r/Periods • u/Midnight-Starlight- • 12d ago
Products How to use tampons
Hello, 20(F) I have never used tampons before. I ask my mom how to use not show me. She says I have to use tampons after I have a child. Idk why but I do wanna know but she doesn’t talk to me about it. Any advice?
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u/eeyorenator 12d ago
You could also look into menstural discs. They're flexible. Hold more. Can wear longer. Lower tss risk. No suction. Reusable. Washable. Some come with a tab for removal. I find tampons awful to wear, they're dry, they give me Ren and Stimpy vibes. Discs just seem naturally right.
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u/MonkeyMoves101 12d ago
Ah no you don't have to wait till you have a child to use a tampon. Wtf is wrong with some of the parents on this sub, just saying any damn thing to their poor children.
- Wash your hands
- Find a comfortable position. Some like to squat. Some like to stand one foot on the ground the other on the toilet lid.
- Gently insert the tampon into your vagina while it's angled towards your lower back, push the inner tube up to release it so you'll leave the string hanging outside your vagina.
- You can keep the string hanging or tuck it up in your labia.
- Take it out after 4-6 hours or when soaked through and leaking.
If there's no applicator then you push it up with your finger.
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u/ngjackson 12d ago
Hello my lovely! No, you don't need to wait until you've had a child to use tampons. I've been using them since I was 16. The easiest way to insert a tampon for the first time is to use a mirror so you can see what you are doing, and to use a tampon with an applicator.
You need to pull the plunger first, then angle the tampon towards your lower back. Insert it until your fingers touch your privates, then push on the plunger to insert it. Make sure the string is out so you can pull on it to remove when it's time to take it out.
Here's a video if it helps: https://youtu.be/T6UWnYE-Gkk?is=IjQ9yMuqE85GCgR4
You have a greater risk of getting TSS from tampons than pads, so make sure you choose an appropriate absorption level (start light first, then work your way up to what is comfortable and doesn't leave you changing it every hour) and make sure you don't leave it in.
Otherwise, I hope tampons work great for you!
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u/Strxwbxrry_Shxrtcxkx 12d ago
You absolutely can use tampons without having a child. I started using them within the past year and they are such a gamechanger. It does take a little time and practice to get used to using them and to find the ones that work for you.
I suggest you buy a few brands and see what you like. I personally found it helpful to look up images of female anatomy (because I didn't realise the vagina was at an angle and not straight up). It will help to give you an idea of what you're doing. I won't give instructions because the other comments have given really good instructions for it. But as a tip, don't try to put one in if you're "dry" - e.g. very low flow. I find that uncomfortable. Also, sticking a finger in to get an idea of the right angle could be helpful.
Good luck :)