Skip to main content
My Tampon Won't Go In

My Tampon Won't Go In

Can't Insert Tampon - Tried Everything
Painful to Insert Tampon
Tampon Hurts When Pushing It In
Want To Go Swimming But Can't Insert Tampon
Which Hole To Put It In And Itchy Vagina
Vagina Is Too Tight And Tampon Won'T Fit
How To Relax To Put In Tampon
Trouble Putting In Applicator Tampons

Question: I feel like I have read so many 'How To'’s on how to insert a tampon - but I still can't do it! I have tried all the tips and tricks, at one point in high school I was on a camp and my mum was there too (as the teacher) and we wanted to go swimming and I couldn't get a tampon in so she came in and tried to help me! Even she couldn't do it. I have tried doing it on a towel on my bedroom floor in a comfortable position so I'm super relaxed but even that doesn't work! So I guess I just want to know, are there any tips to relaxing, or making sure I'm inserting on the correct angle? I'm so sick of not being able to use tampons, and I know there probably isn't anything wrong with me but I can't help but think maybe there is, and if I can't get a tampon in, how on earth am I ever going to be able to have sex comfortably? (I am a virgin, waiting for marriage) Please help! #embarrassed #tight #hopeless

Dr. Farah Kroman: Pelvic floor muscles can be very strong. You are right, relaxing these muscles is the key to comfortable tampon insertion. Have you tried standing with one foot on a stool or the toilet? Also, you might like to try the tampon insertion on your heaviest flow day - this lubrication by the period flow helps. Knowing this can help you relax too. Since you have tried a few times and you are worried that something might be wrong, I think it’s definitely worthwhile to see your GP for a quick examination. There are some relatively rare conditions that block the vagina, which would mean that no matter how relaxed you are, it simply won't go in.

Hard to Insert Tampon

Question: Hi, I tried my first tampon last week, but it,was really painful to insert and wouldn't really push in?!? Why????

Dr. Farah Kroman: Do you actually have your period yet? The lubrication that menstrual flow provides does make things easier. 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. An easy and convenient position is with one foot on the toilet seat. Wash your hands well then use your index finger to gently push the tampon past your labia (outside folds of the vagina) into your vagina. Push it in as far as it will go- don’t worry, you can’t go too far. Make sure that the strings are hanging out for easy retrieval. When you are done, you shouldn’t be able to feel the tampon. If you do, then you haven’t pushed it in far enough, remove it and start again with a new one. Make sure you don’t leave your tampon in for more than 8 hours.

Question: Okay so I am one of those people who cannot use a tampon to save their life. Do no tell me to grab a mirror and take a look down here because I know exactly where my down there is. I know where it is and I have 'explored' myself by putting one clean finger up there. (Yes that sounds gross but I am very desperate to use a tampon!) I am a dancer and I cannot stand to wear pads anymore. The problem is that it hurts when I try to push it up there. It does go in a little bit but it won't go any further. My finger goes further than the tampon. Could you please help me?

Dr. Farah Kroman: It's good that you know your body. The muscles inside the vagina (pelvic floor muscles) can be very tight. Relax as much as you can and stand with one foot on the loo or bath. When your period flow is heaviest this helps lubricate the tampon on the way in which can help. Perhaps you could start on a heavy flow day and get more comfortable using tampons from there. It needs to go in about finger length so you can't feel it.

Question: Please help I am at a friends for a couple of days and I got my first period just before I came and now they want to go swimming I have all the equipment but can't seem to insert my tampon what do I do?!

Dr. Farah Kroman: Inserting a tampon should be very easy. The main thing you need to do is get in the right position (squatting, sitting on the toilet or 1 foot on the toilet seat are all popular options) 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. If it doesn't work the first time, don't worry. Try again another day when you're more relaxed. Make sure you follow the instructions in the pack too.

Inserting a Tampon & Itchy Vagina

Question: Hi, I have 2 questions. 1: well, I want to start using tampons and I have absolutely no idea what hole to put it in and worried if I put it in the wrong one. And 2: sometimes when I'm on my period I get an itchy vagina and its drive's me crazy. What should I do?

Dr. Farah Kroman: The main things you need to do are: get in the right position and try to 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. An easy and convenient position is with one foot on the toilet seat or squatting. Wash your hands well then use your index finger to gently push the tampon past your labia (outside folds of the vagina) into your vagina. Push it in as far as it will go - don’t worry, you can’t go too far. Make sure that the strings are hanging out for easy retrieval. When you are done, you shouldn’t be able to feel the tampon. If you do, then you haven’t pushed it in far enough, remove it and start again with a new one.

My Vagina is Too Tight, Tampon Doesn't Fit

Question: Hi, Im a dancer and have been since i was four and im turning 15 later in this year. Im extremely flexible and being a flexible dancer comes at a price.... My vagina is the size of a piece of rice. I do know that my pelvic floor muscles(i think that's what people call it) are constantly tensed even if im relaxed. Over the past 6 months i have been doing exercises that are supposed to relax my muscles and just last month i decided to try and insert a tampon (12th attempt). After 5 excruciating minutes of inserting a extremely small tampon i got it in but not high enough. I assumed my vagina had stretched and took the tampon out. I used a mirror to look and it had so i was under the impression my vagina wouldn't return to its previous size but it has. I tried to insert another tampon today and it wouldn't budge. Im really frustrated as my next period is in the day if a competition and i cant wear a pad with the costume because it is too noticeable and i cant wear a liner because i have endometriosis so my flow is extremely heaving and also i cant skip my period because my period overrides the pill. Im in a bit of a pickle here. And one other thing that has come to my attention regarding my vagina is that i have just recently got a new boyfriend who is sexually experienced. He went to go finger me the other day and i completely freaked because im so tight and i didnt want to tell him that so i said i hadn't shaved so he wouldn't do it.  I need your help! This really sucks and i cant take another year of having a tight vagina! I'd also like to mention i did see a doctor about it and she said i need to wait until sex to start using a tampon but i am so scared of the pain because trying to put a mini tampon up there feels like im being stabbed.

Dr. Farah Kroman: The muscles inside the vagina (pelvic floor muscles) can be very tight. Also, if you're anxious about the fact that you are too tight, you will only get tighter and things will be harder. Remember that your pelvic floor is designed to be strong and also designed to be able to pop out a baby so it shouldn't be too small for a tampon. For the tampon insertion, relax as much as you can and stand with one foot on the loo or bath. When your period flow is heaviest this helps lubricate the tampon on the way in which can help. Perhaps you could start on a heavy flow day and get more comfortable using tampons from there Try using a mini tampon with a silky cover put some lubrication on it. It needs to go in about finger length so you can't feel it. If this still doesn't work, perhaps think about seeing a gynecologist for a thorough check up to make sure nothing else is going on. You certainly don't need to be having sex to be using tampons.

How to Relax When Inserting a Tampon

Question: How do you relax yourself enough to put in a tampon?

Dr. Farah Kroman: You're right, it's very important to relax when inserting a tampon. The muscles of the pelvic floor are very strong, so if you’re not relaxed there will be resistance as you try and put the tampon in. The main things you need to do are get in the right position and don’t over think it. . Get to know your body and have a look where the tampon is going to go. Take a few deep breaths and have a go. The worst that will happen is that you will have to try again with a new tampon. Listening to your favourite music might also help you relax.

Trouble With Applicator Tampons

Question: This may be a bit awkward... Butttt, I have tried putting an applicator tampons in sooo many times and it just won't go in! I have tried relaxing and spreading my legs as far as I can blah blah blah, is there something wrong with me? Are non applicator tampons smaller than applicator tampons? Thankyou so much! :)

Dr. Farah Kroman: It’s certainly worth trying a non-applicator tampon. Get a mini one with a silky cover to make it easier. Also try and insert it on a heavier flow day, the extra lubrication can help.