Applicator Tampons
Applicator tampons come with either plastic or cardboard applicators. Plastic applicators are great for girls new to tampons because the plastic glides in easily. Cardboard applicators are good for the environment, so once you've gotten the hang of plastic applicators you should try out cardboard ones.
This is what a tampon looks like once it's been opened. They come in wrappers so they stay sanitary. (This is a plastic applicator).
This is what a tampon looks like once it's been opened. They come in wrappers so they stay sanitary. (This is a plastic applicator).
This is a cardboard applicator tampon.
Inserting an applicator tampon:
♥ First step is to decide what tampons you are going to use. There are lots of brands you can choose from at your supermarket, look for ones that say "easy to insert" on the box. Do not get super tampons. You want the lowest absorbency possible so that the tampon is smaller and it will come out easily, if you find they leak then you can then switch to a higher absorbency.
♥ Don't over think it! There's no harm in trying, no one is there to judge you. Take a box of tampons into the bathroom and take all the time you need. If you can't get it in at least you tried!
Tip: When you first use a tampon you should use it during the heaviest part of your period. It will make it easier to insert and remove.
♥ Wash your hands. It's not essential if you're using applicator tampons but washing your hands is always a good idea. If you're in a public toilet and don't want to look weird washing your hands before going into the cubical then you could carry hand sanitizer in your bag or purse.
♥ Breathe and stay calm. If you're tense it will make it painful to insert. You could listen to some music as a distraction. Sing along so you're focusing on something else.
♥ Get into a comfortable position. Place one leg on the toilet, sit on the toilet with your legs spread apart, or stand with your legs apart and bend your knees. I recommend the second position. It's the easiest to get into, most practical for public toilets, the most comfortable and you won't drip onto the floor of the bathroom.
♥ Unwrap the tampon.
Parts of an applicator tampon.
♥ With one hand (the hand you don't write with) gently open the folds that cover the vagina. If you find it gross because it's bloody then clean yourself with some wipes first. With the hand you do write with hold the tampon. Use your thumb and middle finger to hold the grip of the applicator (the very end of the outer tube) and place your index finger at the end of the plunger. Like this.
♥ Place the applicator at the entrance of the vagina. It's the hole in between where you pee and where you poo.
Tip: If you're struggling to find the hole (your vagina) get a small mirror and have a look.
♥ Push the outer tube into the vagina (aiming for your back because your vagina is on a slant) so that you can only see the grip and plunger.
♥ Once the outer tube is inside the vagina push the plunger up with your index finger this will push the tampon up into the correct position.
♥ Then gently pull out both tubes together and wash your hands again. The tampon should be inside you and the string hanging out. If things didn't go right simply try again!
♥ To remove the tampon pull the string on the same slant you inserted it. Pull the string slowly, if the tampon is fully saturated it should slide out easily (that's why you should use a light tampon) the tampon will be slightly larger than when it went in but shouldn't cause too much discomfort.
Did none of that make any sense? Watch this instead. Note that if you're not using U by Kotex tampons you don't need to do the "click" part.
Tampons will probably feel uncomfortable to insert and remove the first few times if you're a virgin but your vagina will stretch and they'll become more comfortable. It might also seem like they take a while to insert but with practice you'll get faster and faster!
Tampon instructions say that you shouldn't feel a tampon if it's inserted properly. This is partly true. If you find it very uncomfortable then it's in the wrong position. If you can slightly feel it in some positions I would say that's normal. When you first use a tampon it's the thing that's on your mind so you will probably notice a slightly different feeling but if you go off and do your normal daily activities you should forget about it. You might also be able to feel the tampon for the first 10 minutes or so because it hasn't absorbed any blood, once it does it shouldn't be felt. Jumping around a bit can put the tampon in the right position.
If you've tried tampons multiple times and you can still feel it might be too big for your body. Try another (smaller) brand.
For more information read the tampon instructions or ask an older sister, mum or trusted female relative.