No, it shouldn't hurt to push a tampon in; if it does, it's likely inserted incorrectly (wrong angle, not deep enough), you're too tense, or you need a different absorbency, but persistent pain could signal an issue like vaginismus or a hymenal condition. When inserted correctly, it should be barely noticeable and comfortable, so if it's uncomfortable, take it out and try again, focusing on relaxation and proper angling towards your lower back.
A tampon may hurt the first time you try to insert it, but it shouldn't be bad. You shouldn't feel it once it's in, so if there still is pain or discomfort, you may not have inserted it correctly. That's okay, like any new skill it may take practice to get it right.
One of the most common reasons for tampon pain is incorrect insertion. If the tampon is not inserted far enough into the vagina, it can sit too low and cause discomfort. On the other hand, if it's inserted too far, it may press against the cervix, leading to pain.
If you can feel the tampon or you feel pressure in there you may not have put it in completely right. No big deal! Just take it out, get a new one and start over.
Insert it as far as your middle finger and thumb, at the grip – or middle – of the applicator. Once the barrel is comfortably inside, hold the grip and push with your index finger on the smaller tube to push the absorbent part of the tampon into the vagina. Push this until it meets the grip and your other fingers.
Yes, it's fine to wear a tampon in the bath or shower. If your period is light at the time, you might find that you don't need one for the few minutes that you are in the bath or shower. Most of the time, blood won't leak out.
Gently insert your finger into your vagina
Use an inwards and upwards motion and move your finger in as far as it will go. You will know when you are touching your cervix, as your finger will not be able to reach any further. You will also feel the firm doughnut shape of your cervix.
Sometimes the wrong absorbency is used. Make sure you are using the lightest absorbency for your flow. If the tampon hurt when you were taking it out, felt dry or has white cotton visible after 4 hours of use, you should use one made for lighter flow.
The tampon isn't inserted correctly
Sometimes a leaky tampon can mean you haven't pushed it far enough into the vaginal canal or if you've inserted it at an awkward angle it may not effectively prevent leaks.
The pelvic floor muscles surround the vaginal canal and can compress it if they are too tight. If the tight muscles are pressed up against a tampon, that causes discomfort and even pain. Tight pelvic floor muscles can also make it harder to insert or remove a tampon smoothly.
So if the tampon does hurt, stop and do not force it in. You can use a pad instead. If you're using tampons for the first time, try a slim-fit one. Your menstrual flow should make it easier to insert because it moistens the vagina and helps the tampon slip into place.
See a GP if:
you have pain or discomfort in your vulva that does not go away or keeps coming back. you find it difficult inserting a tampon into your vagina because of the pain. you find having sex difficult because you feel pain, such as burning or stinging.
Vaginismus Or Tight Pelvic Muscles May Be the Cause
If it hurts when putting a tampon in, overly tight pelvic muscles as well as an involuntary condition known as vaginismus may be the reason.
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
You know your tampon is full when you feel resistance pulling the string, notice blood on the string or in your underwear, or feel it inside you; however, for hygiene, you should change it every 4-8 hours regardless, as a "dry" tampon (not full) can be uncomfortable to remove, and a full one will leak. The best signs of fullness are leaking (blood on underwear) or the string appearing bloody, indicating it's saturated and needs changing soon.
However, tampons should be removed from your vagina after eight hours to lower your risk of TSS. This doesn't mean you will get TSS if a tampon is left in your vagina longer than eight hours. It means studies have shown that prolonged use of a tampon promotes the production of harmful bacteria.
To know if you're touching your cervix, insert a clean finger into your vagina until you feel a firm, round structure at the end, like the tip of your nose with a small dimple or slit in the middle, different from the softer vaginal walls; its texture changes throughout your cycle, feeling softer (like lips) and higher during ovulation, and firmer and lower at other times, which helps with tracking fertility or fitting menstrual cups.
Once you insert the tampon, remember to direct towards your lower back and not straight up. Push the applicator in as far as it will comfortably go. At this point your fingers should be very close to, or pressed against your vagina, then simply withdraw the applicator and discard.
Squatting and bearing down (like you would if you had to poo), can help bring the tampon towards the vaginal opening and make it easier to remove. Insert your finger into your vagina. Move your finger around in a circle. You'll probably be able to feel the tampon.
Normally you shouldn't feel your tampon no matter what position you're in. Sounds like your tampon may not be in quite right. There's an awesome video https://www.ubykotex.com/en-us/periods/pads-and-tampons/using-a-tampon-for-the-first-time about tampon insertion that may help.
Neither tampons nor pads are inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your activity, flow, and comfort, with pads being great for beginners and nighttime, while tampons are preferred for swimming and sports, though they carry a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) if used improperly. Pads offer visible absorption and are good for lower flows or when not being active, but can feel bulky, while tampons offer freedom but require diligent 4-8 hour changes to prevent TSS. Many people use both, switching as needed for convenience, flow, or activity.
Find a comfortable position that lets you relax and still reach your vagina. Most people sit on the toilet or stand while slightly squatting to insert a tampon, but you can also try lying down or propping one foot up on a step or another raised surface (e.g., the edge of the bath).
“It's a myth that your period stops altogether when you get into the water,” she said. While it's unlikely that you'll leave a trail of blood in the ocean or pool if you free bleed, it doesn't mean that your cycle doesn't let up.