Check out this great video - http://www.plannedparenthood.org/teen-talk/watch/period-how-use-pad-tampon-cup-26793.htm - just click on the image and it'll open the video, it'll show you how to insert applicator and non-applicator tampons. Firstly chill, secondly Tampax are a really bad idea as they are one of the most harmful brands as well as one of the most difficult brands to use as a result of synthetic materials used - you will have time to pop into a shop to get something like Cottons, surely? To get the right tampon you need to match the tampon to the flow, always start with the lightest absorbency, if you leak within an hour then switch to a higher absorbency, but as your flow lessens and if the tampon is white in places on removal then you need to switch down to a lower absorbency or to pads. Try inserting again, to insert a tampon first wash hands, then get into a comfortable position and relax. Unwrap the tampon making sure the string hands down, hold the tampon in one hand while the other hand holds your labia/lips out of the way of your vaginal opening. If using non-applicator tampons insert the tampon as far as it'll go, aiming towards the bottom of your back - don't be scared of touching your vagina, it's yours and both your vagina and menstrual flow are very clean, so there's nothing wrong with touching that part of your body. If using applicator tampons insert the outer tube into your vagina as far as it will go, then use your index finger to push the inner tube through the outer tube to push the tampon into your vagina, once the tube is all the way in then remove the applicator. If you feel pain as you move the tampon isn't in far enough so remove and try again later with a fresh tampon, don't try too often or else you'll make yourself sore as tampons are dry so can irritate your vaginal opening. To remove pull strings gently but firmly, wrap up and bin - never flush tampons or applicators! If you have problems then don't panic, just try again another time or use something else, there are plenty of other options like pads, sponges, softcups or menstrual cups, many of which are better than tampons anyway, so there is no reason to stress over trying to use tampons when you have other easier options. A few things to make insertion easier; - Use the lowest absorbency which are smaller, also try non-applicator as you don't need applicators and without them you've more control, plus it's less waste. - Use cotton tampons such as Cottons or Natracare as they're softer so easier to insert, they're also much healthier than tampons made from rayon like Tampax. - Insert during heavy flow as this makes insertion easier, you can also use lubrication such as KY jelly or even olive oil, but never use baby oil or vaseline. - Masturbate, as when aroused your vagina relaxes, enlargens and lubricates, this is natures way of preparing for penetration so can help with tampon insertion. - Tampons leak at the best of times, so until you learn when's best to change your tampons to limit leaking pads are good to wear as back-up to avoid any mess. - Take a spare tampon and practice using your closed fist to represent your vagina, don't use that same tampon in your vagina, instead pop it into water then you can see how it works inside your body too. Remember to stay sanitary and limit your risk of TSS or other health problems you need to change tampons every 4-6 hours, it's important to always use the lowest absorbency you can so if the tampon is white in places when you take it out then change to a lower absorbency or to a pad, but if you leak within an hour then it's a good idea to use a higher absorbency. Don't use tampons if not on your period or overnight, it's also a good idea not to use tampons if you have a vaginal infection, and it's best not to use tampons all the time during your periods so alternate between tampons and pads. See the tampon health web site http://www.spotsite.org and the TSS information site http://www.toxicshock.com for more information on tampon risks and safety.