August 21, 2025, 2:19 am | Read time: 5 minutes
If inserting a tampon causes pain, there can be various reasons. However, there’s no need to panic: With a few simple tricks and techniques, most problems can be quickly resolved. In addition to some handling errors, physical conditions can also contribute to pain when inserting tampons.
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These Mistakes Cause Pain When Inserting Tampons
Incorrect Tampon Size
There are many reasons why inserting a tampon can cause pain. One of the most common is choosing the wrong tampon size. If the tampon is too large, it can be positioned incorrectly and cause uncomfortable pressure. The right tampon size largely depends on the heaviness of your period. If you have light bleeding, smaller tampons are sufficient; for heavy bleeding, you can opt for larger ones. Since menstrual flow changes throughout the period, it’s advisable to choose larger tampons at the beginning when bleeding is heavier. As the period progresses and bleeding decreases, you should use smaller tampons.1 To find the right size for your personal comfort, you may need to try different options. Test products from various manufacturers to find the perfect match.
Incorrect Tampon Insertion Causes Pain
Pain can also occur if the tampon is not inserted correctly. Especially for women using tampons for the first time, handling can initially be a bit challenging. But with a little practice, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. The most important thing: Stay relaxed. If you tense your body too much during insertion, it can lead to problems and pain. Also, make sure to insert the tampon deep enough. It’s positioned correctly if you can no longer feel it.
Pain from Frequent Tampon Changes
Every tampon package advises not to leave the product in the body too long and to change it regularly. This remains important, but changing tampons too frequently can also cause pain during insertion. Generally, you should change the tampon at least every six hours, but more often if your body and bleeding allow. However, this doesn’t mean you should change it hourly if it’s not necessary. It’s important to wait until it’s fully saturated. If it’s too dry, even removing it can cause pain. Constant friction also makes insertion painful.
You can easily determine if it’s time to remove your tampon by gently pulling on its string. If it moves slightly, you should be able to remove it without issue. If you feel resistance, you should wait a bit longer before changing it.
Vaginismus and Dyspareunia
Sometimes, it’s not the tampon itself but your own body that causes issues. Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorders can lead to pain when inserting tampons or other objects, as well as during intercourse. This includes conditions like vaginismus (vaginal spasms) and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). Relaxation techniques and pelvic floor exercises, or psychotherapy in cases of psychological trauma, can help. In such cases, you should consult your gynecologist. To relieve pressure initially, you can use alternative period products like pads or period underwear.2
Vaginal Dryness Causes Pain During Insertion
Vaginal dryness can also cause pain when inserting a tampon. This symptom often occurs in women during menopause, but younger women can also be affected. Hormonal fluctuations, contraception, stress, or illnesses can contribute to vaginal dryness. The lack of moisture increases friction during insertion, leading to pain. Vaginal dryness can be treated with a regulated vaginal pH or special creams.3
Also interesting: How diet can affect menstruation – positively or negatively
Anatomical Peculiarities
Every body is different, and it can happen that inserting a tampon is difficult and causes pain due to anatomical peculiarities. However, this is not necessarily a cause for concern. For some women, the uterus is positioned relatively low, which can cause the tampon to exert pressure on it. While this can be annoying, it’s not a health concern. A very narrow vaginal canal can also make insertion difficult, but it’s not dangerous. You can discuss possible treatment options with your doctor.4
How to Insert a Tampon Without Pain
Inserting a tampon correctly and without pain is not difficult with a little practice. With the right techniques and some helpful tips, pain can become a thing of the past.
- Wash your hands: Before inserting a tampon, you should thoroughly wash your hands. Otherwise, bacteria can enter the body and cause infections.5
- Use the smallest possible tampon size: Choosing the right tampon size can prevent friction during insertion and removal. Pain occurs when the tampon is too large or changed too frequently.
- Relax: Insertion is easiest when you’re relaxed. Especially as a beginner, take your time and don’t rush. Often, adopting a squatting position helps. If you tense up, it can cause painful discomfort during insertion. You can tell if the tampon is positioned correctly by whether you can feel it after insertion. If you can’t, it’s positioned correctly; if you can feel it while standing or walking, it’s not deep enough.
- Change regularly: Find the right balance for you. Changing tampons too frequently can cause pain, but you should not leave it in longer than necessary to prevent infections like toxic shock syndrome (TSS).