How To Use Tampons

A tampon is a menstrual product designed to absorb blood and other secretions upon insertion into the vaginal canal during menstruation.

Tampons are small tubes that sit in the vagina and absorb blood before it leaves the body. They are used internally and offer significant advantages over other products, such as allowing for unrestricted physical activities and being invisible.

Tampons come in different types and “sizes” (absorbencies) to cater for our unique menstrual experiences.  They provide for light flow, regular flow, and super heavy bleeding. It’s best to use the lowest lightest absorbency that lasts you a few hours. Some tampons come with applicators — small sticks made of cardboard or plastic that help you put the tampon in your vagina. There are some tampons that don’t have an applicator, so you can just put them in with your fingers.

Here’s how to use them:

• Wash your hands with soap and water to kill germs.
• Get into a comfortable position. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you’re relaxed. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart.
• Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, accordingly. Using tampons with smooth, rounded applicators may make it easier. You can also put a little bit of lubricant on the tip of the tampon or applicator.
• If you’re having trouble, ask someone you trust to show you how to put the tampon into your vagina.
• When you’re done putting in your tampon, throw the wrapper and applicator in the trash.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after the whole process.

Additional notes;

• It’s best to change your tampon every 4-8 hours.
• Don’t leave your tampon in for more than 8 hours, as it can make you sick. You can wear a tampon overnight if you sleep for 8 hours or less, and change it as soon as you get up in the morning.
• Tampons have a string at one end that hangs out of your vagina. You take the tampon out by gently pulling the string and letting it slowly glide out. It’s easier to take your tampon out when it’s wet and fully soaked with blood.
• Wrap used tampons in toilet paper and throw them away in the trash — don’t flush them.
• If a tampon is in your vagina for a long time it can cause an illness called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is really rare, but dangerous.
• If you’re using a tampon and have vomiting, a high fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, a sore throat, dizziness, faintness or weakness, and a sunburn-type rash, take the tampon out and call your doctor right away.
• Putting in a tampon usually doesn’t hurt, but it may take some practice in the beginning. Try different kinds until you figure out what you like best.
• Don’t wear tampons unless you’re actually having your period.
• If putting in a tampon is very painful, talk with a doctor or nurse about it. You may have a medical condition, or it may be that your hymen is covering the opening to your vagina. Either way, a doctor or nurse can help you figure out why it’s causing pain and figure out what to do about it.