- Make sure that you have washed your hands and that your hands are clean.
- If you already have a tampon in, make sure that you have removed it by pulling it out using the string. Put the used tampon in a sanitary disposal bin or a different bin if one of those isn’t available.
- Unwrap your tampon from the packaging. It should have string hanging out of the bottom. You may have to pull the string from the tampon when you open it to ensure it is hanging down.
- Find a comfortable position that allows you to insert the tampon – this may be sitting on a toilet, standing, propping one foot on a ledge, or laying down – whichever works for you. You need to be able to relax your muscles because, if you are tensing, it will be more difficult to insert the tampon.
- Use your thumb and index finger on your other hand to open the genital area.
- Hold the base of the tampon and set the tip of the tampon at the genital opening. Finding the right angle that is comfortable for you might take practice, so at first aim the tampon towards your lower back at an angle.
- Use your fingers to insert the tampon slowly. Make sure that the string is hanging out whilst you do this.
- Use your middle finger to push the tampon in as far as it comfortably goes, placing your middle finger at the centre of the base. Stop pushing once you reach the base of your finger and make sure that the string is still hanging out (you can tuck this in your underwear).
- Remove your finger and wash your hands afterwards. Make sure that you dispose of the packaging in the recycling bin.
Tips:
If the tampon feels uncomfortable, or that you are feeling like it isn’t in properly, it could be that you haven’t inserted it far enough or that it is inserted at the wrong angle. Try to readjust the tampon while it is inserted, but if it is still uncomfortable then you may wish to remove it.
If you are having difficulty inserting a tampon or find that it is always painful, you may wish to visit your GP for advice.
Support
- Your GP – If you are experiencing any issues with your period or any significant changes to your period, the first thing to do is contact your GP. If you’re not registered to a GP, you can find your local one and how to register here.
- If you are experiencing painful, really heavy, or irregular periods, we would recommend that you contact your GP as soon as possible as it may be indicative of an issue or medical condition.
- Really heavy periods, alongside other symptoms, may be an indication of endometriosis which is where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is estimated to affect around 190 million women and girls. You can get support from Endometriosis UK through their support groups, helpline, webchat and online community. “It’s okay to talk, period”.
- You can go in to many Morrisons stores across the country and ask for a “Package for Sandy”. You will be provided with a discreet envelope with period products inside.