Difficulty Inserting Tampon

[capablehippie]

I have these tampons that I have been using for the last two periods. They are "super" sized because the regular ones of this brand were not very absorbent. I wanted to get this brand because they don't have the applicator. Anyways, before this period, I only had trouble inserting them once. I used some lube to get it in and that worked great.
This month I'm finding myself very dry down there and so it hurts to get the tampon in and I can't get it in all the way. I am just about out of lube. The day before yesterday I asked my boyfriend to make out with me before I tried to see if that would make it go in easier... I don't know if it was that or that there was some menses in the area at that point that worked as lubrication, but I got one in then. Is there something besides lube I could use to get it in there? Do you think I just need to relax?

[Sam W]

Hi Capablehippie,

Relaxing as much as you can would likely help, since tensing up would make insertion more difficult. You could also, if you haven't already, experiment with different positions or stances to insert the tampon from, as some positions will make it easier to get the tampon in.

[capablehippie]

Okay, thanks Sam! I'll try those things the next time I have trouble. Should it make a difference for insertion if I'm really dry down there?

[Karyn]

Yep, a lack of lubrication can definitely make a difference per ease of insertion (and comfort!). Lots of people find that it's more difficult to put a tampon in if their vagina is particularly dry. Is it possible for you to get a small bottle of lube to carry with you for when you need to put in a new tampon?

[capablehippie]

I think I could, but not any really time soon. It would be good to have for other things, too, so I'll probably do that when I have a chance to walk to the store. In the meantime, are there any other liquids that are safe to use as lubricant?

[Sam W]

Since you're using this for tampon insertion, you could try using an oil-based lube such as coconut oil or Vaseline. One word of caution there is that natural oils like coconut oil may irritate the vagina and cause discomfort for some people.

[Smallgirl]

I have used a tampon only once and I faced the same problem. Then I dove into one my fantasies to make myself wet and it slid in nicely. You should try that;-) Though I don't think I inserted it correctly cause my vag was kinda burning till I took it out. How much deep should the tampon go? I inserted it till the base justdisappeared from view. Should it go even in?

[Karyn]

The tampon should be inserted into the vagina all the way - it shouldn't still be sticking out of the vaginal entrance - but other than that you have to experiment a bit to see what's comfortable for you.

[Smallgirl]

Oh, though it wasn't actually sticking out( I pushed it in till my finger under the base of the tampon just touched my vagina) it wasn't way up either. Guess atleast a fourth of my finger should go in, from what you're saying. Thanks!

[Karyn]

You're welcome! And yep, it's likely going to be more comfortable if you push it up a bit further, so that the end of the tampon isn't sitting right in the vaginal opening.

[Ari]

Lube is a great option. Another option could be a menstrual cup. I am/was prone to dryness impeding my ability to comfortably insert a tampon. I switched to a menstrual cup almost 4 years ago and have never looked back. Menstrual cups have a steeper learning curve than tampons but can be a good physical and financial investment for many people.

Best of luck!