How do you use a tampax?

Answer 1

Inserting the tampon:

Finding a comfortable position

Many teens have found that standing with their knees slightly bent is a very comfortable and easy way to reach the vaginal area, with the vaginal opening's muscles relaxed.

Inserting the applicator

With some compack tampon styles, you'll see that the plastic applicator is made of two tubes, one fitting inside the other. So you'll need to pull the inner tube out 'till it "clicks" at the bottom of the outer tube, prior to inserting the applicator.

Hold the applicator lightly on the outer insertion tube at the grip location with your thumb and middle finger. Remember to keep your pointer finger away from the applicator. With the removal string hanging down, insert the outer tube (for some tampons, this is the rounded tip of the applicator) into your vaginal opening at a slight upward angle, toward the small of your back. Gently slide the applicator all the way into your vagina, until your fingers touch your body.

Placing the tampon inside

With your pointer finger, slide the inner tube all the way into the outer tube until the ends of both tubes are even --- this slides the tampon out of the applicator and into the right place in your vagina.

Removing both applicator tubes

Firmly hold on to the two tubes that are now one inside the other. Gently take out both tubes together, leaving the tampon inside your body and the string hanging outside ready for removal. When your tampon is inserted correctly, you shouldn't even feel it. If it feels uncomfortable, it is probably not placed far enough into your vagina. The uncomfortable feeling comes from the tampon rubbing against the muscles at the opening of the vagina. If this happens, simply remove the tampon and try again with a new one, making sure to insert it deeper into your body. It's normal for beginners to try insertion a few times before they get it right.

Applicator Disposal: Plastic Applicator

Do not flush the plastic applicator or wrapper. After you have inserted the tampon, you can place the used applicator back into the wrapper and dispose into a trash can.

Answer 2

Firstly you ensure that you are using the correct absorbency - always start with lowest absorbency during full flow. If the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours you can use the next absorbency up, if not saturated after 4-6 hours use lower absorbency or if already using lowest absorbency switch to pads.

You need to wash your hands first, and get into a comfortable position - you may try laying down during your first try, but sitting on the toilet with your legs apart is usually the easiest position. Once you're comfortable unwrap the tampon and then with your other hand part your inner labia so that your vaginal opening is easy to get to and position the applicator within the vaginal opening.

When ready push the inner part of the applicator so that it pushes the tampon out of the applicator and into the vagina - it should be aimed towards the small of your back, applicators do make insertion more difficult but if you relax it should go into place. If you struggle with insertion try masturbating beforehand so that you're fully relaxed, and try lubrication like KY Jelly.

Once inserted you shouldn't feel the tampon - if it hurts to move or sit then it's not inserted far enough so push in further with your finger and know for next time to insert higher. The string should be hanging out of the vagina for easy removal later: remove after 4-6 hours, remember not to use tampons to bed and alternate with pads as often as possible. Throw the applicator in the bin, and when it comes to remove the tampon relax and pull out gently with the string, once removed wrap-up the tampon and throw it in the bin (do not flush tampons - even if they claim to be flushable).