For starters, it’s important to remember that inserting a tampon for the first time can take some practice. Don’t be hard on yourself, especially if it doesn’t go as you had hoped the first or even second time. Using a mirror and a water-based lubricant can be helpful in practicing tampon insertion. The mirror helps you see exactly where you are placing the tampon when you’re still learning. With enough practice, you’ll learn how to place it without one. Placing water-based lubricant on the plastic or paper tampon applicator can help the tampon to more easily glide in and out during practice. Check out the guide tagged below for more helpful tips!
TSS (toxic shock syndrome) is an important syndrome to be aware of, especially when using a tampon. However, in this situation the development of TSS would be extremely unlikely for several reasons. First, TSS can’t be caused by the use of a tampon itself. TSS is a condition caused by an infection caused by different bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Vaginas normally contain healthy bacteria because they are dark, warm, moist environments. However, if a tampon is left in for an extended period of time, it can welcome unsafe bacteria to grow and increase the risk for developing TSS. Given that you didn’t leave the tampon in for an extended period of time, it’s very unlikely you’ll develop TSS.
However, if you ever have questions on inserting a tampon or TSS, it’s always a good idea to speak with your health care provider (HCP) because they know you and your body best!
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