Ready to give tampons a go? Doctors share what to look for in a beginner tampon, and why it matters. What should you look for in a beginner tampon? The tampon shortage isn’t actually a new thing—it’s reportedly been going on to some degree for months. “This has been an issue for a good part of the year,” says Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an ob/gyn in Texas, founder of Sanctum Med Wellness. “However, it just recently became more noticeable.” If you have a sensitive vagina or need a hypoallergenic option, organic tampons might be worth considering, Dr. Montes says. She also suggests consulting your care provider to find the best option for you. With your other hand, open the labia (the folds of skin around the vaginal opening) and position the tampon in the vaginal opening. (See picture 1) Applicator: There are three main styles of applicators: plastic, cardboard or no applicator. Generally, our tester panel preferred tampons with plastic applicators than cardboard or no applicator styles. Although, people who use no-applicator tampons highly recommended them; they found them easier to use while leaving less waste.

If you’re not able to insert a tampon after several tries, make an appointment with your health care provider. One reason for this is that you may have been born with a very small opening in your hymen, which prevents you from inserting tampons. This is true in only about 2% of teens, but it could be a problem. Getting ready: Before you insert the tampon, let’s review your anatomy so you know where to insert it. With such a large variety of tampons available in your pharmacy aisle, it's easy to get overwhelmed with too many choices. While tampons may all look the same at first glance, there are key differences in the tampon's shape, applicator and features that can make it more or less comfortable to wear during your cycle. Buy tampons. As you've probably already seen in the grocery store, tampons come in a variety of types and sizes. Here's what's easiest for your first time: [6] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to sourceStill, “pads are great for flexibility and accessibility,” Dr. Shepherd says. And, she adds, “they also have options for flow.” 2: Menstrual cups and discs

Plastic applicators are usually more soft and allow you to have slightly more control over where the tampon goes,” Dr. Greves says. Cardboard applicators and no-applicator tampons are better for the environment, but Dr. Greves says they’re "usually a little more difficult to use," especially for beginners. “A slim, small plastic applicator is usually what I recommend for a beginner,” she says. The Best Tampon Brands For Beginners It’s a good idea to use a mirror to look at your vulva or outside area, which is all of your female genitalia (parts) that you can see. The urethra is where your urine (pee) comes out, the anus is where feces (poop) come out and right in the middle is your vaginal opening. This is where you will insert the tampon into your vagina. It’s normal to feel nervous the first time you use a tampon. It does get easier though. In 2013 the o.b. brand was acquired from Johnson & Johnson by Edgewell Personal Care. [7] Products [ edit ] O.B. tamponDr. Montes suggests changing your tampon every four hours at the most, and only using tampons when you are on your period. She also recommends choosing the lowest absorbency level and avoiding scented tampons. If you have problems with insertion, be sure to consult your health provider to rule out other conditions that can make insertion difficult, such as vaginismus or pelvic floor dysfunction.

Once the applicator or outer tube is inside your vagina, use your index or “pointer” finger to push the inner tube (the tube where the removal string is visible) through the outer tube. This pushes the tampon into the vagina. Once the inner tube is all the way in, use your thumb and middle finger to remove the applicator or outer tube. (See picture 3) Make sure that the string hangs outside of your vaginal opening. Later, when you are ready to remove the tampon, hold the string and gently pull it downward until the entire tampon is out. Wash your hands with soap and water. With dry hands, unwrap the tampon. If you drop the tampon on the floor, throw it away and begin again with a new tampon.a b Kraus, Doris (7 March 2010). "60 Jahre o.b.: 'Ein Job für eine Frau'" ("o.b. 60th anniversary: 'A job for a woman'"). Die Presse. Retrieved 11 December 2016 (in German).

You probably don't give a second thought to what tampons you're buying if you've been using the same brand since forever. While your preferences may not have changed throughout the years, the tampon selection out there certainly has. And you don't have to just settle for what your mom handed you the first time you saw a red spot on your underwear. In case you’re not familiar with them, menstrual cups and discs are reusable devices made of medical-grade silicone or latex that are inserted into the vagina, where they collect period blood. Their popularity has increased over time. We researched the best organic tampons by analyzing which options had the least leakage, the most sustainable and least irritating ingredients, and offered the most comfort during insertion and use. We also consulted the following experts on which products they recommend to their patients: Use care in inserting tampons. Wash your hands before inserting or removing your tampon. (Make sure your fingernails are not sharp or jagged to avoid tearing your skin). Find your vagina. This is the most common hurdle first-time tampon users run into, and it can seem really daunting. Once you figure it out, though, you're set for life! Here's how to make it a little easier: [10] X Research source

Just a head's up

By following the simple guidelines below, as well as the instructions that come with the tampons, your first experience with tampons should be easy. Remember, the more you relax, the easier the insertion will be. When you are nervous, your muscles tense up, which can make inserting the tampon more difficult. If the tampon is inserted correctly, you should not feel it. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, you may have inserted the tampon incorrectly or the tampon may not be placed far enough into your vagina. If this happens, just remove the tampon and start again with a new tampon. Remember that practice makes perfect. If you don’t get it on the first try, your second try will most likely be successful. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, relax and try again! What if I still don’t succeed?