Know when You're Ready to Start Using a Tampon

Before you learn how to use a tampon, you have to determine if you're ready.

Steps

  1. Start using a tampon at any age, as long as you're already Cope when Your Mom Won't Believe You Got Your Period. What could make it uncomfortable to use is a small vaginal opening, so keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to start using tampons.
  2. Know all your options. There are options such as menstrual cups and soft cups which are safer and can be more convenient than tampons, while other girls prefer external products like pads during their periods. What you use when you are young is what you are likely to use as you grow up, so know that what you are using is best for you.
  3. Learn about your body. Knowing where your vaginal opening is and how it curves within your body makes insertion easier, but also knowing how your vagina functions helps you understand how tampons effect your vagina and how this can effect vaginal health. This allows you to make an educated decision about whether tampons are best for you or not. Every package of tampons comes with an insert that explains this, so take the time to read it all the way through before using one.
  4. Make sure you're mature and responsible enough to use tampons. Even though your body might be ready for tampons, you might not be. You must be comfortable enough with your body that you can insert and remove tampons, and you must be mindful enough to change the tampon frequently and follow precautions (see the Warnings below). If you are squeamish or forgetful, you might want to stay away from tampons.
  5. Use your first tampon on a day when your flow is regular, not at the very start or end of your period. As you get more comfortable with tampons, you can start using them on the first and last days of your period, but you should never use them before or after your period.
  6. Remove tampons at an appropriate time. When you first start using tampons, you won't know when it's ready to be taken out. In a few hours, take it out by pulling gently on the string with your muscles relaxed. Soon you'll get to where you can feel the difference between one that's full and one that isn't. However, you should never wear a tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
  7. Don't just use tampons because your friends do. Using tampons doesn't make you any more mature, just like using pads doesn't make you immature, you need to make your own decision about whether or not to use tampons.

Tips

  • When a tampon is in correctly, you should not be able to feel it. Don't be alarmed if you do, because it is most likely just adjusting to your body. If discomfort seems to last a long time, take your tampon out.
  • Make sure when on your period and after putting in a tampon, you wash your hands. Stores even carry wipes for your hands and vaginal area to keep it clean when off your period. They often have these stored in your tampon box as well.
  • If you are younger, start with a small, light tampon. You can always increase later once you get the hang of inserting it.
  • Always try using a light one first as it is the smallest and won't hurt as much!
  • Start with pads on the first few periods then when you feel ready for it start using tampons. At first, go with small light one's and then get bigger when you feel comfortable and secure.
  • Try different positions and angles when inserting a tampon in order to find the easiest and most comfortable way to insert a tampon.
  • If you feel that inserting is very painful (and you're still very young), consider using pads for a while. You can try tampons again later when you're a little further developed. Make sure first that the pain does not stem from medical issues, like an infection.
  • If you are small, but have a big period start, but you want to wear a tampon, wear a light tampon with a light pad on your underwear.
  • Prior to using a tampon, you should be able to insert your little finger into your vagina. Your finger is more flexible than the tampon applicator. Take time when not on your period to become familiar with your anatomy. Don't wait until you're in a hurry and are under pressure.
  • If a tampon feels mildly uncomfortable but you think it's in far enough, try sitting down. If the tampon becomes more uncomfortable, try to insert it further.
  • Some tampons do not have applicators. They work just as well and some women even prefer them. If using your fingers to insert a tampon does not intimidate you, give them a try, as they cut down on waste.
  • If you're too afraid (like most girls when they start out) to buy a tampon in a very public place, then you can always have a parent/guardian do it. Or you could always buy one in a bathroom (all girls/women go through this, if you see more people in the bathroom, they won't judge) or you should always go to "self check out". And finally, if that's not an option, go to the check out line with a women cashier.
  • If you can sit down but the tampon still gives you some discomfort try to stay still for a short a mount of time - maybe thirty minutes. This will give you time to adjust to the feeling of the tampon and for the tampon to adjust to your body. If it still feels uncomfortable, try with a fresh tampon, using the tips mentioned above.
  • It may feel a little bit uncomfortable when you first take them out, but just relax your muscles and take a deep breath. Your body should eventually get used to it.
  • Don't feel bad if you prefer pads over tampons.If you are more comfortable with pads that is fine.
  • Relax your muscles before inserting; inserting the tampon will hurt more if your muscles are tightened.
  • If you are seriously uncomfortable with pads, that doesn't call tampons, there are menstrual cups too. But try tampons first in such cases as cups are bigger and more difficult, but yet safe and eco-friendly.
  • To start of you might want to use pads instead of tampons to get used to the feeling of something is there.
  • When you start using tampons, try a few different brands.

Warnings

  • Use cotton tampons that are not chemically treated as these are lower risk.
  • Don't wear tampons overnight as most women sleep longer than 4-6 hours, also when laying down less blood flows down into the tampon so there is more risk of tampons drying out your vagina.
  • Be wary of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and vaginal infections - tampons can also contribute to menstrual cramps and some brands may risk long-term health risks due to harmful ingredients used.
  • Change tampons every 4-6 hours, TSS is a risk no matter how long a tampon is used.
  • Don't use tampons during light flow or use too high an absorbency for your flow, with less flow or too high an absorbency tampons will absorb more vaginal fluids, drying out your vagina which causes more damage.
  • the longer you leave a tampon the longer bacteria has to multiply.

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Sources and Citations

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