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Hard to insert tampon

Hard to Insert Tampon

Finding it hard to insert tampon

Hard to get the tampon in properly

Can't insert tampon

Question: Hi, I tried my first tampon last week, but it,was really painful to insert and wouldn't really push in?!? Why????

Dr. Farah Kroman: Do you actually have your period yet? The lubrication that menstrual flow provides does make things easier. The main things you need to do are: get in the right position and, of course RELAX. The muscles of the pelvic floor are very strong, so if you’re not relaxed, it will be very hard to put the tampon in. Get to know your body. Get a mirror and have a look where the tampon is going to go before you start. An easy and convenient position is with one foot on the toilet seat. Wash your hands well then use your index finger to gently push the tampon past your labia (outside folds of the vagina) into your vagina. Push it in as far as it will go- don’t worry, you can’t go too far. Make sure that the strings are hanging out for easy retrieval. When you are done, you shouldn’t be able to feel the tampon. If you do, then you haven’t pushed it in far enough, remove it and start again with a new one. Make sure you don’t leave your tampon in for more than 8 hours.

Question: Okay so I am one of those people who cannot use a tampon to save their life. Do no tell me to grab a mirror and take a look down here because I know exactly where my down there is. I know where it is and I have 'explored' myself by putting one clean finger up there. (Yes that sounds gross but I am very desperate to use a tampon!) I am a dancer and I cannot stand to wear pads anymore. The problem is that it hurts when I try to push it up there. It does go in a little bit but it won't go any further. My finger goes further than the tampon. Could you please help me?

Dr. Farah Kroman: It's good that you know your body. The muscles inside the vagina (pelvic floor muscles) can be very tight. Relax as much as you can and stand with one foot on the loo or bath. When your period flow is heaviest this helps lubricate the tampon on the way in which can help. Perhaps you could start on a heavy flow day and get more comfortable using tampons from there. It needs to go in about finger length so you can't feel it.

Question: Please help I am at a friends for a couple of days and I got my first period just before I came and now they want to go swimming I have all the equipment but can't seem to insert my tampon what do I do?!

Dr. Farah Kroman: Inserting a tampon should be very easy. The main thing you need to do is get in the right position (squatting, sitting on the toilet or 1 foot on the toilet seat are all popular options) and of course RELAX. The muscles of the pelvic floor are very strong, so if you’re not relaxed, it will be very hard to put the tampon in. If it doesn't work the first time, don't worry. Try again another day when you're more relaxed. Make sure you follow the instructions in the pack too.