How to put in a tampon

Use the lowest absorbency you need, change it every 4 to 8 hours, and take it out at once if you suddenly feel ill.

Two cupped hands holding a small bunch of clean, unwrapped tampons over a soft white rug — Photo: Polina Zimmerman / Pexels

Area: BodyFrom age 11Time to learn: 15 minutes to read; a few tries to get comfortable

To use a tampon, wash your hands, relax, and aim toward the small of your back until your fingers touch your body. Change it every 4 to 8 hours, never wear one longer than 8 hours, and know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome.

SafetyToxic shock syndrome is rare but can be fatal. If you get a sudden fever (usually 102°F, about 38.9°C, or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting or feeling faint when you stand up, or a rash like a sunburn while using a tampon, take the tampon out and get medical help right away. If you cannot insert a tampon after several tries, or it hurts, see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Why it matters

A tampon in the right place cannot be felt, and learning the angle makes the first tries much easier. Tampons are safe when used as directed. Wearing one too long, or using a higher absorbency than you need, raises the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare illness caused by bacterial toxins that can damage organs and can be fatal if it is not treated quickly.

How to do it

Wash your hands with soap and water. Use tampons only during your period, and read the instructions in the package, even if you have used tampons before. Throw a tampon away if you drop it.
Choose the lowest absorbency that handles your flow. Start with a slender size while you are learning, and keep super sizes for heavy days only. If one tampon lasts 8 hours without needing a change, the absorbency is probably too high.
Get into a comfortable position: sit on the toilet with your knees apart, squat, or stand with one foot raised on the toilet seat or the edge of the tub.
Hold the applicator at its middle, where the outer tube meets the thinner inner tube, with the string hanging down and away from your body.
With your other hand, gently part the labia and place the tip at the opening of the vagina. Push gently, aiming toward the small of your back rather than straight up, until your fingers touch your body and the outer tube is fully inside.
Push the inner tube in with your index finger to release the tampon, then pull the applicator out with your thumb and middle finger. Make sure the string hangs outside your body. For a tampon without an applicator, push it in at the same angle with your index finger.
Check the fit: if it is in the right place, you should not feel it. If it hurts or you can feel it, it is probably not in far enough; take it out and try again with a new one.
Change it every 4 to 8 hours and never leave one in for more than 8 hours. Health Canada advises against using tampons overnight, and Boston Children's Hospital suggests a pad at night, so use a pad while you sleep.
To take it out, relax, hold the string and pull gently downward until the whole tampon is out. Wrap it in toilet paper, put it in the trash, and wash your hands.
If you use a menstrual cup instead, follow the maker's instructions for how long it can stay in and how to clean it, and watch for the same warning signs.

Common mistakes

Pushing straight up instead of angling toward the small of your back.
Using a super absorbency when your flow is not heavy.
Leaving a tampon in for more than 8 hours, or forgetting one is in before putting in another.
Ignoring a sudden fever or rash during your period because it seems like the flu.

You can do this when …you can put in a tampon you cannot feel, take it out without pain, change it within 8 hours, and list the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome.