Using A Tampon for the First Time

There are few things in life as daunting as the thought of using a tampon for the first time. Is it inserted properly? How far is too far? How long can I leave it in for? Will it really stop me from bleeding all over my cute bathers at the beach this summer? We understand, you've got questions boo! And we've put together some answers that will hopefully make this whole process a little less stressful. The truth is that tampons are awesome little contraptions that give women the freedom to do whatever they want during their period. Women have been using them since Ancient Egypt when tampons were made out of rolled up papyrus. But there are a few things you should know about them first before you dive in.

Do Tampons Hurt The First Time You Use Them?

We'll be honest with you. The first time you use a tampon may feel a little uncomfortable but the pain shouldn't be particularly bad. Once properly inserted you shouldn't feel the tampon at all. The key to an easy and pain free insertion is to relax. When you're stressed your pelvic floor muscles contract, making it much more difficult for the tampon to be inserted into the vagina. If you're feeling nervous about inserting a tampon for the first time, take a deep breath and relax. The best time to try using tampons for the first time is when your period is at its heaviest, usually within the first couple of days of your bleed. Once you get good at this the tampon should simply glide in with no trouble at all. A handy tip that can make insertion a little easier is to either stand with one foot on the edge of the bath or insert the tampon while you are seated on the toilet. You can also use a little bit of lubricant on the tip of the tampon to make insertion a little bit easier but please do not use Vaseline. If tampon insertion continues to be difficult or painful, this is something you need to discuss with a trusted doctor.

How Far Is Too Far?

You shouldn't be able to feel a tampon at all once it has been properly inserted. If it's feeling uncomfortable, it's probably not inserted far enough into the vagina. Try again with a new tampon, remembering that there is no way a tampon can get 'lost' inside your vagina or uterus. All tampons have a handy string that hangs down outside the vagina to allow for ease of removal. If you cant find the string, don't panic. The opening to your uterus is far too small to allow a tampon to slip up in there! That tampon is not going anywhere.

Can I Go Swimming With a Tampon?

You sure can! You can do almost any physical activity while wearing a tampon. We do however recommend inserting a new tampon just before you head to the beach and changing it over again as soon as you get home. Your tampon will most likely absorb a little bit of water from your swim, making it less absorbent of your menstrual blood. Change that bad boy over straight after your pool party or beach swim, and you'll be laughing!

How Long Can I Leave My Tampon In For?

Good question! This is important information. You really really need to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow. Stronger flow? Change it more often. If your flow is lighter you should still be changing your tampon every 6 to 8 hours. Under no circumstances should a tampon remain inserted for longer than 8 hours. This could put you at risk of developing toxic shock syndrome. Although TSS is very rare, the effects can be extremely serious, with toxins damaging organs and body tissue, which can sadly lead to death if left untreated. For this reason its critical you make sure you've removed your last tampon at the end of the day and consider using a pad overnight while you sleep. Easy as!

We'll be honest with you. When all is said and done, some women decide that tampons are not the right sanitary product for them. And that's okay! You have so many options out there to try that means you can choose the product that is exactly right for you and your body. But the convenience and freedom that old mate tampon allows women cannot be overstated. We bloody love 'em!