Can you use water to lubricate a tampon?

Answer 1

No - the tampon would absorb the water making it more difficult to insert, and water isn't a good lubricant as it isn't slippery. It's best to use lubricants like KY jelly which although water-based will largely stay on the suface of the tampon rather than being absorbed. Another option would be to use natural oils like olive oil or coconut oil.

Answer 2

Most people would use sexual lubricants such as KY jelly, although this is water-based it doesn't get absorbed straight into the tampon so provides enough lubrication to easily insert the tampon. You can however use natural lubricants such as olive oil or coconut oil which are more slippery, can help heal vaginal tissue damage caused by tampon use, and have multiple uses so not a waste if only used once or twice.

Answer 3

No, water doesn't make for a very good lubricant as it's not very slippery, and besides the tampon would absorb the water so it may make the tampon expand.

Be sure when first trying tampons to wait until your heaviest flow and use lowest absorbency (ideally cotton tampons which are softer than rayon tampons, plus safer too) - if the tampon leaks within 1-2 hours it's okay to use the next absorbency up, just remember if not saturated in blood after 4-6 hours to use lower absorbency or switch back to using pads until flow becomes heavier or until your next period.

If you need to use lubrication try either vaginal lubricants such as KY jelly or natural oils such as coconut oil or olive oil which are slippery and safe to use within the vagina. You can also try masturbating prior to tampon use - when aroused the vagina relaxes, opens, increases in size, and lubricates so it can make tampon use easier at first.

Answer 4

To swim during your period you can use any of the following;

• Tampons
• Soft tampons
• Menstrual sponges
• Diaphragms
• Softcups
• Menstrual cups

Answer 5

Yes, that is one of the advantages.