Your Gentle Guide: How To Put In A Tampon Easily And Comfortably

Dr. Grant Kuvalis MD 25 Aug 2025

You know, using a tampon for the first time can feel a bit confusing, especially if it is your first time dealing with a period. It's a completely new experience, and it's totally normal to have lots of questions or feel a little unsure about the whole thing. Lots of people, you see, feel this way when they are just starting out.

This article, actually, will teach you how to properly use a tampon and help you gain confidence about using one. We want to make sure you feel good and prepared, so you can just, like, go about your day without any worries. It's all about making things simpler for you.

So, if you want to begin using tampons but don’t know where to start, you are definitely in the right spot. Read this guide to learn how to use and insert a tampon properly. It might seem a bit much at first, but after the first time, you’ll find tampons are a simple and easy option to use during your menstrual cycle, really.

Getting Ready: What You Need Before You Start
- Choosing the Right Tampon for You
- Finding a Comfortable Spot
Step-by-Step: How to Put in a Tampon
Taking It Out: How to Remove a Tampon
- When to Change Your Tampon
- The Removal Process
Common Questions About Tampons
Some Extra Tips for Tampon Users

Getting Ready: What You Need Before You Start

Before you even think about how to put in a tampon, it’s really helpful to get a few things ready. This preparation, you know, makes the whole process smoother and less stressful. It's just like getting ready for anything new, like, you know, learning to ride a bike; you get your helmet and knee pads ready first.

Having everything prepared can help you feel more at ease. So, take a moment, gather your supplies, and get comfortable, that's the main idea here. It's about setting yourself up for success, basically.

Choosing the Right Tampon for You

It’s important to pick a tampon with the right level of absorbency, as a matter of fact. Tampons come in different sizes, like "light," "regular," and "super," which is something to think about. For your first time, a light or regular absorbency is usually a good choice, just to start out.

These smaller sizes are often easier to put in, you see, and they can help you get used to the feeling. You can always try a different size later if you need more protection for a heavier flow, that's totally fine. So, pick one that feels right for now.

Some tampons have an applicator, which is a little tube that helps you push the tampon into place. Others are applicator-free, meaning you use your finger directly, which is another option. For beginners, an applicator tampon is often easier to use, you know, it just helps guide it in.

There are also different applicator materials, like plastic or cardboard. Plastic applicators tend to be smoother, so they might feel a bit more comfortable for a first-timer, honestly. It's really about what feels best for you, though.

Finding a Comfortable Spot

Finding a good, comfortable position is pretty important when you are trying to figure out how to put in a tampon. You want to be relaxed, you know, so your body isn't tense. Many people find sitting on the toilet with their knees apart works well, or maybe standing with one foot on the toilet seat, actually.

You could also try squatting down a little, which is another position some find helpful. The main goal here is to open up your vagina a bit, making it easier to insert the tampon. Experiment a little to see what feels right for you, that's the best way.

Take a few deep breaths, too, just to help your body relax. When your muscles are tense, it can make insertion a bit more challenging, so, you know, try to stay calm. This whole thing is supposed to be gentle, after all.

Step-by-Step: How to Put in a Tampon

Learning how to put in a tampon can seem intimidating, but people can follow simple steps to insert and remove them safely and easily. We'll go through it bit by bit, so you feel totally ready, you know. It's a skill you pick up, just like anything else.

Remember, the goal is not to force anything. Learn the gentle technique of insertion and why it's important not to force the tampon in. Your body is pretty amazing, and it will guide you, more or less, if you listen to it.

Wash Your Hands, First Things First

Before you even touch the tampon, you really need to wash your hands with soap and water. This is, like, a super important step to keep everything clean and prevent any germs from getting where they shouldn't be. You know, good hygiene is key here.

Make sure your hands are completely clean and dry before you open the tampon wrapper. This simple action, you see, helps keep you healthy and comfortable. It's just a good habit to have, anyway.

Unwrap It Carefully

Now, gently unwrap the tampon. Be careful not to touch the tip of the tampon or the part of the applicator that goes into your body, that's kind of important. You want to keep that part as clean as possible, actually.

Hold the applicator in the middle, where there's usually a grip or a textured part. This is where your fingers will stay for most of the process, you know, giving you good control. It's all about a firm but gentle hold.

Holding the Tampon Just Right

Hold the tampon applicator with your thumb and middle finger on the grip, as I was saying. Your index finger, the one you point with, will rest on the end of the applicator where the string comes out, or where you'll push the inner tube. This position gives you control, basically.

Make sure the string is hanging freely from the end of the tampon, too. You'll need that string later for removal, so it's good to check it now. It's a small detail, but it really matters.

Finding Your Body's Natural Angle

When you put in a tampon, it’s important to insert it into your vagina at an angle, you know, not straight up. Your vagina isn't a straight tube; it actually slants slightly towards your back. So, aiming a bit backward can make a big difference, honestly.

This natural curve means you'll want to aim the tampon towards your lower back, or towards your tailbone, you see. Finding this angle can take a little practice, but it helps the tampon slide in much more easily. It's all about working with your body, not against it.

If you feel resistance, you might be pushing at the wrong angle, so, you know, try adjusting it a little. Don't force it in, that's really key. A gentle, slight change in direction can often solve the problem, actually.

Gentle Insertion: The Key

Now, gently put the rounded tip of the tampon applicator into the opening of your vagina. You know, take your time with this part. It should feel smooth, not painful, if you're doing it right.

With your thumb and middle finger still on the grip, use your index finger to push the inner tube of the applicator completely into the outer tube. This action, you see, releases the tampon from the applicator and places it inside your body. It's a continuous, gentle push.

Push until the inner tube is fully inside the outer tube, or until you feel a slight click, depending on the applicator type. This means the tampon is in its correct place, more or less. It's a very simple movement, really.

Pushing It In (Applicator Use)

As you push the inner tube, the tampon will slide out of the applicator and into your vagina. You might feel a slight pressure, but it shouldn't hurt, honestly. If it does, you know, stop and adjust your position or the angle a bit.

Keep pushing the inner tube until it can't go any further. This ensures the tampon is placed high enough inside your vagina to be comfortable and effective. You want it to be beyond the sensitive opening, basically.

The tampon needs to be past the vaginal opening, where there are fewer nerve endings, which is why it shouldn't cause discomfort when placed correctly. So, a good push is important, but always gentle, you know.

Removing the Applicator

Once you’ve pushed the inner tube all the way in, you need to remove the applicator. Hold onto the outer tube of the applicator and gently pull it out. The tampon should stay inside your body, and the string should hang outside. And be sure to remove the applicator!, that's a common thing people forget.

The applicator, you see, is just a tool to help the tampon get into place. It's not meant to stay inside you. So, once the tampon is in, the applicator's job is done, basically. You can just throw the applicator away in the trash, not down the toilet.

Checking for Comfort and Placement

After you remove the applicator, you should not really feel the tampon at all. If you can feel it, or if it feels uncomfortable, it might not be in far enough or it might be at a wrong angle, you know. It should be sitting comfortably inside.

If it feels uncomfortable, you can try to gently push it in a little further with a clean finger, if you want. Or, sometimes, it's just better to take it out and try again with a fresh tampon, which is totally okay. Don't be afraid to start over, actually.

Correct placement means the tampon is resting in the wider part of your vagina, higher up. This is where it can absorb your flow without you noticing it's even there, more or less. You know, comfort is the main thing.

The String's Role

We’ll also cover correct placement and the role of the string for easy removal. The string, you see, is super important; it’s your way of getting the tampon out later. Make sure it's hanging freely outside your body and is easy to find.

Don't worry, the string is strong, and it won't break when you pull it. It's there for a reason, you know, to make removal simple. Just let it hang, and you'll use it when the time comes, basically.

Taking It Out: How to Remove a Tampon

Knowing how to put in a tampon is just half the story; you also need to know how to take it out. Learn how to remove a tampon and when you should change it out. It's a pretty straightforward process, honestly, once you get the hang of it.

Removal is usually even easier than insertion, you know, because the tampon is already soft from absorbing fluid. So, don't worry about it being difficult, it's pretty simple.

When to Change Your Tampon

You should change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, you know, depending on your flow. Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase your risk of something called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a serious but rare condition. So, changing it regularly is pretty important.

If your flow is heavy, you might need to change it more often, like every 4 hours. If it's lighter, you can go closer to the 8-hour mark, actually. Pay attention to your body and your flow, that's the best guide.

It's a good idea to change your tampon first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed, you see, to maintain a good schedule. This helps you remember and keeps you safe. It's just a simple routine.

The Removal Process

When it’s time to remove your tampon, just relax your body, you know, like you did for insertion. Sit on the toilet or stand in a comfortable position. You want to be as calm as possible, actually.

Find the string that's hanging outside your body. Gently but firmly pull the string downwards and slightly forwards, towards the front of your body. The tampon should slide out pretty easily, honestly.

If it feels a bit stuck or dry, it might mean your flow isn't heavy enough for that absorbency, or it's not quite full yet. You can wait a little longer, or just, you know, try to relax even more. Don't yank it out, that's not good.

Once the tampon is out, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash. Never flush tampons down the toilet, as they can clog plumbing, which is a real hassle. Then, wash your hands again, you see, to keep things clean.

Common Questions About Tampons

How do you use a tampon and put it in? Also, find out what problems to avoid. There are always questions, you know, especially when you are trying something new. It's totally fine to wonder about things, actually.

We want to clear up any confusion you might have. So, let's talk about some of those common worries people often share, basically. It's all part of the learning experience, you know.

What if it feels wrong or hurts?

If a tampon feels wrong or hurts after you put it in, it’s a pretty good sign that it’s not in correctly. It might not be in far enough, or it could be at the wrong angle, you know. A correctly inserted tampon should be undetectable.

If you feel any discomfort, it's usually best to just take it out and try again with a new one. Don't try to push through the pain, that's not what we want. Your comfort is really important, you see.

Sometimes, it might just be a bit of dryness, especially if your flow is light. Using a bit of water-based lubricant on the tip of the applicator can help with insertion if that's the case, which is an option. Learn more about tampon use on our site.

What if I can't get a tampon in?

If you are finding it hard to get a tampon in, don't get discouraged, you know. It happens to lots of people, especially at first. The most common reasons are being tense, or not finding the right angle, actually.

Try to relax your muscles as much as possible. Take some deep breaths, and really focus on finding that backward angle we talked about. You might also want to try a smaller absorbency tampon, just to make it easier, you see.

Sometimes, trying a different position can help, too. Maybe standing with one leg up, or squatting. Give yourself time and don't rush, that's pretty important. It's a learning curve, after all.

How far do you push a tampon in?

You push a tampon in until the applicator is completely inside your body, and then you push the inner tube all the way in. The goal is for the tampon itself to be placed high up in your vagina, beyond the opening, you know. You want it to be in the wider, less sensitive part.

When the tampon is in correctly, you really shouldn't feel it at all. If

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