A how-to guide to tampons for beginners

I remember it well, the first time I inserted a tampon. I had already seen those oversized cotton buds for years from my grandma, mom and sister, but I had never tried them myself. They were so scary to me. It was a hot summer and I think I already had my period for a year two. My sister and and my cousin were going out on the boat with friends for the whole day and I really wanted to join them, but that stupid pad would just be in the way when I’d go swimming. And so I had to use a tampon for the time.

Whatever the reason may be and no matter how old you are, you should always use the period product you are the most comfortable with. Nothing is mandatory and everything goes. But are you interested in using a tampon? I'll just help you through it with information and a helpful step-by-step plan. Remember, I found it scary too and we are here to help each other.

It’s smart to start with a smaller tampon (light or regular) to experiment with. This way you can see what feels good during insertion as well as when you are wearing it. It’s important to check whether or not the tampon absorbs your blood flow well. A lot of people may need a super or super plus tampon on the days the bleeding is heavier before moving on to regular or light tampons when the blood flow lessens. When you first start to use tampons, it is a good idea to experiment with the different types of tampons to see what works best for you and your cycle. Don’t forget to change your tampon after no more than 8 hours, but it’s better to do it every 4 hours. You could use a timer or set an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget to change it. If you use a bigger tampon, the advice is to change it more often. Changing tampons on time reduces the risk of infection.

If you have heavy menstrual bleeding and you are scared of leaking, it’s a must to change the tampon on time. Keep an eye on the tampon string; once this starts to color red or pinkish you know the tampon is completely saturated with menstrual blood and it is time to change it. At this point it is probably a bit overdue, so keep an eye on the time and next time change it a little earlier. You can also use a panty liner, a pad, or period underwear for extra security if you fear leaking. 

Tampons come in all shapes and sizes, but the biggest difference is between tampons with an applicator and tampons without an applicator. An applicator is a support tube that helps with the insertion of the tampon, so you don’t have to worry about putting your fingers in your vagina. The applicators are usually made from cardboard, but can also be made from plastic, but these occur less and less. 

Now you have all of the important information, it is time to take a deep breath, relax, and follow the instructions below. 

Step-by-step plan for a tampon with applicator:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Make sure the tampon is completely sealed and protected; if the packaging is ripped or opened in any way, use a different tampon. 

3. Remove the tampon from the packaging.

4. Pull out the inner tube of the applicator until it reaches a natural stop and it is about the same length as the outer tube (with a plastic applicator, you will feel a slight click when the inner tube reaches the end of the outer tube).

5. Find a position which is comfortable for you. This could be with one foot up on the toilet seat or with your legs spread and your knees slightly bent.

6. Use your non-dominant hand to spread the lips of your vulva. It is important that you insert the tampon in the right hole, but trust me, you will know immediately if you have the wrong one. 

7. With your other hand, hold the ridged part of the outer tube. Place the tip of the applicator near your vaginal opening and gently push it into your vagina until the ribbed part is almost completely inside your vagina.

8. Hold the outer tube firmly and use your free finger to push the inner tube completely into the outer tube. The tampon is inserted when the inner tube is pushed completely into the outer tube and the ends of both tubes are against each other.

9. Carefully pull the applicator tube out of your vagina. The tampon is now inserted and the string is hanging outside of the vagina. 

10. Stand up; if the tampon feels uncomfortable in any way, use your pointer finger to push it further into the vagina. If you don’t feel anything and the only thing you can see is the string, then you know everything is okay. 

11. Throw away the packaging of the tampon and wash your hands with soap and water again. 

Step-by-step plan for a tampon without applicator:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Make sure the tampon is completely sealed and protected; if the packaging is ripped or opened in any way, use a different tampon. 

3. Remove the tampon from the plastic packaging and pull off the string at the bottom of the tampon.

4. Find a position which is comfortable for you. This could be with one foot up on the toilet seat or with your legs spread and your knees slightly bent.

5. Use your non-dominant hand to spread the lips of your vulva. It is important that you insert the tampon in the right hole, but trust me, you will know immediately if you have the wrong one. 

6. Use your other hand to hold the tampon between your middle finger and your thumb. Place your pointer finger at the base of the tampon where the string is hanging from. 

7. Push the tampon into your vagina whilst spreading your lips. 

8. Use the pointer finger to push the tampon into your vagina and stop when only the string is visible. 

9. Stand up; if the tampon feels uncomfortable in any way, use your pointer finger to push it further into the vagina. If you don’t feel anything and the only thing you can see is the string, then you know everything is okay. 

10. Throw away the packaging of the tampon and wash your hands with soap and water again. 

One last tip: Don’t worry too much about it and try to relax as much as possible. If you have any questions or insecurities, talk with your mom, sister, cousins, grandma, aunt or a friend or talk with your GP. Only do what feels right for you. If it doesn’t work out the first time, that is completely okay. Sometimes it takes a while to figure out what the right position is for you or to relax. And one last tip, believe us when we say it is the most important one, never insert a tampon without washing your hands first. Especially not when you’ve just eaten a spicy meal or cut some pepper. Trust us when we say that you’ll thank us later ;)

Happy period!

Would you rather try a menstrual cup? Read our tips here!