Girls only! Please help?

Question

how oftern should you change you pad? and how often should you change oyur tampon?

well last night i wore a pad to bed, but when i woke up it didnt quite work because there was blood on my pants!

Answer 1

Once you get your period, you'll need to use something to soak up the menstrual blood. Your choices are a pad or a tampon. If you've ever seen them on the store shelves, you know there are many varieties to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you?

Let's start by explaining exactly what each one is.


Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Some have extra material on the sides (called "wings") that fold over the edges of your underwear to better hold the pad in place and prevent leakage. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins.

Tampons (say: tam-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. A tampon is also made of absorbent material, but it's pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. The question all girls wonder is — how do you put them in? Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. Other tampons can be inserted using your fingers.

Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. You'll want to talk to your mom or another woman you trust when you are trying to decide which is right for you.

Light or Heavy Flow?
Both pads and tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. They also come in deodorant varieties, but simply changing them often can cut down on any odor. You might wonder how often pads and tampons must be changed. It depends on how much menstrual blood you have, but it's a good idea to change pads at least every 3 or 4 hours even if you're not menstruating much. Naturally, if your period is heavy, you should change pads more often because they may get saturated more quickly.

Once you've removed your pad, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash can (or if you're in school or another public restroom, use the special disposal box that's found in most stalls). Don't try to flush a pad down the toilet — they're too big and may back up the toilet and make a huge (embarrassing!) mess.

Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Using one that's too absorbent can cause problems. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns.

Tampons are also easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. If tampons appeal to you, you can learn a little about them before you get your first period. The directions inside the box will explain how to insert them. When you try one for the first time, follow the directions carefully and be sure to relax.

Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. Luckily, that can't happen. The opening of the cervix (located at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Tampons typically have a string attached to one end that stays outside a girl's body and can be used to remove the tampon at any time. If you have trouble finding the string, don't worry. Relax and you'll be able to find it.

A tampon needs to be changed every 4 to 6 hours or when it's saturated with blood. Because you can't see it as you would with a pad, you'll need to remember when it's time to change, or spotting and leakage will occur on your underwear. Pull gently on the string that is attached to the end of the tampon, pull it out, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Don't flush it in the toilet unless it says on the box that it's flushable.

Preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome
It's very important that you change your tampon every few hours. Why? Because leaving one in too long — like all day or all night — puts you at risk for a rare but very dangerous illness called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). That's why it's a good idea to use the least-absorbent tampon you need. That may sound weird. You might think the most-absorbent one would be best because you wouldn't have to change it as often.

But when you keep a tampon in too long, bacteria can grow. Girls who use very absorbent tampons are most at risk for this because the tampons are kept in for a long time, giving the bacteria plenty of time to grow. These bacteria can grow within the tampon, enter the body from inside the vagina, then invade the bloodstream, releasing toxins that can cause a very severe, and occasionally life-threatening, illness.

Symptoms of TSS include high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, a feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, and a rash that looks like a sunburn. If you ever have these symptoms while wearing a tampon, remove it and tell an adult immediately. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

But remember that this problem is very rare and most women never become ill from using tampons. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Some girls like tampons because they can go swimming with no problem, and they are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. A pad may feel bulky to some girls.

Other girls like pads because they're easy to use, and you don't need to remind yourself to change them. Many girls switch back and forth: Sometimes they use tampons and sometimes they use pads, depending on the situation, where they're going to be, and their menstrual flow. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage.

Even if you haven't started your period yet, it's a good idea to be prepared by carrying a few pads or tampons with you, just in case. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready!

Answer 2

I change my pad everything I got to the bathroom. I change tampons every 2 hours about. Depends on how heavy the flow is that day. Also at night wear overnight pads

Answer 3

Every 4 hours or sooner if needed. Also, you shouldn't use a tampon everyday throughout your entire period (most girls do, though) because it can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Try to use a pad either at night or through the day so u aren't constantly using a tampon.

Answer 4

Every time you go pee, or more often if you are bleeding hard, for both the pad and the tampon!!! it really can get smelly and that isnt good. I had a doctor tell me to not use tampons at all, and I havent for 30 years, unless I am going swimming for the day etc...

Answer 5

about every 4-6 hours. If you have a heavy flow change it sooner if you like. Make sure that you use a pad that is heavy enough for your flow. When you use your tampon use a pantiliner as well this is to protect you from getting blood in your panties.

Answer 6

If you are a heavy bleeder then you should use the overnight type of pads at night since they hold more than the ones you wear during the day. Also, to help protect your bed sheets, you may want to put a couple of towels down at night so that if you do have a leak at least you won't ruin your bed.

Answer 7

OMG that happened to me but i didnt have a pad on because i wasnt expecting it. But back to your question change it every 3 hours if ur a heavy bleeder if not the every 4 hours.

Answer 8

you should never leave a tampon in for over 8 hours. if you are a light bleeder choose the least absorbancy for tampons or pads and change around 4-8 hours. there is a greater chance for pid (pelvic inflammatory disease) if you leave tampons in for extended periods of time.

Answer 9

change it wen its full but at night u can wake up at night to change or just wear a pad thats thick and big but tampons i dont know much

Answer 10

every four hours like they said. But for your problem make sure your using the overnightones so you don't haveto get up to change it and if you have to at night double it up. As for duringthe day when ever you really need it.