I had this same problem when I first used tampons. I found that using OB tampons, without the applicator was very helpful. They come in extremely small sizes, and I find that inserting them with your finger instead of an applicator is more natural and gives me more control. I also used ky jelly. Putting the lubricant on the tampon first helps it to slide in so much more easily. Good luck.

I had this same problem the first few times I tried to put in a tampon, and they were the extra small ones. I totally gave up trying for a while, but I was very active in sports and I was always so self conscious about pads. I was too embarrassed to ask my mom why I couldn't get the dang things in, so I asked my aunt whos kinda close to my age. She also suggested putting a little ky on the end to help it slide in easier. It worked for me. I guess after putting them in for a while, your body just accepts it or something. I'm not sure why, but after the first few times, it didn't hurt anymore... even without the ky.

Oh right i'll have to try that! what does OB stand for? Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

Cmlc
o.b. is the brand of the tampons, those are the smaller ones that can be easier to put on, i also had a hard time when i first tried tampons but i wasnt a virgin, so go figure!!
good luck, i would recommend it, even though i try not to use them all the time because my doctor said it can affect your hygiene so try to shower every time you have your period especially if you tampons all the time.
hopes that helps

guera24 - thanks for the info! I dont think they sell that brand here in the UK, but I'll have a look.

I used o.b. and adored them. I used the tiniest one to start and a thin pad for backup. I would push them in with my middle finger and although I was really clumsy the first few times, I got pretty good by the third day. They are very small and you don't feel them. Just don't get nervous and tighten up. Just sit on the toilet seat, try to relax, lean back a little use one hand to open the labia, and kind of balance the tampon the middle finger, holding the string, and just ease it in.