Are you planning to ditch your sanitary napkins for tampons? But you are clueless about how to use a tampon? Or is it already your go-to period product but you still get a leakage every now and then? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned tampon user, we’re here to address every tampon-related concern ever. After all, this period product can give you some much-needed comfort during shark week. Unlike pads, it is worn internally, makes no contact with the genital skin and keeps itching, dampness, rashes, and irritation at bay. The best part? You can flaunt your fave bikini with a tampon on when on a vacay, without a care in the world. So here’s the ultimate guide to using it like a pro. Check it out:
How To Use A Tampon
Using a tampon may sound like complicated, but it’s as simple as it gets. We’ve broken it down into two parts–how to remove a tampon and how to insert a tampon. That’s all there is to it. Simple. So follow our lead and get set to make your life easier during shark week:
How To Insert A Tampon
Tampon newbies, take note. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to insert a tampon to make the process simpler for you:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
The most important aspect of using an internally-worn period product is to always handle it with clean hands. That’s because handling one with dirty hands can introduce bacteria into the vagina and cause an infection. So always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before unwrapping your tampon.
Step 2: Sit In A Comfortable Position
Sit in a comfy position that keeps your muscles relaxed and not stiff while allowing you to reach your vagina. Sitting on the toilet seat with your legs wide open or squatting with your knees slightly bent are ideal positions for it. You can also lie down or prop one foot on a raised surface to allow your vaginal muscles to expand and create more room for a tampon.
Step 3: Insert The Tampon Correctly
Hold the middle of the tampon in between your thumb and the middle finger. Make sure that your grip is firm. Place your index finger on the end of the tampon where the cord extends. Open the folds of the labial skin and locate the opening of the vagina using the tip of the tampon. You can also use the other hand to push the skin aside. Finally, slide the tampon in, angling it towards your back.
Now, certain tampons have a syringe-like mechanism. They’re called applicator tampons and come with a plastic or cardboard applicator that pushes the tampon in for you, no fingers involved. So if you’re using one, make sure to hold it diagonally like an injection and push the plunger to make a clicking sound to insert the tampon. Finally, pull out the applicator and you’re done.
Step 4: Do A Little Walk-Check
Before you get up and walk, make sure that the tampon is completely inside the vagina and that its string is the only part hanging out. Now, walk and check if you’re feeling comfortable. Ideally, there should be no heaviness, sensation, or pain between your legs and you should be able to walk easily. Once you get used to wearing a tampon, you won’t even feel like there’s something inside your vagina.
How To Remove A Tampon
Now that you know how to insert a tampon, let’s understand how to remove it too. Follow these three simple steps and you’ll be fine:
Step 1: Sit & Relax Again
Start by washing your hands. For a tampon to come out smoothly, you’ve got to relax your pelvic muscles first. Again, sitting on a toilet seat with legs wide open, squatting, or keeping one leg on a raised surface can help.
Step 2: Pull It Out
Locate the string of the tampon with one hand and push the labial skin aside with the other. Now, relax and gently pull out the tampon using the string. Tada, the tampon will come out easily. In case you feel like it’s stuck or are unable to locate the string, don’t panic. Gently insert two fingers into your vagina and try to locate the tampon. Grab it between your fingers and slowly pull it out. You can also try mimicking the straining movement during constipation. Remember not to go overboard with this. Just a little abdominal pressure and your tampon may fall out on its own.
Step 3: Discard It Responsibly
The right way to discard a used tampon is to wrap it in newspaper or place it in a sanitary disposal bag before tossing it into the bin. Never flush a tampon down the toilet as doing so can make the tampon swell and clog the drains.
Things To Keep In Mind While Using Tampon
If you’ve just started your tampon journey, these pointers will help you understand how to use a tampon even better:
Choose The Right Tampon
Tampon sizes don’t depend on factors like cervical length or strength of your pelvic floor muscles. They usually come in high, medium, and low absorbencies and are to be selected based on the intensity of your period flow. A high-absorbency tampon for a heavy flow and vice-versa. However, a highly absorbent tampon can render your vagina dry. So always start with a tampon with medium or low absorbency. Keep an eye on the duration for which your tampon lasts without leaking. If it leaks in less than three hours, you might have to try a bigger size. If not, stick to the one you’re using.
Try It When The Time’s Right
The best time to try a tampon for the first time is when you have a relaxed day at home ahead so that an accidental leak is manageable.
Use A Lube
Your period blood acts as a lubricant and makes tampon insertion easy. But if you experience any pain or difficulty while inserting a tampon, use a pea-sized amount of lube on your vaginal opening to help ease the tampon in.
Mix & Match
You can use a combination of different tampon sizes for different days of shark week. A regular/large sized tampon for those initial heavy-flow days and a smaller one for the lighter-flow days towards the end of your monthlies.
Sirona Recommends Best Tampons
Sirona Non-Applicator Tampons
Sirona’s Non-Applicator Tampons are made with highly-absorbant fibre and has curved grooves for extra comfort and leak-proof protection. They come with a ‘twist-turn opening’ for easy insertion and are super-easy to use for beginners.
Sirona Premium Applicator Tampons
The Premium Applicator Tampons too are made of ultra-soft natural fibres. They have a syringe-like mechanism and come with an applicator to help insert them easily. They’re comfy, odour-free, and come in three different sizes. You can choose one according to your period flow and rely on them for leak proof protection.
Folks, this handy guide on how to use tampons is sure to help you make the most of this period aid minus any leaks and discomfort. So go ahead, take the plunge and give it a go.
Featured Image: Pexels
