What makes tampons hurt

Try again another day when you're more relaxed. It should be very easy. Get to know your body. Get a mirror and have a look where the tampon is going to go before you start.

An easy and convenient position is with one foot on the toilet seat. Alternatively, sit on the floor in front of a mirror. Wash your hands well then use your index finger to gently push the tampon past your labia outside folds of the vagina into your vagina. Make sure that the strings are hanging out for easy retrieval.

Farah Kroman: You're right to remove tampons after hours, especially after swimming. Inserting and removing tampons shouldn't hurt.

Try relaxing with some deep breathing and use a squat position. No matter which applicator type you choose, make sure to wash your hands before and after insertion. The same rule of thumb goes for removal: Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and unclench your muscles.

To remove the tampon, pull down on the string. Your tampon will typically move around to a more comfortable position as you walk and go about your day, so walking around can also help with any discomfort upon original insertion. For starters, there are pads sometimes referred to as sanitary napkins. These stick to your underwear and catch menstrual blood on a padded surface. Some options have wings that fold under your underwear to prevent leaks and stains.

Most pads are disposable, but some are made from organic cotton materials that can be washed and reused. More sustainable options include period underwear aka period panties , which use an ultra-absorbent material to catch period blood. Finally, there are menstrual cups. These cups are made from rubber, silicone, or soft plastic. They sit inside the vagina and catch menstrual blood for up to 12 hours at a time.

Most can be emptied, washed, and reused. The Food and Drug Administration FDA suggests talking to a doctor if you have unusual discharge when trying to insert, wear, or remove a tampon. These could be signs of toxic shock syndrome. Persistent pain, stinging, or discomfort inserting or wearing a tampon can also indicate things like:.

While wearing them, they should be barely noticeable. Remember: Practice makes perfect. There are always other menstrual products to consider, and if pain persists, your doctor will be able to help you out. Jen is a wellness contributor at Healthline. She writes and edits for various lifestyle and beauty publications, with bylines at Refinery29, Byrdie, MyDomaine, and bareMinerals. When not typing away, you can find Jen practicing yoga, diffusing essential oils, watching Food Network, or guzzling a cup of coffee.

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