How to use a tampon for the first time
A tampon goes into the vagina to absorb period blood. Some use an applicator; others use a finger. Start by reading the instructions in your box, choose the lowest absorbency that handles your flow, and only use a tampon during your period.
Before you open one
Give yourself time in a private bathroom. Have the package instructions and a pad nearby so you can switch if you want to. This is a choice, not a test you have to pass before swimming, sports or growing up.
- Wash your hands.
- Check whether this is an applicator or non-applicator product.
- Read its diagram before starting. Different designs work differently.
- Don’t choose a higher absorbency just to leave it in longer.
If yours has an applicator
The applicator is the outer tube that helps place the tampon. Follow your box’s instructions: get into a comfortable position, gently guide the applicator into the vaginal opening toward your lower back, then use its plunger as directed. Remove the applicator afterward; the tampon stays inside and the string stays outside. Never force it.
The package diagram is useful here because it shows your exact product.
How to use a tampon without an applicator
- Wash and dry your hands, check the sealed wrapper, then unwrap it.
- Follow the maker’s directions for preparing the string and holding the tampon. Get into a comfortable position.
- Gently guide it into the vaginal opening with a clean finger, aiming toward your lower back as the package shows. Never force it.
- Leave the string outside and wash your hands afterward.
There is no applicator tube to leave inside or throw away. If insertion or wear hurts, stop and use a pad while you get advice.
If it hurts or won’t go in
Stop. A pad is a perfectly good option for today. If insertion or wear causes pain or unusual symptoms, stop using tampons and contact a healthcare professional. If you can’t remove a tampon, ask for medical help; don’t keep trying with objects.
A way to ask for help
I tried a tampon and it’s uncomfortable. Can you help me get advice? I’m going to use a pad for now.
Before leaving the bathroom
Remember when you put it in. Change it every 4–8 hours, sooner if needed, and never exceed 8 hours. Use only one at a time. To remove it, follow the package directions and pull gently on its string; wrap it for the trash. Read how long you can leave a tampon inbefore wearing one overnight.
Can you flush a tampon or its applicator?
No. Wrap the used tampon and put it in a trash or sanitary disposal bin. Applicators and wrappers go in the bin too. Even a tampon described as flushable can cause plumbing problems. If the stall has no bin, use theno-bin disposal plan for carrying a wrapped product to a suitable bin.
For an ordinary bathroom visit, you can usually leave a tampon in:peeing and tampon changes are separate decisions. If you found an old spare in your bag, check thewrapper and storage first.
Which tampon absorbency should I use? · Why does my tampon hurt when I sit? · Think a tampon is stuck?
Where this comes from
- SickKids: using your first tampon — separate applicator and finger-insertion steps
- o.b.: non-applicator tampon instructions — maker-specific wrapper, string and finger-insertion preparation
- Nemours KidsHealth: period supplies — wrapping and binning tampons rather than flushing them
- FDA: tampon safety — package directions, absorbency, wear limits, and symptoms requiring immediate care
- Cleveland Clinic: inserting and removing a tampon — applicator use and stopping when uncomfortable
- Cleveland Clinic: tampon basics — how tampons work and when to ask for help
Sources checked October 28, 2026. General education, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. These organizations have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Tell us about a correction.