Please some serious answers to girl problems?

Question

I have had my (first) period for about 7 days, and i started using a tampon a couple days ago. I was looking on yahoo Answers about periods, and i kept coming across stuff about Toxic Shock Syndrome. Should i not use tampons anymore? I am nervous! I am only 13, and i really am scared.

Answer 1

Don't be scared. All tampons that I've seen come with information about this, especially the boxes especially for teens. Toxic Shock is very rare, and it only happens if you use tampons incorrectly. Don't wear a tampon overnight (your flow is less overnight, so a pad should do the trick) or for more than 8 hours. You really should change every 4-6 hours just to be safe. And if you go for 9 hours accidentaly every once in a while, you aren't going to die. You'll be fine.
If you're really worried, ask your mom.

Answer 2

Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare, and as long as you use tampons correctly you'll be fine. Change your tampon every 4-8 hours, and no more than 8. If you have to change more than every 4 hours then you should go up an absorbency level. If after 8 hours your tampon isn't fully absorbed then you should go down an absorbency. Don't be nervous! Tampons are so much better than pads. You can't feel them, and there's less of a chance of leaks. If you have any question you can check out this website below. They also have a section where you can chat with actual doctors and stuff. Good Luck♥

Answer 3

Dont worry about it too much. TSS is an over growth of bacteria on the tampon. It is very rare but you need to know a few things to keep you safe. Use the lowest absorbancy you need and change your tampon every 3-4 hours. NEVER sleep with a tampon in because you will not wake up to change it and can get TSS. Switch to pads at night and every once in a while so your body gets a break. They say not to use tampons for a year or two after getting your first period. Your body can handle them better then. Only use tampons when you have to for a year or two. I know pads are icky and gross but they are safer. Good luck

Answer 4

You have some very good answers, here. Something I didn't see (maybe I overlooked) is to use tampons for the heaviness of your flow - if after about 6 hours, the tampon isn't saturated very much at all, you might be better off using a different type - they come in light or junior (a stupid name, I think, but there are times to use these) and medium flow, heavy and extra-heavy. I don't like deodorant types, but what I really prefer to use is a menstrual cup. It's cheaper in the long run, much healthier for you, and doesn't produce as much garbage so it is more environmentally friendly. It's easy to use, pretty reliable, and you don't "run out of supplies" which I think is horribly degrading. I have always felt self-conscious about leaving feminine "trash" behind, I don't think it's anyone else's business when I'm on my period, so it's nice from that respect, too. I know it may be a big investment for you all at once, but you might want to consider it. I think that using a cup feels cleaner than pads or tampons, and I have used one for over 5 years now. Look at some options like this online; make the best decision for YOU. Don't be afraid to ask questions from companies like The Keeper, check out the website to see more information, FAQs, etc. You're on the right track by asking for advice, I think that's really neat of you. *hugs*

Answer 5

Toxic Shock Syndrome is very rare, and only happens if you leave the tampon in for too long, and the germs get too much for your system to cope with. So change tampons every four to six hours (depending on your flow) and wash your hands before and after inserting and/or replacing the tampon.

Not a lot of girls use tampons straight away, but if it suits you, continue using them. Please don't be worried about Toxic Shock Syndrome, as has already been said it is very rare. :)

Answer 6

Don't be scared, I've been using tampons since I was 12 and no TSS here (now 28). Most women that have gotten it kept the tampon in for more than 12 hours. That's a no no. I think 4-6 hours is the recommended duration. Stick to that and you'll be fine.

Answer 7

I got my period six yrs ago and I have never used tampons. i have heard about that shock and all those times when you cannot reach tampon etc. i dont want to scare you but for me pads are ok, nth wrong with them. Why risk when I dont have to. On the other hand if you are in some sports like swimming maybe tampons are the best thing for you but not in the first couple of yrs you have to learn and become aware of your body and "that" area.

Answer 8

TSS is very rare these days; they've changed the materials used to make tampons, years ago, which really lowered the risk.

Since you've just started having periods, they probably aren't too heavy yet. Use the junior ones, or the ones marked for a light flow. You should always use the lightest ones possible.

Answer 9

Like most everyone has said, TSS is very rare. The bacteria that causes it must already be present as a tampon merely provides a place for the bacteria to grow. If you're changing your tampon regularly (see the package instructions) then you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 10

Don't be scared, toxic shock syndrom is a rare occurance. It happens only to a small percentage of people. I was once scared of tampons too, until I realized that I had to start using them in my swim class in order to get a passing grade! It gets easier with more experience.