A tampon is put in the vagina to absorb menstrual fluid before it leaves the body. Tampons are available with and without applicators. When learning, it’s usually easier to use ones with applicators. Follow the directions that come with the tampons. Most also have diagrams included.
Before inserting a tampon, wash your hands with soap and water. Find a comfortable position, squatting or sitting with your legs apart or having one foot on the toilet seat. Once you have found a position that is comfortable for you:
- Hold the applicator securely at the grip marks with your thumb and middle finger.
- Insert the top part of the applicator into your vagina at a slight angle upwards and towards your lower back.
- Continue to slide the applicator into the vagina until your hand that’s holding the applicator touches your body.
- With your index finger, push the bottom of the applicator all the way up. This pushes the tampon out of the applicator and into your vagina.
- Gently pull the applicator out and throw it in the garbage.
The tampon will remain inside of your vagina, the string will hang outside the vaginal opening. When it is time to remove you can gently pull on the string until the tampon is all the way out. Wash your hands after you remove the tampon. Throw the used tampon in the garbage. Do not flush it.
If the tampon is in correctly, you should not be able to feel it. If it feels uncomfortable, it may not be in far enough and you can remove the tampon and try again with a new one.