for women only?

Question

ok...well im 13 and i started my period(last sat.)and i thought that it was only suppost to last for 1 week...but today it is one week and it hasnt stoped....should i be worried....also when is it a good time to start useing a tampon....also what size....does it hurt?i already know how to put it in.....but im stilll scared to accually try it....should i be scared!...please help....im like so afraid that its going to hurt...well yeah!..pleas help me!!!

i want to wear a tampon becasue im tired of the whole...sticky....feeling.....its anoying

Answer 1

The average length of your menstrual cycle is 28 days, with 7 days of menstruation – menstrual cycle is from first day of your period to first day of your next period. But this is only average, everyone has different menstrual cycles and when you are in your teens your body is still developing physically and sexually so it will change a lot, don't expect it to be regular until you are over 18, even then some women never have regular menstrual cycles.

You can wear a tampon at any age as long as you are responsible enough to change every four hours, however tampons in particular commercial tampons such as Tampax are the most harmful menstrual option out of over twenty different options – it is very important for a girl to learn about her body and all her options, if she does then she will be unlikely to want to use tampons.

Tampons prevent the vagina's normal self-cleaning functions, absorb discharge leading to vaginal splitting, cause friction and irritation to the mucosa, give bacteria a pores warm environment where bacteria can multiply within the decomposing blood, chemicals within commercial tampons can interfere with vaginal pH and contribute to general healthy problems throughout the body. This is why tampons are so strongly linked with toxic shock syndrome, vaginal infections, increased menstrual flow, menstrual cramps and vaginal splitting.

Young girls are at higher risk from tampons because their bodies are less developed, the risk of toxic shock is increased because their bodies will not have the antibodies required to protect them from the toxins produced, their labia and vaginal mucus membrane are not developed as adult women so thinner and more prone to irritation from chemicals within tampons, their vaginas may also not be well adapt at dealing with the increased levels of bacteria resulting from tampon use.

I would highly advise if you are in your teens or younger that you stick with either pads or free-flow methods, when you are older and feels you are ready to use internal menstrual options think about getting a menstrual cup – far easier to use than tampons, also a lot safer, cheaper, greener, more convenient, and hygienic.
Tampons can hurt if they are put in incorrectly as too low down or put into the wrong hole it can be painful, pains similar to very bad menstrual cramps, if this is what is happening simply remove the tampon and try again at a later time.

Often nerves affect tampon insertion, your vagina naturally stretches and expands there is also lubrication in the discharge and menstrual flow to help insertion, but if you are nervous this will make the muscles in your vagina tense up making penetration difficult. You may want to look at the following article, it is about painful penetrative sex, but much of the information and advice is also valid here as it is primarily about painful vaginal penetration and how to resolve the problem - http://www.scarleteen.com/sexuality/owtowow.html

If your hymen is in tact this may also make tampon insertion difficult, the hymen breaking can be painful for some girls, where as for some girls there is no pain at all or the hymen breaking can even be pleasurable. If your hymen is in tact this may be what it causing you pain so you may want to wait until you are older to use tampons when they hymen may have broken by other means, hopefully with less pain, or you may wan to talk to your doctor about the pain and if the hymen is the problem they can cut it for you. If you don't know if your hymen is in tact you can look by sitting comfortably and using a mirror to look at your vulva (external part of your genitals) to see the vaginal opening. The hymen is different from girl/woman to girl/woman but usually if in tact it will look like a ring of flesh around the opening to your vagina; where as if broken it will look like flaps of skin around the vaginal opening. There is a good site that shows images, not photos, of the hymen so you know what to look for here - http://www.healthystrokes.com/hymengallery.html

Tampons can also be felt even when put into the vagina correctly as tampons are dry wads of material it means that they can cause friction burns and drying of the vaginal walls, chemicals within commercial tampons can also cause irritation or allergic reactions. The string can also be felt, many women find that when it moves about during the day it can become painful as the string can pull tight between the inner labia (inner lips) of their vulva (external genitals).

Tampons also expand, widthways expanding tampons can contribute to bloating feeling during menstruation and length-ways expanding tampons can expand into the already sensitive cervix, tampons also pose health risks meaning that the decrease in vaginal health can contribute to menstrual health problems such as heavy menstrual flow or menstrual cramping.

If using tampon it is best to lay with your back propped up against some pillows so you can see your vulva and use a mirror in good light to see the opening to your vagina, and then try also adding some KY jelly to the end of the tampon to make insertion easier. A good method of putting in internal menstrual options would be to masturbate to orgasm; this will relax your vagina as well as produce more lubrication making insertion easier.

If you are going to try tampons make sure you change as every 4 hours, use the lowest absorbency for your menstrual flow, don't wear tampons when you sleep, and don't use tampons when not menstruating or with a light menstrual flow. There are a lot of dangers associated with tampons because they prevent normal vaginal cleaning functions, give bacteria pores place to multiply where menstrual blood is present making them unhygienic, dry out the mucosa of the vagina causing vaginal splitting and in the case of commercial tampons they introduce chemicals into the vagina affecting not just vaginal health but general health. Tampons significantly increase risk of toxic shock syndrome, vaginal splitting, vaginal infections and menstrual problems.

http://www.toxicshock.com – About toxic shock syndrome.
http://www.tamponalert.org.uk – Tampon related toxic shock syndrome.
http://www.spotsite.org – Tampon dangers and issues.


I would suggest you look at all your menstrual options, a lot of women are not avoiding tampons because of their health risks as well as other issues such as cost, inconvenience, environmental damage and social taboos – options such as cloth pads, padded panties, free-flow methods or menstrual cups.

Menstrual cups are the only safe internal option so may be a lot better for you than tampons as well as this they are easier to use than tampons. Menstrual cups are internal like tampons however they are far more hygienic, safer, greener, cheaper, and more convenient as they can be worn at night, when you are not menstruating and can be worn for up to 12 hours without leaking or health risks, they also offer money back guarantees so you can try them first.

Divacup menstrual cup – http://www.divacup.com
Keeper menstrual cup – http://www.keeper.com
Instead softcups – http://www.softcup.com

I would at least recommend you use safer types of tampons such as organic tampons, sponge tampons, soft tampons or homemade tampons as these are made form natural materials and do not contain chemicals, so not as dangerous as commercial tampons.

Natracare Organic Tampons – http://www.natracare.com
Jade & Pearl Sponge Tampons – http://www.jadeandpearl.com
Lunapads cloth pads and other menstrual options – http://www.lunapads.com

Answer 2

When I was a teenager my period always lasted about 10 days (although the flow was really light the last few days). Every woman is different - I wouldn't worry yet. It will probably also take a while for your cycle to become regular, if it ever does. And the 28-day cycle is just an average - mine was 50 days long before I went on the birth control pill.

Start with the smallest size tampon. If you find you need to change it within 2 hours, use the next size up. Idealy you should change your tampon every 4 hours - don't go longer than that. If your flow isn't heavy enough to change tampons every 4 hours even with the smallest size, you shouldn't wear one at all.

You should really talk with your mother or another trusted female about all this stuff (even a teacher at school, or a friend's mother). Getting your period can be a little intimidating at first - it's nice to be able to talk to someone in person.

Answer 3

your first period can last awhile but don't be worried, and tampon use should be used when u feel ready, or after you have a few periods. tampons are based on a size flow chart, but i always use a smaller one to help againist tss. toxic shock syndrome. that is somthing you need to be educated about before you start tampon usesage. using a tampon didn't hurt when i first used one, don't be worried about that. the only way a tampon can hurt or be uncomfortable is if you didn't place it in the right place, which i gave you a website where you can look up all that stuff if you don't have a female around you to talk to. don't be scared, and don't worry, this is a natural thing for all us gals. make sure you check out the website, and if that site isn't good enough for ya, search the web using key words like first period help, or first time menstrating. good luck

Answer 4

When you first start your period it will be irregular. It may last a short time or up to 7-8 days. Don't worry it wont last forever. As far as tampons go, you might want to hold off on those for awhile. Just use Kotex for now. Talk with someone you feel comfortable asking questions to. An older sister, aunt or family friend and of course your mom if it is possible. You don't have to have all the answers at once. Relax and enjoy being a woman. Congratulations!!!!

Answer 5

I think some of the new problems women face is that now they are just as equal, most of the time, earning the household money. But still are expected to get dinner and take care of the kids, clean the house. Men are also I noticed are less likely to work and expect the wife to take care of them. Men are afraid to open the door for us, I guess either from fear that we will yell at them that we can do it ourselves, they don't give nice compliments due to fear that we will charge them with sexual harassment. We are lucky to find a man that cares enough to want to be at home, and is a little old fashioned about taking care of us but still allows us to be an equal. I also think that women are pressured to look a certain way, because of false advertising that Hollywood has shown us with the perfect women. When in fact this is an illusion that without 50 people working on her for 5 hours will never achieve.

Answer 6

Periods can last from a couple of days to a week. If you are 13, I would suggest using maxipad, especially if you are not sure about using a tampon. Ask your mom about using tampons, her advice/answer will be much better than mine. As for tampon size, try regular for starters (I recommend using Tampax Pearl Tampons). Hope this answers your question!

Answer 7

hi there i understand your concern. i was in that phase too. im sure right now, your flow has slowed down. dont worry much bout it, unless the flow i excessive than your first week then it is reason for concern. you hav to go and see a gynecologist immediately. otherwise, just relax, flow will be over this week. nways, as for the tampon, i really cant say much. i havent tried using one. my reason is that im afraid some part of the tampon will be left inside me and would be cause for a health problem later. i do use sanitary pads instead. but if you think otherwise, a gynecologist is your best counsel now.

Answer 8

go for the lowest level of absorbancy as far as trampons. They wont hurt as long as you insert them correctly and change them accordingly. You may experience a little discomfort but it is normal when you first use them . As far as the period lasting longer. You are only 13 and your cylce is still developing. This is normal if it lasts a little longer. Your hormones and body are going through many different changes and this will happen. If you find it bothersome...you can consult a gynecologist and they will prescribe the birth control pill. this will not only regulate your ycle but give you an idea of how long to expect your aunt flow so to speak.

Answer 9

go talk to someone in person,,, we could care less, about it,, go see a doctor, sister, mother, someone else,, dont bring personal questions to the internet...

Answer 10

i don't know about the other stuff but putting a tampon in wont hurt(a baby fits threw there for gods sake)