Ask Aunt Lori - Tampons
Dear Aunt Lori,
I got my period while away at summer camp. We're going swimming tomorrow and I don't want to miss it, but I've never put a tampon in before and the instructions and TSS warnings are freaking me out!
Please help!
Unwelcome Surprise
Dear Unwelcome Surprise,
Tampons are sometimes intimidating at first! I have been in your situation before (as have many others) and it was intimidating!
First off, I'll just quickly share some information, then I'll give you a step-by-step guide to inserting and removing the tampon, as well as selecting which tampon to use.
If there's a trusted adult available, ask them for help and advice
TSS (toxic shock syndrome) is a rare illness that is associated with tampon use
Prevent it by using the lowest absorbency for your flow that day, regularly changing them (every 4-8 hours), and don't go to bed for the night with one in (to avoid accidentally sleeping past the mark of the tampon being in for 8 hours)
Symptoms are often flu-like. If you develop flu-like symptoms suddenly when using tampons, remove it and seek medical attention and notify your healthcare providers of recent tampon use
Before inserting, make sure you are familiar with your pelvic floor anatomy; look at yourself with a mirror to familiarize yourself with yourself if you haven't done so before
For the first few times, it is helpful to get the smallest one you can find with the lowest absorbency; there are some light absorbency ones available, but "regular" might be the lowest one you can find
For the first few times, it's probably best to get one with an applicator too
Tampon outside of applicator next to the applicator
Which one do I choose?
The long aisle of tampons in the supermarket is overwhelming if you're already nervous!
Tampons come in a few different styles: applicator/no applicator, cardboard applicator/plastic applicator, expands sideways/expands 365°, and a variety of absorbencies, plus some other options too! Though commonly mistaken for the "size of your vagina", the "normal/super/etc" is the absorbency. The 2 most common absorbencies are in bold:
Light - 3 mL of fluid
Regular - 5 mL of fluid
Super - 12 mL of fluid
Super plus - 15mL of fluid
Ultra - 18 mL of fluid
Tampax absorbencies
It can be hard to estimate how many mL of fluid your flow is, so here's the list of absorbencies with an example of the amount of fluid:
Light - about half a teaspoon
Regular - volume of 3 sugar packets
Super - about the volume of fluid released in 6 sneezes
Super plus - the average sip of water
Ultra- about the volume of 2 ketchup packets
The first two days of your period are often the heaviest, so if you're starting with the lowest absorbency and it's the first two days of your period, keep this in mind and you may need to change it more frequently.
If the tampon feels dry or uncomfortable to remove, you should go to the next lowest absorbency until it's not uncomfortable to remove. Some tampons expand sideways as they absorb fluid, but some expand like a flower blooming; if you find that you feel uncomfortable as it expands, try switching to the other style. The goal is to not feel it during use.
Insertion
This may seem scary now, but I promise it gets easier as you become more familiar with it!
Find a comfortable position: sitting on the toilet with your legs spread, standing up with one foot on the toilet, or lying down with your legs bent and to the side.
If you're not familiar with your personal anatomy, it is helpful to use a mirror to guide you. Anatomical diagram of the pelvic floor here:
Remove the tampon and quickly look it over and make sure that the applicator is intact and the string is hanging out the end.
Grip the tampon at the base just above the plunger with your thumb and middle finger - there are grooves on the applicator to indicate where to hold it. Lightly place the tip of your index finger on the end of the plunger (where the string hangs out).
Insert the tampon into the vagina at a very slight angle towards the anus with slow, steady pressure. You might feel more comfortable going at a very slow pace and that's okay!
Keep inserting it until your fingers touch your labia, then press the plunger
Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash (do NOT flush)
If you feel uncomfortable, remove it and try again. The most common reason that it feels uncomfortable is that it hasn't been inserted far enough into the vaginal canal - don't worry, there's no chance of it going too far in and getting lost!
It may take you a few tries to get it right - just breath, try to relax, and go slow!
Just breathe, you can do it!
Removal
So it's been 4-8 hours and it's time to remove it! If you have leaks before the 4 hour mark, you should probably go to the next absorbency. Many people also wear a thin pantyliner to catch any potential leaks. If you are soaking a regular or greater absorbency tampon in an hour or less, see your healthcare provider, preferably an OB/GYN!
Get into a comfortable position again
Feel around in your pelvic floor for the tampon string
When you've located it, hold it firmly and pull it out with slow, steady pressure.
It can be helpful to look at the tampon and note if there are any clots or differences in the fluid.
Wrap the tampon in toilet paper, or a tampon wrapper and dispose of it in the trash.
It is hotly debated whether you can flush a used tampon in the toilet or not, but most brands recommend against it and many public restrooms have signs discouraging it due to plumbing issues
Best of luck!
It can be intimidating the first few times and may take a few tries or mental countdowns, but it gets easier over time - I promise! Just take a few deep breaths and try to relax as much as you can. No shame in doing it slowly or having to redo it a few times; it's new and you're learning!
I hope this helped and you have a great time swimming!
Aunt Lori
Have questions you want me to answer? Fill out my Google form here and select "Ask Aunt Lori"! No judgment, just ask away!
