Why Does It Hurt When I Put a Tampon In?

When your period arrives, you have several options for hygiene products. If your go-to choice is tampons, and you've become familiar with using them, you may become worried if it hurts to insert one.

It's not normal for it to hurt when inserting a tampon. Tampon insertion and wear should be comfortable. Here are some possible reasons why you might experience pain or discomfort when using tampons.

1. Vaginal Dryness

Sometimes, it's slightly painful to insert or remove a tampon simply because your vagina is dry. One possible reason for dryness is that your flow may be very light. However, a decrease in estrogen is often the cause of vaginal dryness. An estrogen decrease can happen:

• During cancer treatment
• During perimenopause or approaching menopause
• If you take medications that lower estrogen levels
• While nursing or pumping milk for a child
  

2. Tense Pelvic Muscles

Your pelvic muscles may not be relaxed enough while you put the tampon in or pull it out. See if it helps to take a deep breath and then completely release your pelvic muscles before you attempt to remove or insert the tampon.

Additionally, although it's uncommon, some individuals have a condition known as vaginismus, which makes the muscles of the vaginal canal involuntarily tense up. Individuals with this condition may feel a tearing or burning sensation if anything is inserted.

3. Vulvodynia

If you would describe the pain as more of a stinging when you put a tampon in, it could be a sign of vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is a pain disorder that affects the vulva. This would be considered localized vulvodynia, where the pain comes from pressure in one part of the vulva due to situations such as:

• Having sexual intercourse
• Inserting a tampon
• Sitting too long

4. Vaginal Cysts

There's also a possibility that you have a cyst—a small sac typically filled with fluid either on or in the vaginal lining—if you're having trouble getting a tampon in at all. A cyst can form if the vaginal wall is injured during childbirth, surgery, or due to a bacterial infection.

Many vaginal cysts do not cause symptoms, and some may go away on their own. If the cyst is small and isn't really bothering you, aside from obstructing your tampon insertion a bit, you probably don't need to treat it.

However, if the cyst is growing in size or causing pain, it may require medical treatment. For example, the cyst could be infected and may need to be surgically removed or drained. Bartholin gland cysts are an example of a type of cyst that may return and cause pain. They may require ongoing treatment.

5. Vaginitis

Other causes of vaginal pain could also cause you to experience pain with tampon use. Vaginitis is a term for any vaginal inflammation, which might be another contributor to why it hurts when you insert a tampon. Possible causes of vaginitis include bacteria, yeast, viruses, and other causes, such as fluctuations in hormones.

How To Put In a Tampon

When inserting a tampon, follow the instructions on the tampon packaging. How you put your tampon in will depend on whether it comes with a plastic or cardboard applicator or not. With either type, you should have a short string that hangs so that you can remove the tampon later.

For tampons without an applicator, you use your fingers to insert the tampon. Tampons with applicators work differently; an applicator can help you guide the tampon into place. Once the tampon is in place, you throw the applicator away.

Which Size and Type of Tampon Should You Use?

Your menstrual flow determines the size and type of tampon you use. Slim or junior tampons are smaller and intended for light periods or flow. Heavier periods or flow may require super tampons, which are thicker.

What Other Products Can You Use?

Tampons are only one option to use during menstruation. Other menstrual products include:

• Menstrual cups, which are also inserted into the vagina
• Pads, which are typically disposable
• Period underwear, which is washable and reusable

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Because the cause is not always immediately clear, you may want to stop using tampons if it's uncomfortable and reach out to a healthcare provider. If the cause is infectious (such as from a bacterial or viral infection), the infection can travel to your cervix, causing a painful condition known as cervicitis.

A healthcare provider can perform a pelvic exam, help you determine the cause of your pain, and work with you to come up with a treatment plan. Also, see a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following during or after tampon insertion:

• Allergic reactions
• Diarrhea
• Discomfort or pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting or feeling like you're going to upon standing
• Fever
• Sunburn-like rash
• Unusual discharge
• Vomiting

A Quick Review

You shouldn't experience pain when inserting a tampon. Causes for the pain can include vaginal dryness and inflammation or vaginal cysts.

See a healthcare provider if tampon insertion is painful or uncomfortable and if you experience symptoms like fever, dizziness, or a sunburn-like rash. In the meantime, you might also consider other menstruation products, like pads or menstrual cups, if you can't or choose not to use tampons.