What Do I Do if it Hurts to Put a Tampon In?

Published: March 14, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What do I do if it hurts to put a tampon in and I think that there's something blocking the path?
Signed: What Do I Do if it Hurts to Put a Tampon In?

Dear What Do I Do if it Hurts to Put a Tampon In?,

Inserting tampons can be difficult for a variety of reasons. For some young women it’s a matter of understanding how to correctly insert a tampon and practicing. For others, anxiety about using tampons causes muscles to tighten and makes insertion more difficult. And some women are born with a very small opening in the hymen which can prevent tampons from being inserted. This is true for only about 2% of teens, but it can be a problem.

TeenHealthFX recommends you start with the following:

  • Use a “slender” size tampon
  • Try using a tampon when your menstrual flow is medium to heavy as this will allow the tampon to glide in more easily
  • Try to relax, which will also make insertion easier
  • Make sure that you know the correct way to insert a tampon

 

If after all of this you are still having trouble inserting a tampon, then FX recommends you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, gynecologist, or an adolescent medicine specialist. Your doctor can help to determine what exactly is preventing you from using tampons.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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