstrual flow: light, average or heavy.
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2
Wash your hands with soap and hot water.
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3
Remove the tampon from the wrapper.
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4
Slide the applicator a few inches into the vagina (tampon side in), but not so far that you can't hold the outer of the two tubes that make up the applicator.
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5
Push the inner tube into the outer tube, releasing the tampon into the vagina.
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6
Slide the applicator out.
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7
Make sure the tampon's string remains outside the vagina.
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8
Wrap the applicator in toilet paper and throw it away. Do not flush it down the toilet.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Buy the lowest absorbency that works for you without leaking.
Insert the tampon gently; don't jam it in.
Wear a minipad or panty liner - not a tampon - during the lightest days of your period.
Tampon packages have directions inside. Read them if you need help.
Use a small amount of petroleum jelly if the tampon does not go in easily.
You shouldn't be able to feel the tampon in your body. If you can, you may not have inserted it far enough. Remove it and try again with a new tampon. Try inserting the applicator a little further into the vagina before pushing the inner tube of the applicator into the outer tube.
Change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours to avoid leakage.
To avoid toxic shock syndrome, do not keep the same tampon in for more than 8 hours.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
