Prepare
To start, make sure your hands are freshly washed before inserting a tampon, and then wash them again after. Becoming familiar with your body before you start will assist when inserting a tampon as you will know where it needs to go. Stand in a comfortable position (try one foot up on the edge of the bath, the toilet, or a stool), hold a small mirror between your legs so that you can see what you’re doing. To find the entrance to your vagina, spread open your labia (the lips or folds of skin that cover the entrance to your vagina). This is where you insert the tampon.
Unwrap
Hold the tampon securely on either end, twist hard in opposite directions to unwrap. Carefully remove the bottom piece of the wrapper to expose the string, then pull the string to hang it down. Remove the other half of the wrapper while holding the tampon by the string. After unwrapping the tampon, be careful not to touch it too much or place it on any surface. Dispose of the plastic wrap.
Insert
Tampons should always be held at the end where the string attaches to the tampon. To avoid tightening the muscles around the vagina, try to stay as relaxed as possible. Also, remember to keep one leg on the toilet or a chair while standing. Slant the tampon towards your lower back and push it into your vaginal opening as far as it will go with your index finger. Make sure to hold the tampon at an angle rather than pushing it straight. The string needs to stay outside your vaginal opening, so that you can remove the tampon easily later.
If you’ve placed the tampon correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel it. If you experience any discomfort or pain, it’s possible that you haven’t placed the tampon far enough or appropriately. If this happens, try pushing the tampon in farther or removing it and trying again. And don’t worry, you won’t be able to push tampons in too far since the cervix (the opening to your uterus) is too small for a tampon to pass through — tampons won’t get lost! Just remember to stay relaxed.
Change
A little tug on the string will let you know if it’s time to change the tampon or not. If it does not readily slide out, you can keep it in for a little longer. Generally, you should change tampons every four hours, depending on the heaviness of your bleeding. But, if the tampon doesn’t budge, it can be left in for a maximum of eight hours.
Remove
To remove the tampon, try pulling out the string at the same angle in which the tampon was inserted. If you are unable to find the string, don’t worry; simply clean your hands, squat, and remove the tampon with your fingers.
Dispose
Tampons and wrappers should not be flushed down the toilet as they might block the plumbing system and are harmful to the environment. Simply wrap your used tampon in toilet paper (or put it in a bag) and toss it in the bin or sanitary disposal device.
This product may not be suitable for you. Before purchasing, read the cautions on the pack and follow the usage directions.
The information presented in this material is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice. Please get medical advice from a qualified practitioner.
