Preparing to Place a Tampon
Placing a tampon can feel a bit intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. It’s important to take the time to relax and get comfortable before inserting a tampon. Here are some steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible:
- Find a comfortable position.
- Relax your muscles.
- Gently insert the tampon.
- Check for the string.
- Discard the used tampon.
Wash your hands with soap and water
Before you begin to place a tampon, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water to ensure that your hands are clean. Proper hand washing removes any bacteria that can be transferred to the tampon applicator or the vagina when the tampon is inserted. This can help reduce the risk of bacterial (including yeast) infections.
Additionally, it is important not to leave any excess water on your hands – thoroughly dry them with a clean towel before continuing with tampon insertion.
Choose the right size of tampon
When shopping for tampons, it is important to choose the right size. Tampons come in different absorbency levels and sizes, which are labeled on the packages with a number such as “regular” or “super plus”.
It is important to select the appropriate absorbency level for your flow. The higher the number, the greater the absorbency; therefore, higher numbered tampons are better for heavier flow days.
It is recommended that during normal flow days a regular absorbency level tampon should be used. On heavy menstrual flow days, it is recommended to use super or super plus absorbency level tampons. On those lightest days of your period, use a mini or junior size tampon. If you have any difficulty determining which size should be used, consult with your doctor for further assistance in selecting an appropriate type of product and size for you.
Read the instructions on the package
When you’re ready to place a tampon, it is important to take the time to properly read and follow the instructions that can be found on the package. This will ensure you know exactly how to use the product you purchased so that it provides optimal protection and comfort.
- First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the tampon.
- Then, unwrap the tampon so that you can easily place it inside your vagina when ready.
- Take careful note of the arrows on either side of the product’s applicator because this shows what direction to insert it correctly for maximum protection.
- Lastly, take some deep breaths or relax as you gently insert the applicator into your vagina. Push until your fingers touch your stomach or until you feel resistance; at this point, push a little harder while pushing in on each side of applicator until it clicks (you should feel no pain). This means that the tampon is properly in place and will fit snugly inside your vagina!
Placement
When inserting a tampon, it’s important that it is placed correctly and comfortably. Proper placement is key to maximum protection and comfort.
The tampon should be inserted into the vagina, not the anus. It should be placed far enough in the vagina so that the other end of the tampon is not visible outside the body. It’s important to read the instructions on the tampon box for the most accurate placement. This article will provide further information and tips on proper placement of a tampon.
Unwrap the tampon
Once you have gathered your supplies, take a few moments to get comfortable in a calm, private setting. It may help to remove tight clothing and adopt a relaxed position.
Open the wrapper carefully and remove the tampon. Tampons often come with an applicator that can assist with placement, though some are non-applicator designs. Check the instructions on your packaging in case additional steps are required for proper usage of your product.
Hold the tampon at its center with your thumb and middle finger while sliding your index finger to the string at the end. Depending on your preferred positioning, you may decide to use your dominant or nondominant hand for this step. Take some deep breaths and stay calm throughout the process – it can be intimidating if it’s not something you’ve done before!
Make sure the string is facing away from your body
The applicator of a tampon is designed to make it easy to place inside the body. To start, hold the middle of the tampon with the fingers of one hand. Then, with your other hand, grab the end of the string and pull it down until you feel some resistance. This should bring a portion of the applicator out from your body, which allows you to grip it. Make sure that the string is facing away from you and that your thumb is on top.
Once you are ready to insert, point and push towards your tailbone or lower back – not straight up! It may help to flex or tilt your hips forward as you insert it so that it slides more comfortably in place. It is normal for there to be some pressure or slight discomfort when first inserting a tampon; if there is extreme pain this may be an indication that something may be inserted improperly – try taking it out and re-inserting at an angle. When inserted correctly into the vaginal opening, you should not feel any discomfort at all once it has been placed completely inside your body.
Insert the tampon into your vagina
When you’re ready to insert your tampon, make sure your hands and the applicator are completely dry. You can stand, sit or squat – whichever makes you feel most comfortable. Take the tampon in one hand, with the string facing away from you.
Holding the middle of the barrel with your thumb and middle finger, slip the other fingers into the grip rings on each side of the plastic applicator. Gently slide the inner tube partway out until it forms a Y shape.
Position the slender end of the tampon at your vaginal opening by gently pointing it at an angle towards your lower back (about 45 degrees). Push gently until only about half an inch is left outside your body; any more could indicate that it is not in correctly, so go ahead and remove it and start over if needed. Push until it’s snugly in place – you shouldn’t be able to feel it.
Finally, hold onto both grip rings together and pull out to remove the tubing from inside of you. Be sure to dispose of your used tampon properly in a trashcan or flushable bin.
Removal
Proper removal of a tampon is essential in preventing a range of health risks. Before attempting to remove the tampon, wash your hands with soap and warm water to ensure no bacteria reach the vagina. After that, make sure you are sitting in a comfortable position, preferably in the bathtub or shower, to help the removal process.
Now, let’s discuss the most important aspect of tampon removal: technique.
Wash your hands before removal
Removing a tampon is just as important as inserting it correctly, so take your time and get comfortable. Before removing the tampon, it’s important to wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Once your hands are clean, sit or stand in a comfortable position. It’s best to use one hand to carefully pull on the string to remove the tampon. Make sure you don’t pull too hard, as this can cause discomfort or even pain due to tugging of the sensitive tissues in your vaginal area.
After you have removed the tampon, check for any pieces of cotton remaining on or near the opening of your vagina before discarding it in a waste bin. After removing the tampon it is also important to wash your hands again with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Pull the string gently to remove the tampon
When it is time to remove the tampon, slowly slide the applicator out and grasp the end of the small string of thread at the base of the tampon. Gently pull it until the entire tampon is removed. Avoid pulling sharply or with a jerking motion as this can cause discomfort.
Once removed, it’s important to properly wrap and discard the used tampon in your trash bin. Do not flush used tampons down your toilet as this could damage plumbing systems.
Dispose of the tampon in a waste bin
Once you have finished using the tampon, it must be disposed of in a proper trash bin. It should never be flushed down the toilet as this will clog up plumbing pipes and can cause sewer backups. Plastic applicators can damage marine life or take years to decompose in landfills.
It is important to find a waste-disposal area that will properly manage any medical waste. If you are at home, your trashbin is sufficient for tampon disposal, as long as it is covered at all times and emptied on an appropriate schedule. In cases where you are disposing of a used tampon while away from home, be sure to use an enclosed bin to deposit the waste and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards with soap and water.
