Alright ladies – this month we’re going to be getting a little personal, possibly verging on TMI territory, but hey – we’re all friends here. I’m talking about that lovely little friend that visits us all once a month. That absolutely week where nothing seems to fit right, tears and bitchiness come easily, and chocolate is your best friend. Yes, that’s right; your period. Or as I more affectionately like to refer to it, Shark Week.
Anyways, I’ve always been a tampon user, but I’ve preferred those with applicators. Up until last month I had never actually tried using those that came without an applicator, so when I was contacted by o.b. Tampons and asked to “give them one period,” yeah, I was pretty skeptical. I mean, isn’t it a little weird? You have to get all up in your own business to insert this thing. It sounded strange, and a little messy, and I wasn’t completely sold. Then again, I’m open to trying new things and figured what harm can it do to try?
If you’ve never tried them before, here are some instructions to give you an idea of how these work:
Step 1: Since your hands will be your primary tools here, definitely wash them! Then take a look at your o.b.® tampon to ensure it’s sealed. Now find the coloured tear strip, pull, and remove the wrapper. Next you’re going to find the string on one end of the tampon and pull it tight from left to right and top to bottom. This widens the base of the tampon, creating a nice and protected pocket for your finger.
Step 2: Now place your index finger in the little pocket and get a firm hold on the tampon with your thumb and middle finger. Next, stand with one leg up (rest your foot on the toilet or bathtub) or sit on the toilet.
Step 3: Take a deep breath to relax. With your free hand, gently hold open the skin around the vaginal opening. Now take the o.b.® tampon, and with the full length of your index finger, ease it in, aiming toward your lower back. When the tampon is in the right place, you won’t feel it. If you do, push it a little further in. Leave the string hanging outside of your body. Wash your hands, and you’re done! It’s that simple.
Sounds a little strange, right? Anyways, I decided to go ahead and give them a try. Still a little apprehensive, when that lovely, lovely time of the month came around, I took a deep breath and dove in. And you know what? I was pleasantly surprised. Application (is that the correct word?) was surprisingly easy, and not at all messy thanks to the “pocket” at the base of the tampon. They provided great protection and I had no issues with leaking or with removal. My favourite part? Because they don’t come with applicators, they’re extremely compact and small, making them easy to carry around, upping the discretion factor; you can even sneak these in your pocket to avoid the tell-tale unnecessary bringing of the purse to the bathroom in certain situations.
Long story short (this is for you tl;dr-ers), my misconceptions about these applicator-free o.b. Tampons were thrown out the window. They’re easy to use, not awkward at all, and mess-free. I will gladly admit that I was mistaken and will definitely give them another try come shark week.
Have you ever tried o.b. Tampons? I’ve got 50 boxes of them (18-count each) to give away so you can give them one period as well. Please note this is open to Canadian residents only. Enter via the form below.
o.b. Tampons
