Problem putting tampons in

[blue666]

I hate pads because they feel gross and can be seen if you're wearing thin clothing, and you can't swim with them. But every time I try to put a tampon in, I follow the directions, but it hurts like hell. Am I doing it wrong or what?

[emily-candace]

NO you are probably doing it right but you didn't say how old you were so I'm guessing you haven't had sex yet and you still have your hymen intact and that is what the tampon is pushing against that makes it hurt so much.

[Luminous]

I have not worn a tampon but I have put other things inside, I think you are probably just not relaxing? You could try going with pads for the rest of this period, and inbetween this one and next month you could masturbate with penetration little by little with fingers and get used to something being inside there. Or you could do it in the shower, while on your period.

[Gogirl99]

I have not worn a tampon but I have put other things inside, I think you are probably just not relaxing? You could try going with pads for the rest of this period, and inbetween this one and next month you could masturbate with penetration little by little with fingers and get used to something being inside there. Or you could do it in the shower, while on your period.

I agree with her. Try masturbating with penetration from maybe your fingers or a hairbrush end, or some other small ended object. Just make sure to lube it up. Eventually you'll break your hymen and you wont have a problem. plus masturbating with penetration feels good too.

[Elysium]

NO you are probably doing it right but you didn't say how old you were so I'm guessing you haven't had sex yet and you still have your hymen intact and that is what the tampon is pushing against that makes it hurt so much.
Sorry, but the hymen myth is bullshit. It might have something to do with the pain you're experiencing, but it has little to do with your sexual activity. Also, the hymen doesn't break once and you're good for life.

If you're worried that you're doing it wrong, read the instructions carefully; you might also be able to find videos or other instructional methods online if you can stomach that. Also, if you have someone close to you who can help you, they'd be good to ask.

[Magenta]

Often times, pain is caused by dryness or being too tense. Even putting in a tampon, you want to have enough natural lubrication so you're not trying to force a foreign object in and your body reacts by saying no. Also, tensing up. If you're nervous and worried and freaking out that you're doing it wrong, muscles constrict and make it even harder to push it in. When you're on the toilet, try leaning back a tiny bit and shifting your butt a tad forward so you're just changing the angle you're sitting at... you might find it easier if your body is aligned normally rather than hunched over on the seat. It sounds awkward but it helps if you're really struggling at first. Then take a few deep breaths, relax any tense muscles, and try again.

A lot of girls have problems with them at first and yes, it can hurt if you're putting them in at a funny angle or too far. Well, there's no such thing as too far because your cervix stops it at a certain point but trying to push it further will cause discomfort.

If this is an option, ask your mum. If not, a close aunt or close female friend? And a final few tips, try using tampons with cardboard applicators. I find that plastic ones can sometimes pinch in weird places as you try to use them and I can't stand them. Cardboard ones are much softer. Also, try a smaller size of tampon. It won't last you as long depending on your flow but they're a lot easier to practice with if you're younger or inexperienced. There are usually 'junior' sized ones for younger girls.

[Caerulus]

I hate pads because they feel gross and can be seen if you're wearing thin clothing, and you can't swim with them. But every time I try to put a tampon in, I follow the directions, but it hurts like hell. Am I doing it wrong or what?

I had the exact same problem as you.

I'd follow the instructions as well as I could but it would still range from anything from uncomfortable to curl-yourself-in-a-ball-and-die painful.

I can say from experience that the problem is nothing to do with your hymen or sexual activity or anything like that.
You're probably just not relaxed enough. I would be nervous putting it in so the muscles down there would tense up and prevent it from going in easily.
The more times I tried, the more upset and frustrated I would get that the tampon wouldn't go in correctly, therefore the more tense I'd get down there and the harder it would be to get it in.

Once I'd learnt to relax whilst putting the tampons in, it was fine.
They were still slightly uncomfortable in me, but that was solved easily by going out and buying tampons designed especially for teens, which are smaller, lighter and easier to put in but can still cope with heavy flows.

Long story short: Don't panic. This has happened to tons of teen girls, me included. Just relax, take a deep breath, perhaps buy some smaller tampons, and you'll get there in the end.
Good luck!

[Tarannosaurus]

Often times, pain is caused by dryness or being too tense. Even putting in a tampon, you want to have enough natural lubrication so you're not trying to force a foreign object in and your body reacts by saying no. Also, tensing up. If you're nervous and worried and freaking out that you're doing it wrong, muscles constrict and make it even harder to push it in. When you're on the toilet, try leaning back a tiny bit and shifting your butt a tad forward so you're just changing the angle you're sitting at... you might find it easier if your body is aligned normally rather than hunched over on the seat. It sounds awkward but it helps if you're really struggling at first. Then take a few deep breaths, relax any tense muscles, and try again.

A lot of girls have problems with them at first and yes, it can hurt if you're putting them in at a funny angle or too far. Well, there's no such thing as too far because your cervix stops it at a certain point but trying to push it further will cause discomfort.

If this is an option, ask your mum. If not, a close aunt or close female friend? And a final few tips, try using tampons with cardboard applicators. I find that plastic ones can sometimes pinch in weird places as you try to use them and I can't stand them. Cardboard ones are much softer. Also, try a smaller size of tampon. It won't last you as long depending on your flow but they're a lot easier to practice with if you're younger or inexperienced. There are usually 'junior' sized ones for younger girls.

Basically follow this advice. Also in case you're unsure of the angle, the vagina slopes backwards almost flat, so when inserting point the applicator in the general direction of your lower back. As a general guide when your fingers holding the applicator touch the entrance to your vagina the tampon is in far enough. I find it can help to kneel with your legs apart. It will take you a few tries to feel comfortable with it.

And it's unlikely that it's a problem with the hymen as most girls have a small hole in their hymen. This is where the tampon goes through.