Why can I feel my tampon, then? The most likely reason is that you didn't push your tampon in far enough when you inserted it. Not to worry – simply use your finger to push it in a little further. If that doesn't fix it, just take it out and try again with a fresh one.
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.
You Have The Wrong Size
This is probably the most common reason your tampons feel like they're coming out when they shouldn't be. Wearing the wrong size tampon for the job can make them seem like they're filling too quickly and “sagging.” If you have to change your tampon hourly, you need a bigger size.
Take the tampon in one hand and gently insert it into the vaginal opening (string side down) until you reach the small indentation on the applicator's side, about halfway up.
Your vagina is only about two-four inches long (though it can stretch to be a lot longer to accommodate vaginal intercourse or having a baby), so chances are, if a tampon's in there, you'll be able to feel it. If you can feel the tampon or its string, try tugging it out with one or two fingers.
Know that a tampon can't get too far up. Why? Because your vaginal canal is approximately eight centimeters in length and dead ends at your cervix (the end of your uterus). If for some reason you cannot find a tampon string, simply inserting a finger or two should help you locate it to pull it out.
The best way to know if your tampon needs changing is to give a light tug on the tampon string, if it starts to pull out easily then it's time to change, if not, it usually means you can leave it a bit longer. Just remember with tampons, 4 hours is about right, and don't leave one in for more than 8 hours.
The bottom line. While it's generally safe to sleep with a tampon in if you're sleeping for less than eight hours, it's important that you change tampons every eight hours to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome. It's also best to use the lowest absorbency necessary.
Be sure to push the plunger all the way in so the tampon goes up high enough and then you won't feel it at all. You'll know the tampon is in right if the applicator comes out easily and comfortably, if you don't feel the tampon once the applicator is removed, and if there is no leaking.
The main things you need to do are: get in the right position and, of course RELAX. The muscles of the pelvic floor are very strong, so if you're not relaxed, it will be very hard to put the tampon in. Get to know your body. Get a mirror and have a look where the tampon is going to go before you start.
Tampons shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable. While wearing them, they should be barely noticeable. Remember: Practice makes perfect. So if you insert a tampon and it doesn't feel comfortable, remove it and try again.
The discomfort of feeling a tampon when you move or walk is your body trying to push out the tampon because you may not have inserted it deeply enough. It can be tricky to insert a tampon at the right depth. It should go deep enough in the vaginal canal to go past the pelvic floor nerve endings.
Pulling dry tampons out shouldn't damage you permanently (unless something has gone really wrong), but it can be really uncomfortable, as it sort of pulls the vaginal walls inwards and down because the dry cotton sticks – go slow.
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.
You should only use a tampon for up to 8 hours. So, if you're asking can you sleep with a tampon in, the short answer is yes. Your tampon doesn't know if it's day or night and will work the same while you sleep, just be sure to only use a tampon for up to 8 hours.
In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in individuals who are menstruating and using tampons or menstrual cups.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor. Untreated heavy or prolonged bleeding can stop you from living your life to the fullest. It also can cause anemia.
It sounds like you are not inserting the tampon completely. I remember when I first starting using tampons, I was afraid to fully insert them and would often find they would get more uncomfortable when I sat down, especially if I attempted to use the tampons that didn't have applicators.
“We typically recommend that you change your tampon every four to six hours, though many people will change them more frequently if they're experiencing a heavy flow,” Youngblood says. “Definitely do not leave the same tampon in for longer than eight hours, which is when your risk goes up.”
During insertion and removal, friction between the tampon and your vaginal wall can loosen fibres. The risk of tampon shedding usually depends on: How the tampon is constructed. Not using the right absorbency for your flow (causing more friction on the tampon during insertion and removal which can encourage fibre loss)
If you feel fine, but suspect a lost tampon and can't remove it yourself, call your OB-GYN doctor's office first. Often they will see you right away or they'll direct you to an urgent care center. You'll want to get it removed as soon as possible.
It takes practice to put them in at the correct angle. If your vagina is dry, inserting a tampon can be uncomfortable. Vaginismus, a condition that causes tight vaginal muscles, is another possible reason. For some, inserting a tampon is simply too long a reach.
Signs of vaginismus include: Discomfort or pain during vaginal penetration. Inability to have sex or have a pelvic exam due to vaginal muscle spasms or pain. Painful intercourse.
The skin of the vulva is very sensitive, so irritation of this part of the body is very common. Common causes of irritation include sweating, wearing tight clothing, eczema/dermatitis, personal hygiene issues, product allergies, infections and skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus (more on these conditions below).
Never wear more than two tampons at once
You should never wear more than one tampon at a time. Doubling up on tampons increases your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS. If your flow is very heavy, wear a tampon with a higher absorbency and change it more frequently. Or use a sanitary pad as extra back up.