How to Insert a Tampon. Tampons can be intimidating. But so is taking the training wheels off your bike!

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Tampons are pressed cotton cylinders used internally to collect menstrual flow. Many women prefer to use tampons because they are less messy and more discreet than pads. Tampons have been around in one form or another for centuries. Today, tampons generally contain two parts, an applicator and the tampon itself. Women have many options to choose from, including plastic or cardboard applicators, applicator-free tampons, sport tampons, and a variety of sizes designed for light to very heavy flow. The first few times you insert a tampon may be awkward, but when placed properly, tampons provide comfort and security about menstrual hygiene.
Tampons at a glance
Tampons are used for menstrual flows to absorb the blood during the days of a period. Much like sanitary pads, they are a blend of rayon and cotton that collect any blood and fluid flowing out of the vagina. Once inserted, a cord extends out of the body for easy removal.
But after you figure things out — and with enough practice — it becomes second nature. This is usually made of cotton, rayon, or organic cotton. The tampon is a small cylinder that fits inside the vaginal canal. The material is compressed and expands when it gets wet. The string is the part that extends outside of the vagina so you can pull it for removal more on that later. The applicator that surrounds the tampon and string is made of the barrel, grip, and plunger. Sometimes, if you have a travel-sized tampon, you might have to extend the plunger and click it into place.