How to Insert a Tampon Without Applicator

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Tampons are an easy, discreet option for managing your periods. However, you might hate the waste the applicators create. Fortunately, you can insert a tampon without an applicator! Simply wash your hands and get into a position that opens your vagina. Then, use your middle finger to push the tampon up into your vagina. If you experience pain, there are some changes you can make to reduce it.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Getting into Position

PDF download Download Article
  1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wet your hands with warm water, then apply a mild soap to your palm. Scrub your hands with soap for at least 30 seconds. Finally, rinse your hands with warm water. [1]
    • Don’t insert a tampon with dirty hands because the germs will get on your tampon. This could cause an infection.
  2. Get comfortable on the toilet, then widen your legs so it’s easy to access your vagina. This makes it easier to slide the tampon inside your vagina. [2]
    • If another position works better for you, do that instead. What matters is that you’re comfortable and able to access your vagina.

    Variation: As another option, stand up and put 1 leg up on the toilet. This will help you spread your legs and put your body at an angle that may make it easier to insert the tampon.

    Advertisement
  3. Take deep breaths to relax yourself so it’s easier to insert it. If your muscles are tight, it’ll be harder to push the tampon inside your vagina. To help you relax, take slow, deep breaths. Try counting to 5 as you inhale, then counting to 5 as you exhale. Repeat 5 times. [3]
    • It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re just starting to use tampons. Just do your best to relax your body.
  4. Tear the top of the wrapper and remove the tampon. Hold the tampon carefully at the base to minimize how much contact your fingers have with the tampon. Throw away or recycle the wrapper. [4]
    • While your hands are clean, it’s still possible to transfer germs or bacteria to the tampon. Do your best to touch the tampon as little as possible.
    • If your tampons don’t come with a wrapper, lift the tampon out of the box by grasping at the base.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Pushing the Tampon into Your Vagina

PDF download Download Article
  1. Grasp the tampon as close to the base as possible. Use your thumb and index finger to grip it easily. Hold it securely so that you won’t accidentally drop it into the toilet. [5]

    Variation: You might prefer to create an indentation at the base of the tampon so that you can put it in using just your middle finger. Press your middle finger into the base slightly so you can insert it.

  2. The folds of your vagina should open easily when you push the tampon into them. If you’re having trouble, use the thumb and index finger on your free hand to gently push them open. [6]
    • If this is your first time using a tampon, it might help to use a hand mirror to examine your vagina before you try to insert the tampon.
  3. Use your fingers to insert the tip of the tampon into your vagina. Push it in as far as you can with the fingers you’re using. As you do this, make sure the string is dangling out of your vagina. [7]
    • You likely won’t be able to get it all the way up on your first push, and that’s okay!
  4. Place your middle finger at the center of the base, then push it as far up into your vagina as your hand allows. Stop pushing when you reach the base of your finger. This should put the tampon in the right place. [8]
    • If your ring finger is longer than your middle finger, use that one instead.
  5. You need the string to pull out the tampon, so make sure it’s hanging out of your vagina before you remove your finger. Don’t pull on the string until you’re ready to remove the tampon. [9]
    • If you pull on the string when you remove your finger, your tampon may get dislodged. If this happens, you can try pushing it back into place with your finger. However, you may need to change your tampon.
  6. Slowly pull your finger out of your vagina, being careful not to pull on the string. Then, wipe off any menstrual fluids using a piece of toilet paper. Discard the toilet paper in the toilet or the trash. Finally, wash your hands with soap and water to clean your finger. [10]
    • If your finger smells, wash your hands twice using soap.
  7. Your tampon shouldn’t feel uncomfortable, but sometimes that can happen when it’s in the wrong spot. To make sure it’s comfortable, march slowly in place or shake your hips. [11]
    • If it feels uncomfortable, try pushing it further up into your vagina using your middle finger. If this doesn’t work, you may need to remove it and insert a new tampon.
    8. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Minimizing Pain from Tampons

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tampons might feel painful if you’re putting them in wrong. The best way to get over this is to practice putting them in. You should start to feel more comfortable if you use them regularly. [12]
    • Try to use them consistently for an entire period. This will help you get good at inserting them.
    • It’ll be harder to get better if you’re only using tampons occasionally, like when you go swimming or play sports.
  2. Tampons go in more easily if your vagina is moist. That means they might be scratchy on your light flow days. If tampons are new for you, wait until your heaviest period day to try to insert one. [13]
    • Typically, day 2 will be your heaviest day. However, your flow may also be heavy on day 1 or 3.
  3. If your muscles are tense, it’ll be hard to insert the tampon. It may be hard for you to relax on the toilet or standing up, so try lying down. Get into a comfortable position, take some deep breaths, and then try to insert the tampon.
    • You likely won’t need to do this every time. However, lying down may help you get used to inserting tampons if you’re new to it.
  4. You probably have your reasons for wanting to ditch the applicator, like creating less trash. However, applicators make tampons much easier to insert. You can get either a cardboard or a plastic applicator. Use applicators until you get used to tampons. [14]
    • Plastic applicators are usually more comfortable to insert. However, they can be more costly and have a higher environmental impact.
    • Cardboard applicators are usually easy to insert, but they might cause more friction than plastic applicators.
  5. Tampons come in different sizes to accommodate your flow on different days of your period. For instance, you don’t need the same size tampon on a light day as on a heavy day. If you’re using a tampon that’s too big, it’ll create more friction and stay dry, so it’ll cause you more pain. Pick the right absorbency for you. [15]
    • Use light tampons on the first and last few days of your period when your flow is lighter.
    • Pick regular or normal absorbency for your heavy flow days.
    • Use a super absorbency on your heaviest day or for a very heavy flow.
    • Try a super plus tampon only if you have abnormally heavy periods.
  6. You might feel tempted to practice inserting tampons when you’re not on your period. However, your vagina will be dry, so the tampons will hurt during insertion and when you pull them out. Only wear tampons when you actually have your period. [16]
    • If you think you’re about to start your period, use a pantyliner to protect your underwear. Don’t use a tampon until your period starts.
    7. Advertisement

Get Comfortable with Tampons with this Expert Series

Using tampons is a new experience, and it can be intimidating. Don't worry, we have all the expert advice you need to use them effectively and painlessly.
1
How to Put in a Tampon for the First Time
2
Use a Tampon
3
Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon
4
Insert a Tampon Without Applicator
5
Use a Tampon Painlessly
6
How to Remove a Tampon

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you have a retrograde uterus, pushing your tampon upwards at an angle will most likely not work. Instead, angle down and push. It may take a few tries, but be patient.
      • Don't leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours. It can put you at risk for uncomfortable infections, and in rare cases, may be life-threatening.
      • Make sure you are familiar with your body! Use a small hand mirror if it's your first experience with a tampon.
      • You may want to wear panty lines in addition to the tampon, in case there are any leaks.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Change your tampons every 4 to 6 hours to stay safe. Don’t leave your tampon in longer than 8 hours because it increases your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). [18]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a Tampon
      How to
      Use a Tampon Painlessly
      How to
      Dispose of Tampons
      How to
      Put in a Tampon for the First Time
      How to
      Remove a Stuck Tampon
      Can I Pee with a Tampon In? (Plus, How to Avoid Peeing on the String)
      How to
      Remove a Tampon
      How to
      Use a Tampon While Swimming
      How to
      Choose a Tampon Size
      How to
      Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon
      How to
      Ask for Permission to Use Tampons
      How to
      Sneak Tampons and Pads Into the Bathroom
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/girls/how-tampon
      2. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
      3. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
      4. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
      5. ↑ https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/girls/how-tampon
      6. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
      7. ↑ https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/girls/how-tampon
      8. ↑ https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/girls/how-tampon
      9. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
      1. ↑ https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/girls/how-tampon
      2. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/use-tampon.html
      4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/use-tampon.html
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/use-tampon.html
      6. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon
      7. ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/2014/07/02/is-it-bad-to-insert-a-tampon-before-going-swimming-if-im-not-on-my-period-yet-im-afraid-ill-start-in-the-water/
      8. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely
      9. ↑ https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/teens/how-to-insert-tampon

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 370,449 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • JoLynn Tobin

        Apr 28, 2017

        "I had no clue there were tampons without applicators. I'm going to try them to see if I like them. I'm ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement