I can't seem to use tampons, because they don't fit. What should I do?
By Kendall @ Planned Parenthood | Oct. 4, 2011, 12:19 p.m.
Category: Period
I cant seem to use tampons, they dont fit or just wont go in. I cant even get them in half way. I have tried to finger myself, but even that is too tight and my finger will only go in half way before it really hurts?
Putting a tampon in your vagina shouldn’t be painful, but it may hurt if you’re not relaxed. You might find it’s easier for your muscles to relax if you insert a tampon while laying down. You can also try using slender or “light” tampons with soft, tube-shaped plastic applicators. Putting a little bit of Vaseline on the tip of the applicator can help it slide in.
If you still find inserting a tampon to be difficult and painful, you can ask someone you trust – such as your mother, older sister, or friend – to help you. It might also help to look at some illustrated instructions on how to insert a tampon.
It’s also possible that the opening to your vagina is blocked with hymenal tissue. Some girls are born with thick hymenal tissue that covers most of the opening to the vagina. Health care providers can provide dilators, so a girl can slowly stretch the tissue open. In rare cases, a health care provider can remove the tissue through surgery.