Why does your tampon slip out? Well, here’s how to fix it

Have you ever inserted a tampon and felt like it is still not fitting in? Well, you know that feeling, don’t you? If you ever have experienced this, you know it’s an uncomfortable feeling. And whenever it happens, you just want to push it back in. But the question is, why does the tampon slip out?

Well ladies, tampons slipping out or not staying in can be a sign that you’re making some tampon-wearing mistakes. To understand this better, HealthShots spoke to Dr Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, Mumbai.

Here’s why the tampon keeps falling out

Well, the vagina is surprisingly wide. It stretches. So, a tampon slipping out is a very unusual event. Even if it happens, Dr Thamke says these could be some reasons behind it:

1. Wrong size

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.

2. You don’t insert it far enough

Not putting the tampon far enough can also be the reason for its sagging or slipping. If you can sense or touch your tampon at the opening of your vagina, it means you haven’t inserted it far enough.

Also, read: Stuck tampon or menstrual cup? Fret not, here’s the right way to remove it

3. Not placed it properly

It will be unpleasant if the tampon is not placed correctly. If it hurts when you move or sit, that means the tampon is not correctly placed. This happens when the tampon is not too high up in the vagina. “Test if it is comfortable by pushing it in with your finger. If it continues to hurt, take it out and replace it with another one. Use a mirror to check where the tampon is going,” said Dr Thamke.

4. Do not place it sideways

Placing the tampon sideways also makes it sag, so place it correctly with the help of a finger. Moreover, using tampons for the first time will be overwhelming. It takes practice. So, do it correctly by taking the help of an expert or the ones regularly using it. If you have to change your tampon hourly, use a bigger size.

How to fix a sagging tampon?

1. If you feel like the tampon isn’t placed correctly properly, take it out and try to insert another one. Don’t put the same one in.

2. Opting for lubricating jelly on the applicator can allow you to insert a tampon with ease. This is helpful when it comes to beginners and even when the period ends.

Also, read: Thinking of switching to tampons but don’t know how to insert it? Here’s help

3. If the tampon is filling too quickly, try a different absorbency. Similarly, if your tampons aren’t full but still feel like sagging, then you may need a different absorbency.

4. Try to switch to another brand, if the current brand you are using tends to fall out.

Can tampons fall out due to pelvic floor muscles issues?

Tampons slipping out or not staying in can also signal that you need to check on your pelvic floor muscles. Tight pelvic floor muscles can be a big cause because it can push out your tampon, making it feel like it won’t stay in. In fact, a weak pelvic floor or vaginal walls with less support can also make your tampon difficult to stay in.

You can try a relaxing bath to soothe the muscles before you attempt to insert your tampon. Moreover, you can also try meditation and breathing exercises plus stretching your pelvic floor muscles.