Using your first tampon

What is a tampon?

Tampons are small, tube-shaped menstrual products that are inserted into the vagina. Tampons are made of an absorbent material, usually cotton or rayon, with a string attached to the end. They come wrapped in plastic, inside a plastic or carboard applicator.

Tampons with applicators have a thin outer barrel, which holds the tampon, as well as a smaller inner barrel, which helps to push the tampon into place. The cardboard or plastic applicator is there to help you insert the tampon and is thrown away immediately after the tampon is in place. The absorbent material of the tampon itself then sits inside the vagina and absorbs menstrual blood. The string of the tampon remains outside of the vagina to help with removing the tampon after use. Once a tampon is in place, you will likely not feel it, and it should not cause pain or discomfort.

Tampons come in different sizes based on the heaviness of menstrual blood flow. They are not reusable and should be thrown away after a single use.

A person who menstruates can use a tampon. You can use tampons whether or not you have had sex before. Using tampons does not cause a person to lose their virginity.

You can use tampons at any age. Once you begin menstruating, you can start using tampons. You can use tampons with your first menstrual period, if you wish.

How do I insert a tampon?

It is normal to feel a little nervous about inserting a tampon for the first time. Over time, inserting and removing tampons will become easier. When you first begin using tampons, it may be easier to use the “slender” or “lite” tampons, and to use a tampon with an applicator. Before inserting a tampon, it may be helpful to use a mirror to see where you vaginal opening is so that you know where the tampon will go.

How to insert a tampon with an applicator

1. Wash your hands well with soap and water. Once you have washed and dried your hands, unwrap the tampon.
2. Position your body comfortably to help with insertion: it may be easiest to sit on the toilet with your knees apart or to squat. You can also be standing with one leg placed on the toilet seat or tub.
3. Hold the outer, larger barrel of the tampon with your thumb and middle finger. Using the tip of the tampon or your free hand, open the labia (outer lips of the vagina) to insert the entire outer barrel into the vaginal opening. It may be helpful to aim the tampon towards your lower back. Your thumb and middle finger should now be positioned just at the vaginal opening.
4. Once the outer barrel is inside the vagina, use your pointer finger to push the smaller, inner barrel through the outer barrel. The inner barrel will push the absorbent part of the tampon into the vagina. Your thumb, middle, and pointer finger should now all be positioned at the vaginal opening.
5. Using your thumb and middle finger, pull out both the outer and inner barrel. The absorbent tampon should remain inside, with the string/cord hanging outside of the vaginal opening. Do not pull on the string, as this will pull out the tampon. The tampon should now sit inside the vagina, where it will absorb menstrual blood.
6. Throw the applicator in the garbage (do not flush down the toilet). Wash your hands with soap and water.

How to insert a tampon without an applicator

1. Wash your hands well with soap and water. Once you have washed and dried your hands, unwrap the tampon.
2. Position your body comfortably to help with insertion: it may be easiest to sit on the toilet with your knees apart or to squat. You can also be standing with one leg placed on the toilet seat or tub.
3. Using the tip of the tampon or your free hand, open the labia (outer lips of the vagina) to insert the tampon into the vaginal opening. It may be helpful to aim the tampon towards your lower back.
4. Using your middle or pointer finger, push the tampon gently inside the vagina, leaving the string hanging outside the vaginal opening. Wash your hands with soap and water.

Once your tampon is inserted, you should not be able to feel it. If you are able to feel it, or you feel it is not high enough, you can either:

• Remove the tampon and insert a new one, pushing the tampon higher. Make sure you wash your hands again before inserting a new tampon.
• Wash your hands and using a clean pointer finger, attempt to push the tampon higher up into the vaginal canal. Make sure that the string of the tampon continues to hang outside of the vaginal opening.

The tampon won’t get lost or stuck inside of you.

How do I remove a tampon?

You should remove and change your tampon often, approximately every 4 to 6 hours, to reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)—a rare but dangerous bacterial infection.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Position your body comfortably for tampon removal (sitting on the toilet with knees apart, squatting, or standing with one leg propped up on toilet seat or tub).
3. Grasp the string with your thumb and pointer finger, and gently pull the tampon out at the same angle used for insertion.
4. Throw the tampon in the garbage (do not flush it down the toilet as they can harm drainage pipes and the environment). Wash your hands with soap and water.

Tampons are not reusable (that means you can only use one tampon one time) and should not be washed or reinserted. They should always be thrown away after use.

You might not get the insertion of a tampon on your first try. For some people, it works on the first try; but for others, it can take a number of tries. It takes time to become comfortable with using tampons. If you are having trouble, reach out to a parent or trusted adult or health-care professional.

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but dangerous, infection caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Toxic shock syndrome can happen for several reasons, but it is most commonly associated with wearing super-absorbent tampons for long periods of time.

Signs and symptoms of TSS can develop quickly and include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Feeling unwell
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure
• Skin rash

How can I prevent toxic shock syndrome?

• Do not use tampons if you have a history of TSS
• Do not use tampons if you are not on your period (do not use them before your period or to absorb other vaginal discharge)
• Follow all instructions for tampon insertion and removal carefully
• Choose the lowest-absorbency tampon to meet your needs
• Change tampons regularly, every 4-6 hours, and DO NOT leave tampons in for longer than 8 hours
• Avoid using tampons overnight
• Ensure you remove every single tampon
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after tampon insertion
• Consider alternating use of tampons with other menstrual products (such as sanitary pads)

When to see your doctor?

You should see your doctor if you:

• are unable to insert a tampon after several attempts.
• develop signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), including fever, dizziness, rash, or vomiting while wearing a tampon. If these signs or symptoms appear, remove the tampon immediately, and see a health-care provider right away.