How to Insert a Tampon Like an Adult

Inserting a tampon is a rite of passage for every teenage girl, so it's important to know how to insert a tampon the right way. It could seem tricky at first, but after trying several times, tampon insertion becomes as easy as putting on a glove. It just takes practice, & this video will show you the animated process. The key is to RELAX! Worrying about it may make you tense, making insertion even harder.

Step 1:

Look at & study the parts of the tampon.

Step 2:

Wash your hands. Sit on the toilet with your legs apart & lean slightly forward, or try sitting with your knees slightly bent.

Step 3:

With the thumb & middle finger of one hand, hold the applicator lightly on the outer insertion tube at the grip location, with the larger outer tube facing up toward your body & the thinner inner tube pointing down toward the floor.

Step 4:

Gently separate the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. Put the tip of the larger outer tube of the tampon applicator in the opening of the vagina.

Step 5:

Aim the tampon toward a point low on the small of your back. Gently push the larger, outer tube of the applicator into the vagina. Stop when your thumb & middle finger are touching the vaginal opening.

Step 6:

Next, put your index finger at the end of the inner, thinner tube. Push this inner tube slowly until it's completely inside the larger tube. This pushes the tampon out of the applicator & into your vagina. Move your finger from the end so that the string hangs free. Keep your thumb & middle finger on the outer tube grip.

Step 7:

Hold the tubes (that are now inside each other) firmly, but gently remove them from the vagina. If it feels uncomfortable, it's probably not placed far enough into your vagina, so remove the tampon & use a fresh one, trying to insert it a little deeper into the vagina.

Step 8:

To remove a tampon, relax your muscles. Slowly & gently pull the removal string downward at the same angle you used to insert the tampon. Don't worry about the string – it's securely sewn throughout the tampon.