Dr.   Farah Kroman:  Pelvic floor muscles can be very strong. You are right, relaxing these muscles is the key to comfortable tampon insertion. Have you tried standing with one foot on a stool or the toilet? Also, you might like to try the tampon insertion on your heaviest flow day - this lubrication by the period flow helps. Knowing this can help you relax too. Since you have tried a few times and you are worried that something might be wrong, I think it’s definitely worthwhile to see your GP for a quick examination. There are some relatively rare conditions that block the vagina, which would mean that no matter how relaxed you are, it simply won't go in.

 Dr. Farah Kroman:  Do you actually have your period yet? The lubrication that menstrual flow provides does make things easier. The main things you need to do are: get in the right position and, of course RELAX. 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. Get to know your body. Get a mirror and have a look where the tampon is going to go before you start. An easy and convenient position is with one foot on the toilet seat. Wash your hands well then use your index finger to gently push the tampon past your labia (outside folds of the vagina) into your vagina. Push it in as far as it will go- don’t worry, you can’t go too far. Make sure that the strings are hanging out for easy retrieval. When you are done, you shouldn’t be able to feel the tampon. If you do, then you haven’t pushed it in far enough, remove it and start again with a new one. Make sure you don’t leave your tampon in for more than 8 hours.

 Dr. Farah Kroman:  It's good that you know your body. The muscles inside the vagina (pelvic floor muscles) can be very tight. Relax as much as you can and stand with one foot on the loo or bath. When your period flow is heaviest this helps lubricate the tampon on the way in which can help. Perhaps you could start on a heavy flow day and get more comfortable using tampons from there. It needs to go in about finger length so you can't feel it.

 Dr. Farah Kroman:  Inserting a tampon should be very easy. The main thing you need to do is get in the right position (squatting, sitting on the toilet or 1 foot on the toilet seat are all popular options) and of course RELAX. 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.

 Dr. Farah Kroman:  The main things you need to do are: get in the right position and try to relax. 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. Get to know your body. Get a mirror and have a look where the tampon is going to go before you start. An easy and convenient position is with one foot on the toilet seat or squatting. Wash your hands well then use your index finger to gently push the tampon past your labia (outside folds of the vagina) into your vagina. Push it in as far as it will go - don’t worry, you can’t go too far. Make sure that the strings are hanging out for easy retrieval. When you are done, you shouldn’t be able to feel the tampon. If you do, then you haven’t pushed it in far enough, remove it and start again with a new one.

 Dr. Farah Kroman:  The muscles inside the vagina (pelvic floor muscles) can be very tight. Also, if you're anxious about the fact that you are too tight, you will only get tighter and things will be harder. Remember that your pelvic floor is designed to be strong and also designed to be able to pop out a baby so it shouldn't be too small for a tampon. For the tampon insertion, relax as much as you can and stand with one foot on the loo or bath. When your period flow is heaviest this helps lubricate the tampon on the way in which can help. Perhaps you could start on a heavy flow day and get more comfortable using tampons from there Try using a mini tampon with a silky cover put some lubrication on it. It needs to go in about finger length so you can't feel it. If this still doesn't work, perhaps think about seeing a gynecologist for a thorough check up to make sure nothing else is going on. You certainly don't need to be having sex to be using tampons.

 Dr. Farah Kroman:  You're right, it's very important to relax when inserting a tampon. The muscles of the pelvic floor are very strong, so if you’re not relaxed there will be resistance as you try and put the tampon in. The main things you need to do are get in the right position and don’t over think it. . Get to know your body and have a look where the tampon is going to go. Take a few deep breaths and have a go. The worst that will happen is that you will have to try again with a new tampon. Listening to your favourite music might also help you relax.

 Dr.   Farah Kroman:  It’s certainly worth trying a non-applicator tampon. Get a mini one with a silky cover to make it easier. Also try and insert it on a heavier flow day, the extra lubrication can help.