Inserting tampons

Inserting a non-applicator tampon

• Wash your hands and unwrap the tampon - hold the rounded end in one hand and remove the coloured tear strip. Pull the cellophane off from the cord end. Pull out the cord, check that the ends are knotted together and give it a little tug to make sure it is secure, if not, use another tampon. Position your finger on the cord end of the tampon and remove the upper piece of cellophane.
  
• Relax and get into a comfortable position, either sitting on the toilet with your knees apart or standing in a squat position with knees apart.
  
• With your free hand, open the folds of skin around the vagina, position the rounded end of the tampon at the vaginal opening. Push the tampon into the vagina using your index finger. Remember that the vagina slopes backwards, so push the tampon towards the small of your back. If you can still feel the tampon, then it may not be inserted correctly; using your index finger push the tampon a little further into the vagina. When correctly positioned you will not be able to feel the tampon. Ensure the cord is hanging outside your body ready for removal. Don’t worry the tampon cannot get lost inside you, it has nowhere to go! Now wash your hands again.
  
• To remove your tampon relax and gently pull the cord. If the tampon feels tightly held – leave it a little longer but ensure it is changed at least every 4-8 hours. If the tampon still feels tightly held after this time then pull the cord firmly but gently until it slides out. We also recommend that if this occurs then you should switch to a lighter absorbency tampon. The tampon can be flushed away or wrapped securely and disposed of with normal household waste.

Inserting an applicator tampon

• After removing the outer wrapper, pull the inner tube out until it comes to a stop at the bottom of the outer tube, it will almost feel like a click. Hold the applicator with your thumb and middle finger at the grooved finger-grip section of the tampon. Make sure that the removal cord is hanging outside the inner tube. Do not pull on the cord.
  
• Place the tip of the applicator into the vaginal opening and gently push it toward your lower back. Continue easing the applicator in until you've inserted it as far as the rim of the outer insertion tube.
  
• While still holding the finger-grip, use your index finger to gently push the inner tube into the outer tube.
  
• When the rings of the applicator are together, the tampon is inserted correctly.
  
• Gently withdraw the applicator. The tampon should now be sitting comfortably inside you, with the removal cord hanging outside your body.