When you try to put a tampon in it hurts im 13 and im almost positive im doing everything right?

Answer 1

There are a few possible reasons why it may be hurting you...

1. Too high an absorbency.
Tampons are dry and absorbent so dry-out vaginal tissues causing ulceration, a dry tampon pushing through the delicate vaginal tissues will be uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is to start with the lowest possible absorbency - if it leaks within 1-2 hours higher but if not saturated after 4-6 hours use lower - only use during full flow, you can also help by using lubrication such as KY jelly.

2. Type of tampon.
Tampons like Playtex, Kotex and Tampax are made from rayon which is rougher and more drying than cotton, also rayon tampons are heavily chemically treated and bleached so this may irritate vaginal tissues, especially if you're sensitive or allergic to these ingredients. If using tampons it's best to use cotton hypo-allergenic brands like Cottons or Natracare as these are softer and don't contain any chemicals to irritate or cause allergic reaction, plus they're safer.

3. Lack of relaxation.
If you're tense vaginal muscles are tense, thus the vaginal walls clench shut - think of it like a tightly gripped fist verses a relaxed fist - if vaginal muscles are clenched shut then of course it's going to be harder to insert a tampon as the 'hole' will be smaller and you're pushing against the vaginal muscles. You may not even be aware you're tensing-up - practice purposefully tensing and relaxing your vaginal muscles, also try masturbation before insertion as when aroused your vagina relaxes, lubricates, opens, increases in size and tents so this can help with tampon insertion.

4. Wrong angle.
Tampons need to be aimed towards the small of your back, if angling straight up you're just pushing the tampon straight into the top/front vaginal wall rather than it going up through the vaginal canal. This is why the idea of applicator tampons being easier is nonsense, they don't give you as much control as non-applicator tampons where you'd feel for this resistance and be able to angle correctly - if using applicator tampons you'll just have to try adjusting the angle until you get it right.

It's not a good idea for someone of your age to use tampons - you are less likely to have TSST-1 antibodies so are at far higher risk of TSS, also the longer you use tampons the longer you're exposed to dioxin so higher the long-term risks.

Consider menstrual cups or softcups.
Tampons aren't recommended for teens due to higher risk of TSS and the younger you use tampons the longer you're exposed to dioxin in some brands. Cups are safer and more hygienic than so no risks of TSS, infections, or dioxin - thus more convenient as they can be worn for 12 hours, with any flow, overnight, before your period, and no alternating with pads. Menstrual cups are more comfortable, don't increase cramps like tampons, plus they're better for swimming as they can be worn even with light flow, nothing shows outside your body, and don't leak like tampons.