that time of the month!

[katyphillips]

please help me! is it just me or do any other women/girls find tampons really hard to use? i just can't use them and it annoying especilly for swimming on holiday!! any tips?

[ratbag66]

The easiest way is to start by using the applicator type in the smallest size, they are more user-friendly for beginners than non-applicator ones.

[clairelb]

You've not said what you find hard about them, so I'm guessing it's inserting them.  I know it's easier said than done, but do relax.  Also you might find that you're putting them in at the wrong angle, so you're aiming at your vagina wall rather than upwards.  If you're using the applicator ones, pnce it's inserted, wriggle it about a bit until it feels like it's slotted into place and then insert the tampon, remove the applicator.  Another thing to try is a bit of lubricant to help it slide in easier (sorry if this is too much information for some).

[silly moo]

If you really can't get away with them , there is a tip for swimming without.
As long as you are in the water you don't actually lose; so you can (for short time) manage without towels - go to loo immediately before and afterwards.
This worked for my daughjters when just started to menstruate and still using towels.

[Miss__Hxx]

Take a warm bath first, it helps in relaxing the body.  Then try the smallest size and just go for it,once it is in the first time you'll have no trouble after that.  Good luck!

[goldheart]

Lubricant (I have used a bit of vaseline) really helps and the way it worked for me when first getting used to it is actually inserting it whilst sitting on the toilet and like claireIb said, wriggle it about a bit whilst pushing gently another good tip is to use your finger first to get used to where it goes - you may find you relax more this way.

[mycatis]

I like the fact that women can discuss these things sensibly and without silliness (most) guys would freak, Saying that you wouldnt believe some of the questions I've had from a (male) friend of mine on the subject

[Little Lady]

I had this examine same problem when i first started using the little beauties i never go without now. All the advise on here is great and hope it helps, you are not the only one this has happened to hun. The best bit of advise is definitely to relax as if your not it will tense your muscles up inside and you will find it harder to insert them.

[Morrisonker]

When I started using them I put them in by standing with one foot on the toilet seat, it seems to, um, open you up a bit more. (Eww, sorry for mental image!)  Start with the 'mini's from tampax, they have the same absorbancy as the regular but are specially made for first time users.  Most of them have a silky applicator with them now which makes it much easier.  They really do save so much bother and you don't have the paranoia of rustling or bulges that you do with towels, definately worth the practise.

Another thing, if when you have them in you, you can still feel it, just use your finger to push it in further.  You shouldn't be able to feel them in you at all, and of course remember to change them every 8 hours at least.

[ipek]

I know we're all different, but when I started to use tampons, I found the non-applicator ones easier.  They felt less harsh going in and I felt more in control of where they were going!  The best position I found for insertion was a squat (like when you need to pee in the great outdoors).

I would definitely recommend a lubricant to start with (KY jelly is light and easy) and agree with the others that relaxation is the key.  If you can master the operation, you won't go back to towels! 

[nicola_red]

I just don't use them.  I'm afraid of toxic shock and I just don't like the general concept of them.  I never have any problems with using towels.  That said, I don't swim or sunbathe.