Inserting a tampon: Instructions & questions you've always asked yourself

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Tampons, Binden,andand plates are commonly referred to as “feminine hygiene products.” These absorb or collect the blood and tissue that comes out of the vagina during your period.

Tampons are small plugs made of cotton fabric that are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. At the end of the tampon there is a string, the so-called retrieval ribbon, with which you can easily remove it again after 4 to 6 hours at the latest. Some manufacturers also offer tampons with an applicator that makes insertion even easier.

Tampons are particularly suitable on days with heavier bleeding. Then it will be easier to insert the tampon.

How do you insert a tampon?

With these step-by-step instructions you will learn how to insert a tampon so that it fits perfectly:

  • First, wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Choose a small tampon to start with.
  • Now assume a relaxed posture, e.g. B. sitting on the toilet or standing and you put one leg on the toilet.
  • Unpack the tampon and pull on the retrieval string to check that it is secure.
  • Place the tampon at the entrance to the vagina. This is the opening between the urethra and anus. Now carefully push the tampon into the vagina with one finger, as deep as your finger is long.

Sometimes it is necessary to slightly change the direction of insertion to get the tampon in the correct position. It fits perfectly if you no longer feel it after insertion.

The retrieval thread remains outside the vagina between your legs, so that you can easily pull the tampon out again once it is full.

An ingenious invention

There are simply inventions that you don't want to miss in life. The tampon is one of them because it allows us women to move much more freely even during our periods. Going swimming, wearing tight clothes – none of that is a problem anymore. Did you know that the invention of the tampon was purely a coincidence?

In 1947, the German engineer Dr. Carl Hahn saw an ad for tampons in an American magazine and was immediately impressed: there was no such thing in Germany. Two partners supported him in the development: Dr. Heinz Mittag, a lawyer, and Dr. Judith Esser, a gynecologist and passionate swimmer, who provided medical advice. Dr. Esser wanted to improve women's lives because in the 1940s there were only thick sanitary pads. With tampons she was able to swim even during her period.

The pioneers developed itob® Buffer, whose name, by the way, means “without a bandage”. This abbreviation became successful – “ob” is now a synonym for “tampon”. Although tampons were subject to prejudice at the time, after years of effort, the tampon revolutionized the female hygiene routine in Germany. Today it is an indispensable part of the lives of millions of women and promotes knowledge about menstruation and feminine hygiene through educational campaigns.

How often do you have to change the tampon?

Basically, tampons (and other menstrual items) shouldevery 4 to 6 hoursbe changed. Among other things, this can protect you from bacterial infections and serious illnesses, not least from TSS ().

Here are some additional tips for safe handling of tampons:

  • Preferably wear pads or period underwear at night
  • always use the smallest possible size
  • wash your hands before and after changing tampons

Why do I have pain when inserting a tampon?

It is not uncommon for women to experience pain when inserting tampons. Often there is oneIf the bleeding is only light, this is the trigger for the unpleasant feeling.

If a dry tampon encounters too little moisture, insertion can become difficult - it simply doesn't "slip". The painful feeling comes from the friction. To avoid this, you can add some gentle lubricant to the tampon to make it slide more easily. Alternatively, period panties are a practical solution on very light days.

Tampons can also be another cause of painbe. This refers to a cramping of the pelvic muscles that surround the vagina. As a result, the vagina becomes so narrowed that even a small tampon can only be inserted with pain. Sex is also associated with great pain. If you fear that you are suffering from vaginismus, you should consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.

Can I use creams to make the tampon go in easier?

If you don't want to insert the tampon dry because it's uncomfortable, you shouldn't just use any cream or petroleum jelly to make it lubricated. Because creams for the body or face have no place in the vagina! They can disrupt the sensitive vaginal flora and even cause diseases such as inflammation orfavor.

Instead of Vaseline or a face cream, you should use something sensitiveLubricantUse water-based and put it on the tip of the tampon. Wet creams for the vagina are also suitable for putting on the tampon. These special creams are available in pharmacies.

Reading tip:

Can you still feel the tampon after insertion?

Especially in the beginning, you should use the smallest size so that you can insert the tampon more easily and don't feel it all the time.

Most women quickly get used to tampons and then don't even notice them. If the tampon is in place correctly, you shouldn't feel it. This makes tampons an ideal choice, both for sports and for wearing in the water.

Can I have sex with a tampon?

If you want to have sex during your period, be sure to remove the tampon before any penetration. Otherwise it could slip too far towards the cervix, making removal much more difficult. Nobody wants to have to make an appointment with a gynecologist. So: take out the tampon first!

If you have sex during your period and still don't want to do without the protection of a tampon, you should use soft tampons. These are special sponges that could theoretically stay in the vagina during sex. They have a small tab instead of the return thread and can even be combined with a condom. However, there is also the problem mentioned above that the soft tampons can slip too far inwards and you can no longer remove them yourself. We therefore stick to our recommendation: avoid using a tampon during sex.

Can the tampon disappear inside me?

Tampons cannot get stuck, get lost inside you, or move to another part of your body. The muscles in the vagina hold it in place. And they stay in your body until you take them out. It is important that you do not forget the tampon and change it after a few hours.

If you ever have difficulty removing the tampon because, for example, the thread has disappeared, don't be afraid and contact your gynecologist.

How are tampons properly disposed of?

Please never throw a used tampon into the toilet - it can clog the pipes! Instead, wrap the tampon in toilet paper or use a sanitary bag and then throw it in the trash can.

Reading tip:

Menstrual cups: Sustainable alternative to tampons

Some women also use other hygiene products that collect blood during menstruation. In addition to pads and tampons, there are also menstrual cups. These are bell-shaped collecting cups made of rubber, silicone or soft plastic.

The menstrual cup also sits in the vagina and collects the menstrual blood. The cups are reusable and can be easily emptied when necessary. After use, you can clean the cup yourself in hot water and store it. Another development in this direction is the so-called menstrual plate.

More on the topic:

Further sources:
Professional Association of Gynecologists

Important NOTE:This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or acute symptoms, you should contact your doctor or ask for advice at the pharmacy. The medical on-call service can be reached via the nationwide number 116117.