What if it hurts to put a tampon in

However, that changed a couple of months ago, when a friend told me that she also hates tampons, because they always seem to cause her discomfort, no matter what she does. Our conversation proved I wasn't the only one, so I decided to do some research to learn more about this phenomenon and how to solve it. Here's what experts had to say. If like me you find tampons uncomfortable, it's possible that you've hit one of these common hurdles:.

Gynecologist Alyssa Dweck , MD, agreed that the angle of application is key. Ross recommends the latter. If you spend any time googling questions about vaginal discomfort, you'll find sources — some legit and some not — that suggest there's a link between tampon-induced pain and painful sex. This can make tampons and sex both very painful," Dr.

Bartos explained. However, she's quick to point out that "tampons and sex aren't always painful together," for all the reasons listed above. Dweck added. There is minimal lubrication at the time of tampon insertion. But while those people might be able to feel the tampon inside of them, at no point should it feel uncomfortable or painful.

To begin, you might be inserting the tampon incorrectly:. Your tampon size depends entirely on how heavy your flow is. Typically, the first few days of your period are heavier, and you might find that you soak through a tampon faster.

Toward the end of your period, you might find that your flow is lighter. This means you might only need a light or junior tampon. Light or junior tampons are also great for beginners, as their small profile makes them slightly easier to insert and remove. If there are a lot of white, untouched areas on the tampon after removing it between 4 to 8 hours, try a lower absorbency tampon.

It might take some playing around to get the absorbency right. Before inserting, take a few deep breaths to relax and unclench your muscles. If your body is stressed out and your muscles are clenched, this could make it more difficult to insert the tampon.

Typically, this is either sitting, squatting, or standing with one leg on the corner of the toilet. These positions angle your vagina for optimal insertion.

Some people find cardboard applicators to be uncomfortable for insertion. Plastic applicators slide into the vagina easier. 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.

Tampax Tampon Truths Why does it hurt to put a tampon in? Do tampons hurt? Why does wearing a tampon hurt? Tampax Step-by-step Guide. Related articles:. How to insert a tampon?

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