How to Insert a Tampon Without Stress
Hey lovely. So, you're thinking about using tampons? It's totally normal to feel a mix of curiosity and maybe a little bit of nervousness. Learning how to insert a tampon is a personal journey, and my goal here is to be your friendly guide, helping you feel informed, relaxed, and ready before you even open the box.
Feeling Ready: A Gentle Introduction to Tampons
It’s so easy to feel like you’re the only one with questions, but trust me, you are not alone in this.
There’s no "right" time or age to start using tampons. The only timeline that matters is yours. Whether you’re curious about swimming on your period or just want an alternative to pads, the choice is completely up to you, and we're here to support you.
Getting to Know Your Body
Before we jump into the how-to, let's start with a little anatomy. Honestly, understanding your beautiful body is the biggest step toward feeling confident and in control. Your body is perfectly designed for this, and a little knowledge goes a long way.
A tampon goes into your vaginal opening, which sits between your urethra (where pee comes out) and your anus. Fun fact: your vaginal canal is a clever, muscular passage that's only about 7-10 cm long (or 3-4 inches), and it leads up to your cervix.
It's a common worry, but a tampon physically cannot get lost inside you. The opening of the cervix is far too tiny for a tampon to pass through, so you can put that fear to rest right now.
This means you can relax knowing there’s a definite end point. You're safe.
Tackling Those First-Time Nerves
It is 100% okay to be nervous. Trying something new with your body can feel like a big deal, because it is! Let’s talk through some of those common worries together to help build your confidence from the get-go.
A few things that might be on your mind:
- Will it hurt? Inserting a tampon shouldn't be painful at all. If you feel any pain, it's usually just a little sign that you need to adjust your angle or try again when you're feeling more relaxed.
- What if I can't get it in? This is so, so common for beginners! Patience is your best friend here. If it doesn’t work the first time, take a break, have a cup of tea, and come back to it later.
- Will I feel it once it's in? The best part about a correctly inserted tampon is that you shouldn’t feel it at all. If you do, it probably just needs to be pushed in a little further.
Remember, you are in complete charge. This is your experience, and we’re just here to support you every step of the way.
Finding Your Perfect Tampon Match
Walking down the period care aisle can feel pretty overwhelming, with so many boxes and options staring back at you. I get it. But finding the right tampon is much easier than it looks, and I’m here to help you break it down.
Let's turn that wall of choices into a simple decision you feel great about.
First Things First: Absorbency
The first thing you’ll probably notice is all the different absorbency levels – usually Light, Regular, Super, and sometimes Super Plus. This has nothing to do with your body size; it’s all about matching the tampon to your unique flow, which can change completely from one day to the next.
For anyone just starting out, my best advice is to begin with the lightest absorbency you think you’ll need. A ‘Light’ or ‘Regular’ tampon is often smaller and can feel much more comfortable to insert while you’re getting the hang of things. You can always change it a bit more often as you get to know your flow.
This gentle approach is all about building your confidence without any unnecessary pressure.
We've put together a simple table to help you figure out which absorbency is right for you on any given day.
Your Guide to Tampon Absorbency Levels in New Zealand
| Absorbency Level | Best For | Grams of Fluid Held | Beginner Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | The very start of end of your period | 6g - 9g | A great starting point for most people. |
| Regular | Heavier flow days | 9g - 11g | For when you need a bit more protection. |
| Super | Your heaviest flow, usually the first few days | 12g - 15g | The best choice for maximum-flow days. |
Remember, it’s totally normal to use different sizes throughout your cycle. You might need a Super on day two but a Mini by day five. Listening to your body is key.
Choosing Your Applicator and Materials
Next up is the great applicator debate: Do you need an applicator? If so, should you go with a smooth plastic or eco-friendly cardboard?
Many first-timers find that plastic applicators glide in more easily, which can be a real plus. On the other hand, cardboard applicators are a more sustainable choice, and modern designs are made to be comfortable, too. There’s no right or wrong answer here – it’s all about what feels best for you and aligns with your values.
Beyond the applicator, what the tampon itself is made of is the most important decision.
Many conventional tampons contain a blend of cotton and rayon, but opting for 100% certified organic cotton is a wonderfully kind choice for your body. If you’re curious about what’s lurking in standard products, you can learn more about what's in your tampon and why choosing organic really matters.
The demand for kinder, more transparent period products is definitely growing. In fact, the Asia Pacific tampon market, which includes New Zealand, is expected to grow by about 7.7% annually between 2024 and 2030. This shift is all about a greater awareness of what we're putting in our bodies.
By choosing mindfully, you're joining a community that values both personal and planetary health.
Your Practical Guide to Inserting a Tampon
Alright, lovely, let’s walk through this together. This is the practical part, but the most important thing to remember is to be gentle with yourself. There’s no rush and no pressure to get it perfect on the first try.
First things first, always wash your hands with soap and water before and after you do anything. This simple step is key to keeping everything hygienic and healthy. Once you're ready, unwrap your fresh Crimson Organic tampon and take a few slow, deep breaths to help your body relax.
Finding a Comfortable Position
Your body is clever—when you're tense, your muscles tighten up, which can make insertion tricky. Finding a relaxed position that works for you is a total game-changer. It’s all about creating an easy pathway.
Most people find one of these positions works beautifully:
- Sitting on the toilet, letting your knees fall apart naturally.
- Standing with one foot up on the edge of the bath or the toilet lid.
- Squatting slightly, with your knees bent and legs apart.
Experiment a bit to see what feels most natural. The goal is to open up your pelvic area and relax those muscles.
Remember, you are in complete control of this entire process. If something doesn't feel right, you can stop, take a break, and try again whenever you feel ready. Your comfort is the top priority.
This infographic breaks down the initial prep into a simple, visual flow.
Sometimes, just visualising these simple steps can help make the whole thing feel less intimidating and more manageable.
Getting the Angle Just Right
Now for the part that makes all the difference: the angle. It’s a common misconception that a tampon goes straight up, but your vaginal canal actually slopes gently towards your lower back.
Hold the applicator at the grip (the little indented part) with your thumb and middle finger. Place the tip of the applicator at your vaginal opening and gently start to push it inwards, aiming it toward your tailbone, not up toward your belly button. Slide the outer tube in until your fingers touch your body.
Next, use your pointer finger to push the inner tube all the way in—this is what releases the tampon into place. Once you've done that, gently pull the applicator out. The string should be left hanging outside your body, ready for easy removal later.
The best part? When a tampon is in the right spot, you shouldn’t feel it at all. If it feels poky or uncomfortable, it probably just needs to go a little further in. Don't be afraid to take it out and try again with a fresh one. You've got this.
Navigating Common Worries and Questions
It's completely normal to have a few ‘what ifs’ buzzing around in your head, especially when you're just starting out with tampons. Let’s tackle them head-on with love and reassurance, because talking about our worries is the best way to make them feel smaller.
One of the biggest anxieties is just not knowing if you're doing it "right," particularly if it feels a bit off at first. Finding a period product that feels comfortable is a top priority for so many of us. In fact, a 2024 focus group with Kiwi teens found that comfort was a massive factor in their choices, leading many to experiment until they found their perfect fit.
What If It Feels Uncomfortable?
If you can feel the tampon after you’ve put it in—maybe it pokes you when you sit down or walk—it’s nearly always a sign that it’s not quite in far enough. This is a super common hurdle for beginners, so don't you worry!
Here’s what to do:
- Gently push it a little further in, aiming it toward your lower back, not straight up.
- If that doesn’t do the trick, it’s best to just take it out and start fresh with a new one.
When a tampon is in the right place, you honestly shouldn't feel it at all. It sits in a sweet spot just beyond your lower vaginal muscles where your body can hold it comfortably.
What If I Struggle to Get It In?
Please know this is incredibly normal. If you're having a hard time getting a tampon in, your body might just be telling you to take a breath. Feeling tense can cause your vaginal muscles to tighten up, making insertion tricky.
The most important thing is to be patient with yourself. Take a few deep, calming breaths to help your whole body relax. If it’s still not working, that’s okay! There’s no pressure. You can always stop and try again later when you feel more at ease.
Can a Tampon Get Lost Inside Me?
This is a huge worry for so many people, so let’s clear this one up for good: a tampon absolutely cannot get lost inside you. I promise.
Your vagina is a clever, closed system. It connects to your uterus at the cervix, and the opening of your cervix is far, far too tiny for a tampon to ever pass through. It simply has nowhere to go!
The string might tuck itself away sometimes, but the tampon will always be within reach in your vaginal canal. Knowing this can help you feel so much more secure. And remember, changing your tampon regularly (every 4-8 hours) is vital for staying healthy and safe. We have a helpful guide that explains more about why tampon safety is so important.
What To Do After You’ve Put Your Tampon In
You did it! Take a moment to feel good about trying something new for yourself. Now that the tampon is in place, what comes next is actually really simple. It’s all about staying comfortable, happy, and safe.
The golden rule is to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours. If you’re just starting out, setting a quiet reminder on your phone can be a great way to build the habit. This isn't just about preventing leaks; it's the single most important step in protecting yourself from infections like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
How to Remove and Dispose of Your Tampon
When it’s time for a change, the good news is that taking a tampon out is even easier than putting one in.
First, relax. Find a comfy position, like sitting on the toilet, and locate the string. Then, just give it a gentle, steady pull, and it will slide right out. Easy as that.
Now for disposal. We don't recommend that you flush tampons down the toilet. They can cause some serious plumbing blockages and aren't great for our waterways (although a 100% organic cotton tampon will breakdown very quickly if you do happen to flush it by accident)
The best way to dispose of a tampon is to wrap it in a bit of toilet paper (or the wrapper from your new one) and pop it straight into a rubbish bin. It's a small action that makes a huge difference.
Globally, one person can use between 5,000 and 15,000 pads and tampons in their lifetime, which really adds up. By being mindful about how you dispose of your period products, you're helping reduce pollution and showing a little kindness to the planet.
Building a routine that is kind to your body and the environment is a beautiful act of self-care. And remember, learning how to take your vaginal health seriously during your period is the foundation of a comfortable and confident experience.
Your Tampon Questions Answered
Still got a few things you're wondering about? That’s brilliant. Getting curious is a massive part of feeling comfortable and confident when you’re learning how to use a tampon. Let’s tackle some of the most common questions we hear, so you can feel totally reassured.
Can I Go Swimming While Wearing a Tampon?
You absolutely can! This is honestly one of the best things about tampons. Because they sit inside your body, they won't soak up water from the pool or the ocean like a pad would.
Just pop in a fresh one right before you hop in the water and change it again not too long after you get out. It’s a simple step that keeps everything hygienic and lets you enjoy your swim without a single worry. Go have fun!
What Should I Do If I Can Still Feel the Tampon?
If you can feel the tampon after you've put it in, that’s just your body’s friendly way of telling you it’s not quite in far enough. Don't stress, this happens to almost everyone when they're starting out!
The best thing to do is to gently take it out and try again with a new one. You're aiming for that 'sweet spot' just past the lower vaginal muscles, where you shouldn't feel a thing.
Is It Okay to Be Nervous About Trying a Tampon?
It is 100% okay and totally normal to feel a bit nervous. It’s your body, and trying something new like this can feel like a big deal.
Be patient and incredibly kind to yourself. There's no rush and no timeline you have to stick to. Give it a go when you feel relaxed and have plenty of privacy. If it doesn't work out the first time, you can always try again another day. You are always in control.
Ready to try a tampon that's as kind to your body as it is to the planet? Explore the Crimson Organic range of 100% certified organic cotton tampons and feel the difference for yourself. Find your perfect match today.
