Tampons: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started

Tampons can seem a little scary the first time you think about them, but here's a secret: lots of girls find they love them once they've practised a bit. Let's walk through it together, gently and at your own pace.

What are tampons?

Tampons are small, soft, cylinder-shaped products that go inside your vagina to soak up period blood before it leaves your body.

When to try one

There's no rule about the "right" time! Many girls try tampons when:

• They want to swim during their period.
• They're playing sports or being active.
• They feel comfortable with their body.
• They simply feel ready.

The different types

By absorbency

• Light: for lighter days, and a great place for beginners to start.
• Regular: for an average flow.
• Super: for heavier days.
• Super plus: for a very heavy flow.

By applicator

• Plastic applicator: smooth and easy, often the easiest for beginners.
• Cardboard applicator: kinder to the planet, but a little less smooth.
• No applicator: you gently insert it with your finger.

How to insert a tampon

1. Wash your hands: always start clean.
2. Get comfortable: sit on the toilet, stand with one foot up on the edge, or squat.
3. Relax!: tensing up makes it harder, so take a slow breath.
4. Hold the applicator at the grip (the middle section).
5. Gently insert the tip into your vagina, angled toward your lower back.
6. Push the plunger to release the tampon inside.
7. Slide out the applicator: the tampon stays put.
8. Leave the string hanging outside so you can remove it later.

Tips for first-timers

If it hurts

• You might be a little tense, take a few deep breaths.
• Try a slightly different angle.
• If it really hurts, stop. Pushing harder is not the answer. If it hurts every single time, or you can't get one in at all after a few calm goes, tell a trusted adult and ask to see a doctor. Usually it is just practice, but sometimes there is a physical reason a doctor can check for and help with.
• Try a smaller size or one with a smooth applicator.

If you can feel it

• It's probably not in quite far enough.
• Gently push it in a bit more with your finger.
• If it's still uncomfortable, take it out and start fresh.

If you can't find the string

• Don't panic, it's still there!
• Bear down gently (like you're going to the bathroom).
• Wash your hands, then reach in and feel around carefully with one finger. If you can't reach it, or it feels stuck, stop and tell a trusted adult the same day. A doctor or a clinic can take it out in minutes, and they have done it many times before. Don't leave it and hope it sorts itself out.

Important safety rules

1. Change every 4 to 8 hours, never leave one in longer than 8 hours.
2. Use the lowest absorbency that does the job.
3. One tampon at a time: always remove the old one first.
4. Don't flush them: wrap and pop in the bin.
5. Know about TSS: a rare but life-threatening illness caused by bacteria releasing toxins in the body. The signs are just below, and they are worth remembering.

A quick word on TSS

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is very rare, but it moves fast, so the signs are worth knowing by heart. Take your tampon out and tell a trusted adult straight away if you get any of these:

• A high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery.
• Aching muscles.
• Something that comes on fast and feels like flu.
• A raised rash that feels rough like sandpaper, or a rash that looks like sunburn.
• Being sick or having diarrhoea.
• Feeling dizzy or confused.

Tell the adult you were using a tampon, because that changes what a doctor looks for, and ask to be seen the same hour rather than waiting to see if it passes. If you feel confused, faint or short of breath, that is an ambulance.

TSS can happen even when you have done everything right, so speaking up is never an overreaction.

Remember

It might take a few goes before tampons feel easy, and that's completely normal, lots of girls practise several times before it clicks. Be patient and kind to yourself; you've got this, and Sosô is cheering you on. 💛