How to Insert a Tampon

Most of us will try to use a tampon at some time, so it's important to know how to insert a tampon the right way. It might seem tricky at first, but after trying several times, insertion becomes as easy as putting on a glove.

The key is to RELAX! Worrying about it may make you tense, making insertion even harder. Read the package instruction leaflet carefully, and practice inserting a tampon during your period when your flow is moderate to heavy. Then the tampon should glide in easily. Lubricating the rounded end of the tampon applicator with a water-based gel for the first few tries can also be helpful. And by the way, don't use a petroleum-based jelly. These instructions should make first time insertion easier:

First, look at tampon. The larger outer tube that holds the tampon itself at the very end is the top – this is the part that is inserted into the vagina. Think – top-tampon. The thinner inside tube is the one where the string is showing. This is the bottom tube – the part that is used to push the tampon in. Stand or sit in a comfortable position. Sit on the toilet with your legs apart and lean slightly forward, or try crouching down with knees far apart. Standing with one foot up on the tub also works for some girls. Most of the time you'll end up putting in a tampon while you're on the toilet –so that's a good place to start.

Look at the tampon applicator again -- you'll see some ridges or rings on the larger tube. With the thumb and middle finger of the hand you write with, hold the tampon by these rings, with the larger, outer tube facing up toward your body, and the thinner tube pointing down toward the floor. With your other hand, gently separate the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. Put the tip of the larger outer tube of the tampon applicator in the opening of the vagina. Are you still breathing?! Don't forget to! It helps you stay relaxed. The vagina slants upward and toward the back. So, aim the tampon toward a point low on the small of the back (the curved area of your lower back). Now, take a deep breath, let it out, and relax. Then gently push the larger, outer tube of the applicator into the vagina. Stop when your thumb and middle finger are touching the vaginal opening. (NOTE: For flushable (cardboard) applicator tampons, ease in the applicator by slightly twisting or rotating it from side to side. Don't twist a plastic applicator, this slides in best when pushed straight in at the proper angle.)

Next, put your index finger (or a finger on the other hand) at the end of the inner, thinner tube (where the cord comes out). Push this inner tube slowly until it's completely inside the larger tube. This pushes the tampon out of the applicator and into your vagina. Move your finger from the end so that the string hangs free. Keep your thumb and middle finger on the outer tube rings. Now, holding the tubes (that are now inside the other) firmly, gently remove them from the vagina. (The cardboard tubes can be flushed away.) If the tampon is in correctly, you shouldn't feel it at all. If it feels uncomfortable, it's probably not placed far enough into your vagina. The uncomfortable feeling comes from the tampon rubbing against the muscle at the opening of the vagina. If this happens, remove the tampon and use a fresh one, trying to insert it a little deeper into the vagina. To remove a tampon, pull the withdrawal cord gently downward and forward. The tampon can be flushed down the toilet.

Tips on Tampon Use

Tampons are a comfortable, effective way to handle menstrual flow. Girls and women should follow a few simple guidelines for proper use of tampons: Wash your hands before and after changing a tampon. Use tampons only during menstruation, not for absorbing vaginal discharge. Change tampons regularly, every 4-8 hours. ALWAYS remove a used tampon before inserting a new one. Tampons don't need to be changed every time a woman goes to the bathroom. Just move the cord out of the way to keep it dry and clean. (When you urinate, pull the string to the back or side, when you defecate, pull it to the front.) Always remember to remove the last tampon you use at the end of your period.

Do Tampax tampons contain asbestos?

Absolutely not. There is no asbestos in Tampax tampons, nor has there ever been such a material in the product.

Can tampons cause endometriosis or cancer?

No. Tampon use is widely accepted by medical professionals for menstrual protection, and there is absolutely no scientific evidence that tampons lead to the development of endometriosis or cancer.

We regularly review our tampon safety information with independent experts -- physicians, nurses and other scientists -- to help make sure Tampax remains a menstrual protection product that women can use with confidence.

For more information:

Visit the FDA's web page on tampon safety at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/200_tss.html

Do Tampax tampons contain dioxin? No. The methods we use to analyze for dioxin are the most advanced government-approved testing methods available, and can detect even minute amounts of dioxin, if present. Tampax contains no dioxin. Why is bleaching done on the raw materials used to make Tampax tampons? Is it done only to whiten the fibers? Purification of the cellulose fibers used to make rayon and purification of cotton are done to eliminate the impurities that would inhibit our ability to make clean absorbent fibers. By cleaning the fibers in this manner, we can make a better performing product with fewer raw materials, which has clear benefits for the environment. Whitening the fibers is a result of this process, but not its goal.

Is rayon safe to use in tampons?

Yes. Much like cotton and other natural plant fibers, rayon is made from cellulose and has been used in Tampax tampons for more than 25 years. Extensive testing by a number of leading scientists at Harvard, Dartmouth, University of Wisconsin and the Centers for Disease Control has shown that rayon and cotton are equally safe materials.

Misleading Rumors About Tampons Recently, questions about tampon safety have been sent around on the Internet. As a result, some of you have contacted us with your questions and concerns. Below, Dr. Anne Hochwalt and Elaine Plummer, R.N., B.S.N., provide answers to some of these questions. Anne has worked at Procter & Gamble for more than 11 years. She has a Ph.D. in environmental medicine and is a board-certified toxicologist. Elaine, a registered nurse, has worked at Procter & Gamble for more than 18 years.

Tampon use and TSS

TSS (toxic shock syndrome) is a rare but serious disease that has been associated with tampon use. To reduce the risk of developing (TSS), always use the lowest absorbency tampon that you need, and alternate tampon use with pads.

Cases of TSS have also been reported in men and children, as well as in women who didn't have their period. Very few people get TSS, but it's important to know what the symptoms are:

• · A sudden high fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius) or more; vomiting, diarrhea;
• · Muscle aches
• · A rash that looks like sunburn;
• · Dizziness, and fainting or near fainting when standing up.

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