How To Remove A Tampon: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Remove A Tampon » How To Remove A Tampon: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove a Tampon PDF download Download Article Pulling out a stuck or dry tampon without any pain Co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: February 18, 2026 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Removing Your Tampon
    • |
  • Knowing When to Change Your Tampon
    • |
  • Removing a Tampon with No String
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator based 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 also has experience as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Tennessee, teaching physical health assessment, medical-surgical and community nursing, and supervising and guiding nursing undergraduate students. Luba received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. She also has a Doctorate of Naturopathy from the Russian Institute of Innovative Naturopathy. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 83% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 454,904 times.

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 here 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.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Removing Your Tampon

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Sit on the toilet with your legs spread. 1 Sit on the toilet with your legs spread. Sitting over the toilet reduces any possible mess.
  2. Step 2 Relax. 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. Step 3 Pull the string at the end of the tampon. 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]
    • 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]
  4. Step 4 Once removed, wrap the tampon in toilet paper and place in the garbage. 4 Once removed, wrap the tampon in toilet paper and place in the garbage. Some companies claim their tampons are safe to flush, but it's generally not a good idea.[3] 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

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Remove your tampon every 3-5 hours to avoid saturation. 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]
    • 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]
    • 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]
  2. Step 2 Change your tampon if you feel any wetness. 2 Change your tampon if you feel any wetness. This means your tampon is no longer absorbing the blood and it is leaking.[7]
    • Wear a thin panty-liner if you are worried about your tampon leaking.
  3. Step 3 Check your tampon if it feels uncomfortable. 3 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]
    • 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]
  4. Step 4 Change your tampon if you tug on the string and it slides out easily. 4 Change your tampon if you tug on the string and it slides out easily. 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]
  5. Step 5 Change your tampon if there is blood on the string. 5 Change your tampon if there is blood on the string. 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]
  6. Step 6 Check for symptoms of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). 6 Check for symptoms of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). 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]
Section 3 of 3:

Removing a Tampon with No String

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Don't panic. 1 Don't panic. It is impossible for a tampon to get "lost" in your body if the string breaks or you can't find it.[13]
  2. Step 2 Wash your hands with soap and warm water. 2 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.
  3. Step 3 Get into the... 3 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]
  4. Step 4 Insert your pointer finger into your vagina and feel for the tampon. 4 Insert your pointer finger into your vagina and feel for the tampon. 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]
  5. Step 5 Insert two fingers, trapping the tampon between them, and pull it out. 5 Insert two fingers, trapping the tampon between them, and pull it out.[16]
    • 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 1 How to Put in a Tampon for the First Time 2 - Use a Tampon 2 Use a Tampon 3 - Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon 3 Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon 4 - Insert a Tampon Without Applicator 4 Insert a Tampon Without Applicator 5 - How to Insert a Tampon Without Pain 5 How to Insert a Tampon Without Pain 6 - How to Remove a Tampon 6 How to Remove a Tampon

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What if I can't remove the tampon? Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator based 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 also has experience as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Tennessee, teaching physical health assessment, medical-surgical and community nursing, and supervising and guiding nursing undergraduate students. Luba received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. She also has a Doctorate of Naturopathy from the Russian Institute of Innovative Naturopathy. Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS 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). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 29
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit

Video

Tips

  • Don't flush it down the toilet. It can get clogged. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
  • Need help? Don't be afraid to ask a parent or friend. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
  • If the tampon is dry, take it out after eight hours. If it's "wet", it should come out easily. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, 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.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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! Thanks Helpful 87 Not Helpful 16
  • 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. Thanks Helpful 132 Not Helpful 29

You Might Also Like

Dispose of TamponsHow toDispose of Tampons Remove a Stuck TamponHow toRemove a Stuck Tampon Avoid Peeing on the Tampon StringCan I Pee with a Tampon In? (Plus, How to Avoid Peeing on the String) Remove a Menstrual CupHow to Take Out a Menstrual Cup Insert a Tampon for the First TimeHow to Put in a Tampon for the First Time Use a TamponHow toUse a Tampon Insert a Tampon Without ApplicatorHow toInsert a Tampon Without Applicator Use a Tampon While SwimmingHow toUse a Tampon While Swimming Change a Sanitary PadHow toChange a Sanitary Pad Use a Tampon PainlesslyHow to Insert a Tampon Without Pain Use a Sanitary Napkin (Pad)How toUse a Sanitary Napkin (Pad) Choose a Tampon SizeHow toChoose a Tampon Size Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a TamponHow toNot Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon Clean a Menstrual CupHow toClean a Menstrual Cup

References

  1. ↑ http://www.theperiodblog.com/how-to-guides/how-to-tell-when-to-change-your-tampon/
  2. ↑ http://www.theperiodblog.com/how-to-guides/how-to-tell-when-to-change-your-tampon/
  3. ↑ https://www.itsdone.com/what-you-can-and-cannot-flush-down-the-toilet/
  4. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/menstrual-hygiene-how-often-to-change-tampons-or-pads-3522511
  5. ↑ https://tampax.com/en-us/tampon-truths/how-long-can-you-leave-a-tampon-in/
  6. ↑ https://tampax.com/en-us/tampon-truths/how-long-can-you-leave-a-tampon-in/
  7. ↑ http://www.theperiodblog.com/how-to-guides/how-to-tell-when-to-change-your-tampon/
  8. ↑ http://www.theperiodblog.com/how-to-guides/can-you-still-feel-your-tampon/
  9. ↑ http://www.theperiodblog.com/how-to-guides/can-you-still-feel-your-tampon/
More References (7)
  1. ↑ http://www.theperiodblog.com/how-to-guides/how-to-tell-when-to-change-your-tampon/
  2. ↑ http://www.theperiodblog.com/how-to-guides/how-to-tell-when-to-change-your-tampon/
  3. ↑ https://tampax.com/en-us/period-health/toxic-shock-syndrome-causes-treatment/
  4. ↑ http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/retained-object-or-tampon
  5. ↑ http://youngwomenshealth.org/2011/03/16/forgot_to_take_tampon_out/
  6. ↑ http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/retained-object-or-tampon
  7. ↑ http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/retained-object-or-tampon

About This Article

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Co-authored by: Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner This article was co-authored by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator based 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 also has experience as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Tennessee, teaching physical health assessment, medical-surgical and community nursing, and supervising and guiding nursing undergraduate students. Luba received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. She also has a Doctorate of Naturopathy from the Russian Institute of Innovative Naturopathy. This article has been viewed 454,904 times. 100 votes - 83% Co-authors: 25 Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 454,904 Categories: Tampons Article SummaryX

To remove a tampon, sit on the toilet with your legs spread and try to relax as you pull the string at the end of the tampon. Once out, wrap the tampon in toilet paper and throw it in the garbage. If the string breaks or is lost, insert your pointer finger and feel around until you locate the tampon. Then, trap it between two fingers and guide it out. Plan to change your tampon every 3 to 5 hours to avoid saturation. Alternatively, if your tampon still has a lot of absorbency after several hours, then switch to a lower absorbency tampon. To learn how to check your tampon if it feels uncomfortable, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian French German Indonesian Chinese Vietnamese Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 454,904 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sophi Wilconson

    Sophi Wilconson

    Dec 31, 2016

    "I had once gotten a tampon that had either come with no string or had been removed. I had been worried that I would..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Co-authored by: Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Co-authors: 25 Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 454,904 83% of readers found this article helpful. 100 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote Sophi Wilconson

Sophi Wilconson

Dec 31, 2016

"I had once gotten a tampon that had either come with no string or had been removed. I had been worried that I would..." more Jackie

Jackie

Jul 5, 2021

"Hey, never used a tampon before but this made me feel better because I plan on using it when I'm older." Lindsey Lee

Lindsey Lee

Jul 22, 2017

"All of it helped me out and gave me some confidence to give tampons another try." Mindy H.

Mindy H.

Jan 20, 2017

"My first time wearing a tampon was scary. This helped me get it right out. " Annteng B.

Annteng B.

Jan 3, 2017

"My first time to use a tampon, and this site helped me get through it. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Dispose of TamponsHow toDispose of TamponsRemove a Stuck TamponHow toRemove a Stuck TamponAvoid Peeing on the Tampon StringCan I Pee with a Tampon In? (Plus, How to Avoid Peeing on the String)Remove a Menstrual CupHow to Take Out a Menstrual Cup

Trending Articles

Answer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouAnswer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouMental Illness TestMental Illness TestGuess My Age QuizGuess My Age QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?How Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanKiss PassionatelyHow toKiss Passionately210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Health
  • Women’s Health
  • Menstruation
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Tampons
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --534

Tag » How To Remove A Tampon