Now that you have mastered how to insert a tampon, it's time to learn how to remove a tampon. When it's time to remove your tampon, first wash your hands. Next, get into a comfortable position, relax your body, and use your hands to locate the tampon string. Then use your finger and thumb to grip the string and pull it slowly out of your vagina. We know it’s tempting, but please do not flush your tampon. Tampons should be disposed of properly in with your household waste. After you have removed the tampon, remember to wash your hands. Make sure to change your tampon every four to eight hours, depending on your flow and comfort. Do not leave a tampon in for longer than eight hours. You can wear a tampon overnight, but insert right before going to sleep and remove it as soon as you wake up. All tampon sizes come in a variety of applicators. It’s up to you which type of applicator you prefer. But it’s important to note that one type of applicator isn’t considered the best. Plastic applicators It can definitely feel a bit strange, especially if it’s your first time inserting a tampon. The good news is that it doesn’t have to hurt – you are totally in control. If it’s hurting, there are things you can do to make it more comfortable. Keep reading! Steps for how to insert a tampon Step 1: Wash your hands If you’re struggling to insert a tampon, ask someone you trust, like your mom or sister, who has used tampons to help you.

Find a position you feel comfortable in––it varies for each person, but a tampon can be inserted while squatting, sitting or putting one leg up on the toilet seat. If you’re ready to ditch pads, you might want to start out small at first. Try a lower absorbency tampon for your first time. Then, once you have a better gauge on your flow and insertion, you can move around to a higher absorbency. You’ve never engaged in penetrative vaginal sexual activity Tampons can certainly stretch the hymen, but this isn’t always the case. Not all people are born with intact hymens, so plenty never “break” or “pop” at all. If you’re nervous, talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider about your reservations and what your best move is. You’re using tampons for the first time If you have trouble inserting a tampon or if you have persistent pain related to insertion, you should always get medical attention from a doctor you trust. Don’t suffer in silence or be inconvenienced because it feels embarrassing. We promise you it’s not! Gynaecologists deal with these issues more often than you would think. How to remove your tampon

Once you’ve inserted tip to grip, it’s time to use your index finger or your other hand to push the plunger all the way into the applicator and release the tampon. Step 9: Remove the applicator These can be much cheaper than plastic applicators. You might encounter them in tampon vending machines in public restrooms. The applicator is made with rigid cardboard. Some people find discomfort while inserting this type of applicator. Digital tampons Now you’re ready. Slowly insert the tampon applicator from the tip, all the way to the grip. When you’ve inserted it far enough, your fingers on the grip will probably be touching your vulva (the external opening of your vagina). Step 8: Plunge That said, it shouldn’t deter you from using a tampon if you’ve never engaged in penetrative sexual activity. Try starting out with lighter absorbency tampons, and work your way up from there. You experience pelvic pain

It’s always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water before and after you insert a tampon. Step 2: Get out your tampon We know you know where it is, but so many people have never really looked closely enough to know its exact position. Grab a mirror and take a look to make sure you’re familiar with your vaginal opening and where the tampon will go. Step 4: Get comfortable and ready to put the tampon in The most common reason people can’t get a tampon in is that they are inserting it at the wrong angle, or they get nervous and tense the muscles around the vaginal opening. But if you’ve adjusted the angle, and you feel pretty relaxed and you still can’t get it in, you should see a gynaecologist, as it may be something that requires treatment. Usually it’s one of two things: Potential complication: your hymen If your tampon is uncomfortable and makes you feel like you need to waddle, it’s probably because it isn’t far enough inside your vagina. If that happens, just use your finger to push the tampon further up, which usually fixes it. If you’re still having trouble Many doctors recommend light absorbency tampons for your first menstruation. Others recommend starting with pads first, then moving to tampons once you’re comfortable.

A new time for that time of the month

Hold the tampon at the grip (the smaller part just above the plunger) and place the tip of the tampon applicator at your vaginal opening. Step 6: Use the right angle

If it’s your first time Tampaxing, we’re here to help! Putting in your first tampon can feel intimidating, but once you learn how to insert a tampon, you’ll find it’s not as weird or scary as you thought it would be. Will the tampon fit? Your tampon should come out easily if it’s full. All you need to do is gently tug on the tampon’s string. The other reason some people can’t insert a tampon is because of a condition called vaginismus, which is when the muscles around the vaginal opening squeeze so tight that they won’t let anything into the vagina. These contractions are involuntary, meaning you don’t control them or even realise what’s happening. Most commonly, this condition develops after an injury or traumatic experience that may or may not involve the vagina. Vaginismus is not something you can control, but it is something that can go away with treatment. Again, this would involve speaking to your gynaecologist who could potentially advise you to work with a pelvic floor physiotherapist – they can work wonders in treating vaginismus. Bottom line – there's help Find a comfortable position that lets you relax and still reach your vagina. Most people sit on the toilet or stand while slightly squatting to insert a tampon, but you can also try lying down or propping one foot up on a step or another raised surface (e.g., the edge of the bath). The most important thing is to take a deep breath and relax all your muscles – if you squeeze your bum or tense the muscles around the vagina, it won’t be as easy to insert the tampon. Step 5: Set the tip You did it! Once you’ve inserted the tampon, you’re done. Keep reading to learn how to remove it. A pro-tip for inserting a tamponPush the tampon inside the vagina, using an applicator or your own finger if your tampon doesn’t have an applicator. A smooth and rounded applicator will make insertion easier for most people. These applicators might be more comfortable or easier to insert. However, because they’re made of more expensive material, they can also be more expensive than cardboard or applicator-free alternatives. Extendable applicators These tampons aren't anything new or unique; most brands have offered the compact format for years.