Are you considering tampon usage for the first time and you are scared you’ll do something wrong? Well, you should know that your tampon usage will soon be a very automated thing – just like riding a bike or driving a car. Approximately 70% of menstruating women in North America and Europe use tampons, so you are joining a wide society.

 

In the USA, tampons are considered a medical device, which is not the case in Europe.

 

It is best that you try using tampons for the first time when you are at home, with no worries regarding time-related tasks that could distract you. This way, you can test which tampon size is appropriate for your flow and see how everything goes.

 

First please read our information about TSS, recommendations and about tampons.

 

You should never forget to wash your hands! You want to make sure you don’t spread any germs inside your vagina.

 

Relax! Tampon insertion will soon become an automated thing to you.

 

Find the vaginal opening, best in standing on one leg and with the other leg on the toilet seat. If you use the tampon with an applicator, insert the applicator tip first. Gently push the plunger all the way in to release the tampon inside the vagina. Once you’ve inserted the tampon, you can remove the applicator and discard it. If you use tampons without the applicator, be sure you extend the string, then put your middle finger on the top of the tampon where the string is. Hold the tampon with index finger and ring finger and push it in the vagina with the middle finger.

 

You should not feel the tampon in your body. If you feel discomfort, check if you inserted it deep enough. When a tampon is pushed far enough and is properly inserted, your vagina naturally holds the tampon in place, even if you are doing something active like sports.

 

Always put the string up towards your navel since you have more chance to “lose” a tampon in the vagina if the string is not visible to you.

 

You should always use just one tampon at a time.

 

Vagina and urethra are two separate openings, so you can pee when you have to go and you can pee without getting your tampon wet. When you pee, move the tampon string to the side or back so it doesn’t get soaked by your urine stream.

 

Try to plan ideal 4 hours change. The best way to know if your tampon needs changing when you are using it for the first time is to give a light pull on the tampon string. If it starts to pull out easily, change it, otherwise you can leave it a bit longer. Try different sizes, mini or small for not much blood, normal or super if you have more blood or if you are not sure, just start with the normal size.

 

If you are soaking through a tampon after two hours, you need a bigger size, if the tampon is dry after 4 hours use a lighter size.

 

If you are repeatedly soaking through a tampon or pad every two hours even when using high absorbency tampon or pad you should consult your doctor about your heavy menstrual bleeding.

 

Using a tampon for your period does not change your virginity status since virginity means you did not have sex yet. It is possible that a tampon stretches your hymen, but it can be stretched in other ways too. Tampons are small and can be inserted through the opening of the hymen without changing the hymen. Sexual intercourse may stretch the hymen to make a larger opening or may cause a tiny tear or change in the shape of the hymen. Even first-time penetrative sex doesn’t always stretch the hymen all the way or as much as you think it would.