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.
If it's been less than three or four hours, you'll know it's time to remove a tampon if it slides out easily when you pull the string gently.
Push the tampon inside with your index finger, and then slide your finger out. The string should hang down outside your body. You shouldn't be able to feel the tampon at all. If you do feel it, push it a little bit farther in.
When removing a tampon, sit over the toilet and carefully grab the string between two fingers, gently pulling out at the same angle you used to insert it. You may not be able to remove it if you are tense, so relax and pull slowly and steadily. Flush the used tampon when finished.
It takes practice, and if you are feeling like your tampon is coming out within minutes of insertion, chances are you simply aren't pushing it in far enough. Remember, a tampon won't get lost inside you, and you can't push it in too far.
Insertion error - incorrect placement of the tampon can also lead to pain while walking. Feeling tense will tighten the muscles down there, and it will be hard to get it out. Once you calm down, use your muscles to "squeeze down" the cup, and then insert your fingers inside to gently grab the stem.
Expert analysis says the more absorbent the tampon, the more bacteria it can hold onto. That, paired with a tiny tear from something like pulling out a dry tampon before it's saturated with blood, can introduce the bacteria into the body.
Here's why the tampon keeps falling out
Wearing the wrong-sized tampon can fill quickly along with sagging. When the tampon is properly inserted, it will not fall out or slip. A tampon will slip as it absorbs blood or even feels like it's falling out.
The best way to know if your tampon needs changing is to give a light tug on the tampon string, if it starts to pull out easily then it's time to change, if not, it usually means you can leave it a bit longer. Just remember with tampons, 4 hours is about right, and don't leave one in for more than 8 hours.
The muscles of the pelvic floor are very strong, so if you're not relaxed, it will be very hard to put the tampon in. If it doesn't work the first time, don't worry. Try again another day when you're more relaxed. Make sure you follow the instructions in the pack too.
Infections include the rare but serious Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). It is safe to sleep with a tampon in as long as it's not for more than eight hours. So, if you can keep your night-time snooze to 8 hours or under, then you can wear a tampon overnight.
If you notice your tampons get soaked through in a couple hours, or you see blood on the string when you change it after a short time, you might need a larger size. You may need to size down if the tampon is mostly dry after wearing it for a few hours.
Most women start very light, so you may want to use a regular size tampon. The menstrual flow, even when it is light, acts as a lubricant which helps when you insert a tampon. Don't forget to change at least every 4-8 hours.
It doesn't mean that that side of you is bleeding; rather, it means that you left the tampon in there long enough to catch only that amount of blood which happened to fall on that side.
Even the lightest tampons are meant to absorb a lot more stuff than you will make in a normal day when you are not on your period. You won't be wet enough down there and the tampon won't get full enough to be comfortable going in or coming out. It's not fun taking out a nearly dry tampon – ouch!
"Sometimes patients experience stop-and-go periods, where they start bleeding, have a brief hiatus, and then continue bleeding," Dr. Arumala tells POPSUGAR. "During this time frame, there is no blood (or not enough) to lubricate the tampon." Whatever the cause, a dry tampon can feel nearly impossible to remove.
In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in individuals who are menstruating and using tampons or menstrual cups.
However, 3-6 products per day (pads or tampons) is normal. If you're using less than that, you may not be changing them enough for health and hygiene. If you're using more than that because they are filling up fast or leaking, you may want to try a bigger size.
When it comes to changing your tampon, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it's best to change them after four to eight hours. To stay on the safe side leaving it no longer than six hours will cut your risk of infection.
You should never wear more than one tampon at a time. Doubling up on tampons increases your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS. If your flow is very heavy, wear a tampon with a higher absorbency and change it more frequently. Or use a sanitary pad as extra back up.
On rare occasions, some have not been able to find string to pull it out. I have shared the story before of my friend who could not get the tampon on her own. She called her doctor and went in and they got it out, painlessly. I have great news for you: You can't put a tampon "too far" in!
Your Pelvic Muscles May Be Tense
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.
If your angle is off when you put it in or it's not inserted deeply enough, your flow is light or you have an infection, tampons can be uncomfortable or painful. Remember that the angle of your uterus is unique, so it may take some time to get used to how you need to insert tampons to wear them comfortably.
Pads can be worn for almost any activity. Really, it's all about what's most comfortable for you. If you're going swimming, or self-conscious about a pad not being yoga pant-approved, consider a tampon instead. Tampons can be worn for almost any activity or with any outfit, since they're worn internally.
You should change your tampon regularly, about every four to eight hours. If you have a very heavy flow, changing your tampon as often as needed is never an issue. If you know you'll sleep longer than eight hours, use a sanitary pad, period underwear or menstrual cup.