How to Remove a Tampon

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Pulling out a stuck or dry tampon without any pain

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Removing Your Tampon

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Knowing When to Change Your Tampon

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Removing a Tampon with No String

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Your period isn't exactly your best friend, we know, but that's what tampons are for. Tampons allow you to swim, play sports, and go about your normal daily life. They can seem a bit tricky if you're inexperienced, and knowing when to remove one isn't always clear. But we're to to help! We'll show you how to remove a tampon (including one with no string), and fill you in on when you should swap it out so you can go about your day worry-free.

Things You Should Know

Sit on the toilet with your knees spread, and take a few deep breaths to relax your muscles.
Pull the string at the end of the tampon to gently remove it, then wrap it in a paper towel and drop it into the garbage.
If the string breaks, don't panic. Just insert two fingers into your vagina and grab the tampon between them. Use your fingers to pull it out.
Change your tampon every 3-5 hours, or when you experience any wetness. Also change it if there's blood on the string.

Section 1 of 3:

Removing Your Tampon

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Sitting over the toilet reduces any possible mess.
2
Relax. Removing a tampon should not be painful. If you are nervous, take a deep breath and distract yourself by reading a magazine. Do not clench your vaginal muscles.
- If you can't relax, try to pee a little. This may relax the muscles enough to allow you to remove the tampon easily.
3
Pull the string at the end of the tampon. The tampon should slide out easily, with little or no resistance.
- If the tampon does not come out easily or it is painful to remove, it may not need to be changed. Unless it's been 8 hours (in which case you should try the peeing trick to ease its removal), leave the tampon in another hour or two and then check it.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you remove the tampon after 4-8 hours and there is very little blood, you may want to switch to a lower absorbency tampon or use panty liners instead.^{[2]XResearch source}
Some companies claim their tampons are safe to flush, but it's generally not a good idea.^{[3]XResearch source} Tampons will eventually break down, but not quickly enough that they won't expand and clog your pipes, destroy your septic tank, and cause a lot of (expensive!) plumbing problems.

Section 2 of 3:

Knowing When to Change Your Tampon

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1
Remove your tampon every 3-5 hours to avoid saturation. Although tampons can be worn safely for up to 8 hours, they generally need to be changed more often than this. Depending on how heavy your cycle is, you need to change out your tampon every 3-5 hours to avoid leaks.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Leaving a tampon in longer than 8 hours puts you at a higher risk for infection for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially deadly infection.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If you try to change your tampon and it still has a lot of absorbency or only has a little blood on it, try switching to a lower absorbency tampon. Always wear the tampon with the lowest possible absorbency for your flow.^{[6]XResearch source}
2
Change your tampon if you feel any wetness. This means your tampon is no longer absorbing the blood and it is leaking.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Wear a thin panty-liner if you are worried about your tampon leaking.
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Check your tampon if it feels uncomfortable. If your tampon is inserted correctly, you should not be able to tell it is there. If you can feel something, it means the tampon is too low. With clean hands, use one finger to push the tampon further up into your vagina.^{[8]XResearch source}
- If the tampon won't move or it is painful to push, your vagina is too dry and you should remove the tampon and start over. You may want to try a tampon with a lower absorbency. ^{[9]XResearch source}
You should give the string a little experimental pull every time you go to the bathroom. If the tampon comes right out, then it's time to change.^{[10]XResearch source}
Even if the tampon itself isn't fully saturated or doesn't slide out easily, if the string is bloody it means the tampon was about to leak.^{[11]XResearch source}
Remove your tampon and seek medical help if you have: a sudden, high fever (usually 102°F or more); a red rash that looks like a sunburn anywhere on your body; feel dizzy or faint when standing up; or if you experience vomiting or diarrhea. These are symptoms of TSS. While it is rare, TSS can be deadly and these symptoms should be taken seriously.^{[12]XResearch source}

Section 3 of 3:

Removing a Tampon with No String

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It is impossible for a tampon to get "lost" in your body if the string breaks or you can't find it.^{[13]XResearch source}
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Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wet your hands, then apply soap. Scrub your hands with the soap, then rinse your hands clean. Dry your hands with a clean towel.
- Your hands can harbor germs that may transfer into your vagina.
- Make sure your nails aren't jagged or sharp, as you might scratch yourself.
Get into the position you would normally be in when inserting a tampon. For example, you can sit over the toilet, squat, or stand with one leg up on the toilet seat. Choose the position that's most comfortable for you. Take a deep breath and try to relax.^{[14]XResearch source}
Make circular and back and forth movements until you feel the tampon. It may be turned to the side or pushed up to the top of the vaginal canal, near the cervix and behind your bladder.^{[15]XResearch source}
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Insert two fingers, trapping the tampon between them, and pull it out.^{[16]XResearch source}
- If you cannot feel the tampon or have trouble removing it, trying sitting on the toilet and pushing as though you are trying to push out a baby or go poop.

Get Comfortable with Tampons with this Expert Series

Using tampons is a new experience, and it can be intimidating. Don't worry, we have all the expert advice you need to use them effectively and painlessly.

1

How to Put in a Tampon for the First Time

2

Use a Tampon

3

Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon

4

Insert a Tampon Without Applicator

5

Use a Tampon Painlessly

6

Insert a Tampon Without Pain

Expert Q&A

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Question
What if I can't remove the tampon?
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Expert Answer
If you're having trouble removing your tampon on your own, you may need to visit your healthcare provider. Leaving the tampon in longer than 8 hours can put you at risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
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Tips

If the tampon is dry, take it out after eight hours. If it's "wet", it should come out easily.
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Don't flush it down the toilet. It can get clogged.
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Need help? Don't be afraid to ask a parent or friend.
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.

If you feel like your tampon absorbs blood quickly and leaks shortly after inserting, buy the next box of tampons one size larger.
Try not to pull the tampon straight down when you take it out. Instead, angle the string away from you.

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Warnings

TSS- toxic shock syndrome. This is extremely rare but is very serious. It is an illness which occurs when a tampon is being used for a long period of time. Make sure you change it every 8 hours!
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Make sure to use the right tampon absorbency according to your flow. If your flow is light and you are using a Super-Duty tampon it will not become full and can result in vaginal tearing which leads to to toxic shock syndrome.
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