How To Use a Tampon: The Straightforward Guide You Need to Master the Tampon

Sounds basic, but seriously, how do you insert a tampon? Enter, a little tampon 101.

Total Time: 2 minutes

Prepare yo-self

Ready to insert your tampon? Start off by washing your hands. If you’re using a tampon with an applicator, hold the part at the bottom of the applicator between your thumb and middle finger. For non-applicator tampons, hold the bottom of the tampon itself in the same way.

Find the right angle for tampon insertion

Spread your labia to make way for the tampon. Insert the tampon into your vaginal opening at an angle of ~ 45˚. Some people find it helpful to stand with one foot on the toilet or bathtub. Though everyone’s vagina is different, it will be challenging to get the tampon to sit deep enough if you try inserting straight on. Shallow tampons = ?

Push it (real good)

Once the tampon is deep enough (tip: it is usually deep enough when your fingers are touching/close to touching your vagina) use your pointer finger to gently push the tampon out of the applicator/push the tampon into place (if not using an applicator).

Relax and make sure it’s comfortable

Sometimes it can be difficult to get the tampon into place – maybe there isn’t enough lubrication or your muscles are too tense. First, relax. Second, don’t be afraid to stick a finger up there and gently push the tampon into place. Being able to feel your tampon when you walk or sit down is the worst, but once you get it in place you shouldn’t be able to feel anything.

Finish up

Throw the applicator in the trash, button up those cute jeans (or pull up those comfy sweatpants—we feel you), and wash your hands! 

*Important note: Tampons are NOT for flushing! They don’t break down like toilet paper, so they can easily clog your system and we would hate to see that happen (also, it’s rude to anyone on the other side of the clog). Instead, wrap that baby up and toss it in the trash. If you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly option, consider no applicator, a reusable applicator, or a menstrual cup. 

Remove the tampon (when you’re ready)

Before you do anything, wash those hands. Then, to take out your tampon, gently pull the string. If you have a freak out moment and can’t find the string, take a deep breath; we promise, it’s there. Just feel around and you will find it. If you’re finding it a little painful to remove the tampon, it might be too dry if it hasn’t absorbed enough blood. You can try leaving it in (but do not exceed eight hours) and next time, opt for one with a lower absorbency level, depending, of course, on your flow.

Still having trouble with tampons?

Bear in mind, tampons aren’t for everyone. If you’re using a tampon for the first time, be patient with yourself. Try using a mirror. Listen to some relaxing or even “pump up” music. It might just take you a little bit of practice. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for tips from someone who uses tampons!

If you’re finding it really uncomfortable to impossible to use a tampon or you experience a lot of pain upon insertion, this can be super frustrating and it might not be your best option. So, what could be going on?

For one, you might be experiencing vaginal dryness. This could be for any number of reasons and a little lube can go a long way! You might also try a tampon with a lower absorbency level. If your vagina feels tense, you might have a condition known as vaginismus; if the sensation feels more like a painful sting, you might have vulvodynia. Check out our Pelvic Pain Guide for a list of potential causes. It’s also possible your pain is stemming from a vaginal infection, an STI, a cyst, or inflammation of the cervix.

Some people who have historically experienced sensitivity to tampons report a more comfortable experience using organic cotton tampons due to the lack of potentially irritating chemicals. Other options, if you want to abandon tampons altogether, include pads, period underwear, or menstrual cups. At the end of the day, it’s your period and it’s up to you what product(s) you use to manage it! Don’t force something that doesn’t feel good and instead find what works best for you.

Must be looooooove on the braaaaain 🧠. Or was that s£x? 👀🤭 Our brains are our largest s£x organs and sometimes they get a little sad, hyperactive, anxious, or overwhelmed. You won’t always be in the mood for s£x and that’s okay! Keep communication with your partner open and ongoing, check in with yourself and your mental health, and lean on the support of a trusted therapist or doctor if you need some extra guidance. 🫶🏽 Anything you would add?

I mean 😏

It is not wrong nor should it feel shameful to ✨seek pleasure.✨ I think those of us who grew up more religious were taught that you should always be in service of others and giving of yourself rather than concerned with our own needs or passions. While it is wonderful to be generous with giving (and can in fact be a source of pleasure), it should be equally encouraged to pursue your own pleasure — it whatever form it may take! It may feel self-indulgent, but why is that a bad thing? Pleasure boosts our mental health. It helps us cope with a difficult world, with anxiety, depression, and stress. It makes us feel good! It gives us something to look forward to. Pleasure helps us connect with others and with ourselves. Pleasure (as long as it is not at the expense of someone else’s safety or well-being) should be a priority, for our joy and for our health. It really is so important! Where do you find pleasure? I personally love a good massage… 💆🏽‍♀️

It’s time for a talk, friend. Let’s be clear, you nor your partner ever has to do *anything* you’re not comfortable with. That said, if it’s something you enjoy and that’s pleasurable to you, it’s okay to ask your partner for it! They can say no, but if they invalidate your pleasure, much less expect you to do something they won’t do?? The ball is then in your court to decide if this is the partner for you. You deserve someone who cares about and prioritizes your pleasure. Who is thrilled to be acquainted with your body, all of it! S-x can be vulnerable to talk about, but when you do…it’s so much better. 👅 included. Ask your partner what their hesitations are and have a *conversation.* Maybe they’re nervous, intimidated, or struggling with shame. Maybe they’re down to try other things you would enjoy and build up to it. The point is, it shouldn’t just be automatically dismissed. You can decide what’s right for you and what makes you feel aroused, validated, and appreciated. Whatever you do, don’t internalize their rejection. Your body is beautiful, desirable, and definitely worthy of pleasure. 😋🥰

A UK study published in the International Urogynecology Journal found that only 46% of participants correctly identified that a female has 3 holes in the external genitalia. 😬 Not great. We’re taught so desperately little about our bodies and so discouraged from exploring them that we don’t even know what we’ve got going on down there! Understanding your own anatomy (and getting educated on your partner’s anatomy) can boost pleasure 1000x!! So take a mirror, use your hands, and get comfy exploring! 🪞🕵🏽‍♀️ And if you really want to get informed (and inspired 😉), head to our website for our basics on pleasure and anatomy. What do you think? Could YOU correctly label a diagram of what lies beneath?

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