The tampon goes into the vagina which is the middle opening between the uretha (at the front, where urine leaves the body) and the anus (at the back, where excrement leaves the body).
We always recommend that you match the tampon to your period flow, not your age or size, to find the right tampon. It's a good idea to start with the lowest absorbency. Tampax® Compak are especially designed for girls trying tampons for the first time. Slim applicator tubes make it easy to insert tampons and position them correctly. If you have to change your tampon more than every 4hrs, you should move to the next absorbency. If the tampon isn't fully saturated after 8hrs. you should move down an absorbency, or try sanitary pads instead of tampons.
If you insert a tampon properly, and place it far enough inside the vagina you shouldn't feel any discomfort at all. If you are too tense it may hurt slightly to insert a tampon, so try and relax. Only ever practice inserting a tampon when you are menstruating. Once your tampon is inserted if you still feel discomfort, it may be that you haven't inserted it far enough. This usually happens if your flow is light, as it's trickier to put a tampon into place if your vagina is quite dry. This is quite common. If this happens to you, just remove the tampon and try again with a new one. So try relaxing by taking slow deep breaths and guide the tampon upwards and backwards towards the small of your back. If you still have problems inserting tampons, we suggest you wait and try again when your period flow is heavier.
Here are some steps for inserting a tampon.................
Step 1
Wash your hands and unwrap a fresh tampon. If you are using applicator tampons such as Tampax ® Compak ensure you have extended the applicator tubes fully. Stand or sit in a comfortable position: some women find it easiest to crouch down with their knees apart or to stand with one foot on the toilet seat or bath. Hold the applicator (where the ridges are on the tube) with the thumb and middle finger of one hand.
Step 2
With your other hand, spread the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. Place the tip of the outer tube of the tampon applicator (not the end with the cord hanging out) in the opening of your vagina.
Step 3
The vagina slants upwards towards your back. So, gently slide the applicator in an upwards and backwards direction. It sometimes helps to slightly rotate or twist the applicator when inserting the tampon. Stop pushing when your thumb and finger touch your body.
Step 4
Still holding the applicator on the ridges, push the bottom of the small tube completely up inside the larger tube. This slides the tampon out of the applicator and into your vagina.
Step 5
Hold tightly onto the two tubes (one is inside the other). To dispose of these tubes wrap them in tissue and put them in a bin. You'll see that the cord of the tampon is hanging down outside your body.
