LOL, feeling a bit innocent! *TMI WARNING*

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

Okay, after reading all the excellent advice in PB's thread, I've realised I really don't know anything about tampon insertion. Even using the applicators I never got to a point where I couldn't feel it - it always felt like it was gonna fall out. Is it possible that I just can't reach far enough to get it 'in' properly? Given that the last time I tried was 15 years ago, I should probably try again...

What about clots, what happens to them? I tend to have a lot of large clots, would that make me unable to use tampons?

Haha, I'm actually blushing while typing this post

[LimeSlice]

Clots - they will come out overnight when you use pads, or with the tampon as you remove it.

As for not being able to put them in far enough, it is all about position. Can you feel your cervix? If you can reach your cervix, you can put a tampon in far enough.
Use non-applicator ones and practise. There are diagrams and instructions in every box. They are very clear.
"not feeling" it means there should be no discomfort, you may very well still be aware it is there to begin with as you get use to them, but they should be comfortable, and "barely there" itms.

Get a mirror, go for a bit of an investigation and grab a pack and have a practise. The KY is a good suggestion if you are 'dry', I never needed it (never heard it before PBs thread either lol)
Either squatting or one foot on a toilet or bath edge will get you the best posi for the correct insertion... basically, when you are finger deep, it is in roughly the right spot. Feel the direction on your vagina though with just your finger first, and you will find it tilts backward toward your lower back as it goes up, so remember this when inserting - it isn't a "straight up there" scenario You will need to push it back toward your back as it goes up.

HTH Nothing to blush about, so many women I know gave up using them despite their hate for pads, simply because it is clear they have no idea how to use them properly.

Like most things to do with our bodies though, investigation is the key! So grab that mirror, lube up your finger and find out what is where

ETA: Oh, and take a deep breath and RELAX. if you are tense, it won't go up easily, won't be comfy and won't sit in the right spot.

[Nelle]

I had NO idea either for a long time! I breathe out (will come in handy for labour anyway, good relaxation practice!). And yeah the more squatty* you are, the further in you can get it. For ages I didn't get mine up far enough and could feel it. Uncomfy!

And I use my muscles and a big breath to push as I pull the string when it's time for it to come out (again, probably good labour stuff).


*totally a word.

[skybie]

i find squating helps more than the one legged approach. i push it in until u cant reach anymore. and i usually wear a liner aswell JIC but im a reletivly newbi in the tampon world and dnt have 100% confinence yet

[Mum2SweetCs]

lol i have never used a tampon and the thought of it makes me cringe!
You'd think im a virgin hey!

[Phteven]

And I use my muscles and a big breath to push as I pull the string when it's time for it to come out (again, probably good labour stuff).

It should be relatively easy to remove your tampon. If it is 'sticking' the you might be using the wrong tampon for your flow and could go down a size.

[Arimeh]

Your question sounds pretty valid to me.

I remember trying to insert one with an applicator and somehow - I managed to insert the applicator - and was left holding the tampon.... NFI how I managed that!!!

[*TripleJ*]

lol mel
i avoided tampons for ages and im going to avoid them again lol the applicator ones i found easy but stopped using them a little while after and it was easy to insert the normal ones like others said its sorta on an angle and u can still 'feel' them just not uncomfortable im hoping for my first AF to have cloth pads by then fingerscrossed