What are tampons: How to insert a tampon
- Tampons are one of the environmentally friendly,
disposable menstrual products used to absorb your monthly menstrual flow.
A tampon is a tube like device made of soft cotton / rayon pressed
together to form a cylindrical shape, so that it can be easily inserted
into the vagina.
- These are worn completely inside the vaginal
canal with the exception of the string. A tampon is capable of absorbing
the menstrual blood, as efficiently as the regular sanitary pads. Tampons come
in all different sizes and absorbencies.
Parts of a tampon:
A tampon individually consists of 2 parts: The
absorbent portion and the string portion. The absorbent portion sets deep
inside the vagina whereas, the string hangs out.
Tampons are of two types:
1) An applicator tampon:
As the name suggests, applicator tampons are tampons
that come along with an in- built applicator. The overall structure is divided
into 2 tubes. The outer tube is the applicator and the inner tube is the tampon
with the removal string visible. The middle of the tampon is the spot where
the inner tube glides inside the outer
tube.
Types of Tampon applicators:
Plastic applicators: These are easier to insert and
are more comfortable for many women.
Cardboard applicators: These are not as comfortable to
insert, but they are more environment friendly.
2) A non-applicator tampon:
A non-applicator tampon is the one which is deprived
of an in-built applicator. It only consists of the two parts the absorbent
portion and the string.
Tips on how to insert / use a tampon:
Inserting a tampon may sound quite tricky to many
women. You just need have a relaxed mind
to follow the right procedure of inserting it.
If you are learning to insert the tampon for the first
time, it’s good to experiment with the smallest size tampon. Remember, the more
you relax, the easier the insertion will be. Any kind of mental stress and
nervousness can tense up your muscles making the tampon insertion more
difficult.
Before inserting make sure to wash your hands
thoroughly with soap and water. Un-wrap the tampon with your dry hands. Set
yourself into the most comfortable position and relax your body.
1) Inserting an applicator tampon:
- An applicator tampon comes along with an in-built
applicator (outer tube) attached with an Inner tube (where the removal
string is visible).
- Now, hold the applicator at the small area right in the middle with your thumb and
middle finger.
- Using the other hand, gently place the
applicator/ the outer tube in the vaginal opening.
- Push the applicator into the vagina.
- When your thumb and middle finger are touching
the vaginal opening, your applicator is in the right place. This means
that the applicator is now placed inside the vagina.
- Relax and take a deep breath. Make sure that your
pelvic muscles are relaxed.
- While Still holding your applicator, use your
forefinger to gently push in the bottom of the inner tube completely to
the bigger tube to push and place the tampon inside the vagina.
- Remove the applicator or outer tube once the
inner tube once placed inside safely. The string of the tampon should be
hanging outside the vaginal opening.
- To remove, you just need to hold the tampon
string and gently pull it.
2) Inserting a non- applicator tampon:
In the case of a non-applicator tampon, the tampon is
simply taken out of its wrapping and then carefully inserted into the vagina
using a finger (or two).
Using a non-applicator tampon can be quite messy as
the fingers can come in contact with the menstrual blood while inserting it. It
also takes a little more time in placing them inside the vagina.
Things to remember:
- Change your tampons frequently, every 4-8 hours.
- Always remove the used tampon before inserting a
new one.
- Never wear tampons while going to bed at night.
Use pads instead.
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