what size tampon should i use?

Question

im 12, and i use surep ultra, or something like that ( the biggest)
it doesn't hurt me, and i always bleed through,I wear pads too, is this too big for a 12 year old, like me?? should i just wear maxi pads? id like to know.

Answer 1

Tampons aren't very healthy as they stop your vagina from cleaning itself and give bacteria a place to multiply within your vagina, if you are using more absorbent tampons you have to remember it puts you at greater risk, more so if you are using commercial tampons such as Tampax rather than organic tampons like Natracare or sponge tampons like Jade & Pearl. At your age you are also more likely to be susceptible to the health problems tampons can cause or contribute to.

Pads will be a lot safer for you, you don;t say how often you change, normally pads and tampons have to be changed every 3-4 hours, if you are changing more than this with higher absorbency tampons and pads then there may be something wrong and you should talk to your mother or another adult and perhaps talk to your doctor - although be careful as some doctors will not help you as they should, you may want to fget a second opinion on this if there is a problem.

If you are using larger sized tampons you may want to consider switching to menstrual cups, although normally for women you may be old enough to use one – they hold a lot more than tampons so you only need to empty or change every 12 hours, they can be worn for swimming with nothing showing outside, can be worn at night, can be worn before your period is due, there is no leaking, they are more hygienic than tampons, and they are totally safe.

Have a look at some different menstrual cups, you can get free samples of softcups from their web site, or menstrual cups offer money back guarantees so that you can try them and send them back if you don't like them.
http://www.softcup.com
http://www.divacup.com
http://www.keeper.com
http://www.mooncup.co.uk
http://www.lunette.fi

It can be normal for someone your age to have heavy periods because your body is still changing and developing, so you may also notice other problems such as cramps or irregular cycles, there are lots and lots of things you can do to change this so you may want to look into different things to help regulate your cycle like black cohosh or evening primrose oil, or things to improve any cramps or other problems too. It will probably lessen as you get older.

If you have any specific questions feel free to send me a message, I'm a menstrual activist and study gynaecology so I could always try to help.

Answer 2

I dont think there is really any problem in using the super absorbent tampons, but the bigger it is, like super and super plus, the higher chance for TSS(Toxic Shock Syndrome). I think you should use a regular sized tampon since you're just 12 and use a super maxi pad with that. Just know when to change so you wont bleed through. Hope this helps

Answer 3

Speak with your mother about this and or a school nurse. You should try using pads if you can, maxi's if need be.If you do use tampons use the least absorbency that you can, and change frequently so that you don't get toxic shock syndrome. Speak with the school nurse to explain what the risks are.

Answer 4

How long do you keep one in before changing it? The big ones are probably best for your heavy days, I always wear panty liners as well but maybe you should try changing them sooner so they don't bleed through. I use the regular size and change them usually around 4-5 hours.

Answer 5

O.K., Honey. You wear the largest tampon and you still bleed through? You should ask you physician if there is anything unusual here. Are you waiting too long to change or are you bleeding verrrrrrrrrrrrry heavy? I'm concerned. Talk to your Mom.

Answer 6

Tampons at twelve? Thats a no no. But if yr comfy i guess its ok. I hate super absorpency tampons. i can never get them up there! MAxi pads feel like diapers. Get a thin pad with max absorpency that repels wetness so it wont feel so uno icky

Answer 7

If you are bleeding that much constantly keep wearing both and go to a doctor. There may be something wrong. That happened to me and I found out I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Get checked out.

Answer 8

Change the tampon more often.
Or,if you're bleeding that much--have your mom take you to a Dr.

Answer 9

just stick with tampons and a pad... if it still leaks through then don't wear your favorite underwear : \

Answer 10

Your 12 and can manage a super? That's....curious. Hmm. My daughter gave up trying after I gave her a couple of junior (the smallest) sizes!