How to Use Tampons Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Whether you’re a first-time user or have been using tampons for years, understanding the step by step tampon guide is essential to correctly insert and remove them, ensuring comfort and preventing leaks.

In this detailed step by step tampon guide, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, offering helpful tips and information. Remember, using tampons can be a discreet and convenient option during your period, so let’s dive into the details.

Why Proper Use Matters

Using tampons correctly ensures they can do their job effectively, absorb menstrual blood and allow you to go about your daily activities without worries during your period. It’s crucial to strictly follow proper insertion and removal techniques to get the most out of tampons.

Understanding the Parts of a Tampon

Before we get into the details of insertion, let’s understand the components of a tampon. The term “tampon” can refer to the entire device or the absorbent core—the bullet-shaped fabric piece that soaks up menstrual blood. Here are the main parts:

  1. Applicator: A tube-shaped barrel that houses the absorbent core. It can be either plastic or cardboard, with an opening at the top for the fabric to slide out.
  2. Plunger: A smaller, tube-shaped barrel made of plastic or cardboard. When inserting the applicator, the plunger slides up, pushing the cotton tampon into your vagina.
  3. Absorbent Core: The cylindrical fabric piece, usually made of cotton and/or rayon, stays inside your vagina and absorbs menstrual blood.
  4. String: A soft, braided string connected to the absorbent core and encircled by the plunger. The string hangs outside your vagina, allowing for easy removal.

The Right Way to Insert a Tampon

Now that we understand the essential facts about tampons let us walk through the step-by-step process of inserting a tampon:

Step 1: Choose the Right Tampon

Tampons are available in different absorbency levels, which are determined by the heaviness of your periods rather than the size of your vagina. To effectively manage heavy periods, it’s essential to choose the appropriate absorbency. 

For light-flow days, consider junior, slim, or light tampons. Normal-flow days may require regular-absorbency tampons, while heavy-flow days may need super, super-plus, or ultra tampons. Adjust the absorbency level based on your flow patterns.

Step 2: Wash Your Hands

Before inserting a tampon, always wash your hands with soap and water to maintain cleanliness and prevent bacterial infections.

Step 3: Relax Your Body

Tension can make tampon insertion difficult or uncomfortable. Take a few calming breaths to relax your body and vaginal muscles.

Step 4: Get into a Comfortable Position

Sit on the toilet with your legs spread wide and knees apart, similar to the squat position. Alternatively, place one foot up on the toilet or bathtub for more space and a better tampon angle during insertion.

Step 5: Grip the Tampon Properly

Unwrap the tampon and hold it with your dominant hand. Grip the bottom of the applicator with your thumb and middle finger, and use your pointer finger to cover the end of the plunger.

Step 6: Identify the Vaginal Opening

With your non-writing hand, spread your labia to reveal the vaginal opening. Place the applicator tip at the entrance of your vagina.

Step 7: Insert the Tampon at an Angle

Slowly and gently insert the applicator into your vagina until the base of the applicator reaches the entrance. Use your index finger to push the plunger inside the applicator, inserting the absorbent core into your vagina. Aim the tampon towards your back, following the natural curve of the female reproductive system.

Step 8: Remove the Applicator

After inserting the tampon, lightly pull out the plastic or cardboard barrel. Leave the tampon in place with just the string hanging outside your body. Never leave the applicator inside.

Step 9: Dispose of the Applicator

Dispose of the applicator in the trash, using the tampon wrapper as a pouch for easy and hygienic disposal.

Step 10: Remove Your Tampon on Time

Remember not to leave the same tampon in for longer than eight hours to avoid health issues like toxic shock syndrome. Gently tug on the string to remove the tampon from your vagina.

You have more chances of getting urinary tract infections (UTIs) if you don’t change tampons regularly. If you require assistance from our leading gynaecologists in London for urinary tract infection treatment resulting from irregular tampon changes, we are here to help.

My Final Verdict

Using tampons can provide comfort and convenience during your period. By following the proper step by step tampon guide, you can enjoy leak-free days and worry-free activities. Remember to choose the ideal absorbency level, keep your hands clean, and relax your body during insertion. If used correctly, tampons are a safe and practical option for managing your menstrual flow. Contact our gynaecology expert if you need help alleviating pain for menstrual disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1) Can I feel a tampon when it’s in?

You may feel discomfort during insertion. But once inserted, a tampon shouldn’t cause any pain. If you experience discomfort, check if it’s correctly inserted, at the right angle, or the appropriate size.

Q2) How often should I change my tampon?

Change your tampon at least every eight hours. Change it more frequently if you notice it’s heavily saturated or leaking.

Q3) Can I flush tampons down the toilet?

No, never flush tampons.

Q4) Are tampons safe to use?

Yes, tampons are generally safe when used correctly. Always follow the recommended guidelines and change them regularly.

Q5) How do I know which absorbency level to use?

Choose the absorbency level based on your flow pattern. Use lighter tampons for lighter flow days and heavier ones for heavy flow days.

Mahantesh Karoshi
Mahantesh Karoshi

I'm a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Women's Health Expert. I believe in educating my patients to contribute to achieving the best possible clinical and holistic outcomes. By taking this approach, I enable and empower my patients whilst addressing their issues and concerns. I run a private practice with an extremely high standard of professionalism. My patients are directly involved in their care and management in all stages. My approach to my patient's problems is built on dedication and passion, drawing on analytical thinking and my on-time honored reading, teaching medical professionals nationally and internationally.