tampons or pads??? please help?

Question

I just turned 12 I've had my period for about 5 months so far all i have used is pads and i'm wondering if tampons are more convenient for sports and such if they are how should i tell my mom i would like to try them. please help

my mom wouldn't let my sister wear tampons until she was 14... how can i convince her???

how come guys answer these gosh! they wouldn't know!!!

Answer 1

You have more options than just tampons and pads, both of which can be inconvenient as you have to constantly buy more, have to carry them with you, change every few hours, and sometimes struggle to find a bin.

Menstrual options;

Commercial tampons – e.g. Tampax
Organic tampons – e.g. Natracare
Sponge tampons – e.g. Jade & Pearl
Soft tampons – e.g. Gynotex
Homemade tampons
Padettes
Commercial pads – e.g. Always
Organic pads – e.g. Organic Essentials
Cloth pads – e.g. Gladrags
Pad belts – e.g. Ready's
Homemade pads
Padded panties – e.g. Lunapanties
Period blankets
Silicone bell-shaped menstrual cups – e.g. Divacup
Rubber bell-shaped menstrual cups – e.g. Keeper
Softcups – e.g. Instead
Diaphragms used as menstrual cups
Homemade menstrual cups
Free-flow
Free-flow layering
Free-flow instinctive
Extraction

Tampons are really not a good idea because they are bad for your vaginal health, they prevent normal vaginal self-cleaning, give bacteria the perfect place to multiply within your vagina, absorb fluids that leads to vaginal splitting, leave fibres within your vagina and introduce chemicals into your vagina.
This is why commercial tampons are considered the most harmful out of all menstrual options; they are linked with TSS, vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vaginal splitting, cervical damage, as well as longer and more painful periods.
At your age the risk from tampons is increased because the mucosa that makes up your vaginal walls is thinner so more prone to damage and your body does not have the same antibodies that adult women have to deal with infections.

http://www.toxicshock.com
http://www.spotsite.org
http://www.tamponalert.org.uk
http://cookiepuss.tripod.com/tampons.htm
http://www.frontiernet.net/%7Eruthb/Tampons.html

For sports, or in general, menstrual cups are a lot better because they are totally internal so nothing shows on the outside, they do not cause cramping as tampons can do, and they can be left in for up to 12 hours without leaking. Menstrual cups are also far safer, more hygienic, environmentally friendly, convenient, and cheaper than tampons – your mother may be more likely to buy you a menstrual cup as they are cheaper and have money-back guarantees so if you don't like using menstrual cups she can send it back for a full refund.

http://www.divacup.com
http://www.thekeeper.com
http://www.mooncup.co.uk
http://www.lunette.fi
http://www.softcup.com

Pads are a better option for someone your age, if you feel uncomfortable with the type of pads you are using then switch to another type, for example I know a lot of girls who play sports and prefer to use padded panties – underwear with a pad built-in or G-style pads that are fastened to your body with a belt, these both stay close to your body to avoid leaking and irritation from moving around.

http://www.lunapads.com
http://www.reddyspads.com

Guys answering the questions isn't bad, they may not have personal experience (although their partners will) but can know about these things too.

Answer 2

Tampons are more convenient for sports and swimming. Just be upfront with your mother. I started my period at age 12 and didn't try my first tampon until I was 19! I wish I would have tried tampons sooner. It would have made my sporting activities more comfortable. Before you use tampons, look up Toxic Shock Syndrome. It's a rare but risky condition that tampons can cause if you keep the same tampon in for more than 8 hours, especially if you have the wrong size tampon (such as if all you needed was a "light" absorption tampon, and you use a 'heavy' absorption tampon.) Your mom will help you.

I just read that your sister wasn't allowed to wear tampons until age 14. What was your mother's reasoning behind it? Maybe if you and mother learn about tampons together, and also if you convince her that you are mature enough to use them, then she will be more willing to allow you to start using them now.

Answer 3

I personally prefer both pads and tampons but yes, tampons are more convenient for playing sport because they're not as messy as pads. And about telling your mum, just talk to her about wanting to try tampons and she'll understand, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Tampons can be a bit uncomfortable to use the first time but you get used to them soon. You just have to find the right absorbency for your flow and remember to change every 4-8 hours. I do recommend that you try tampons, especially if you play sport a lot. Good luck! :)

Answer 4

Sweetie,i must say that i prefer tampons over pads.However,each and every person is different.Tampons are a little more convient,i find anyway.For sports,swimming(its winter?),and generally everyday life.It may take you a couple times to get them in just right,and you have to make sure you change them frequently basis.Pads,i find feel like a diaper and i am just completely uncomfortable with them.However,the first couple times i think that you should consider wearing a pad with a tampon just until you get the hang of it.If you are involved in sports,they actually make one made for that and i think you should really point out the pros of tampons to your mother.When inserting a tampon,you want to insert in and then once its in,aim towards the small of your back.You should not feel it,once it is inserted properly.If you do feel any discomfort,take it out immediately,and start over with a new one.After a couple times youll get the hang of it.You should really speak to your mom,and speak to her honestly.Tell her that during sports,gym class,swimming,etc you are afraid that you may accidently leak and would like her to consider allowing you to wear tampons.Dont go against her rules,but make your point known.If you go against her,and you would need help it isnt a good idea,so just speak to her and ask her to at least consider it.Maybe even bring up that you will wear them for sports,to school,and functions but when around the house you will stick to pads.It isnt that complicated,just be honest with her.At your age its important to establish an open relationship with your mother.She will be there to answer everything from boys at this age,and everything even into your adulthood.Its important to remember that shes been there before.Good luck hun and have a good day.

Answer 5

For some people tampons are more convenient for sport if they are comfortable using them. Personally i don't like them and avoid them when possible but ask your mum if she says no go buy them yourself or find the website of reputable sanitary brands most of them will send you samples of their product (tampons, liners, pads) plus a booklet telling you about their products and other tips relating to periods they send them in a pad pouch in a plain white envelope so you can try them out at no cost.


When i first went to high school (we got put into same sex sport classes) the evil sport teacher (she was female) said "there was no excuse for not swimming on the days it was assigned there were sanitary products out there and we had no choice but use them" needless to say most female students hated her.

Answer 6

stick with pads a little while longer. i prefer tampons so much more you dont have the feeling like you peed your pants. dont wear the tampon for more than 8 hours or else you could get a serious affect of TSS (toxic shock syndrom) the first time it feels totally weird and it will only hurt if you dont relax. its easier to put in when your relaxed. push it up all the way or else it will feel uncomfortable. it wont get lost up there because the usterus hole is way to small for a tampon to fit up..you can even wear tampons when your swimming. the kind i think is the BEST is tampax pearl. they are so comfy! hope i helped you! goodluck!

Answer 7

Talk to your mom about needing them for swimming and sports. If you do get them, read the instructions and be careful never to leave them in too long because they can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. Do not ever use a 'super absorbant' tampon.

Answer 8

I dont think its something that u have to ask permission for. i remember when i got my period, first i told my best friend ( who already had hers) she took me to the store, told me to buy the tampax slender ones, told me what to do. and whoa la. no problem. then i told my mom. end of story.. dont make such a big issue about it and you will be fine. Tampons are the best! but dont leave them in overnight. i always use pad at night. you need to make a decision and be confident. you are now maturing and you need to start learning how to make personal decisions. oh and Congratulations :) lol

Answer 9

well I had that problem also i started a month after I turned 11 and i dance and played sports, i was scared about asking my mom, but i just explained to her why i wanted to use them...at first she said no, I think a lot of parents think that using tampons causes you to lose your virginity, which is not true..i did research as well as asked a doctor and then once she was reassured, that tampons are not only for the use of sexually active ones, she allowed me to use them.

Answer 10

just talk to your mom i started at 13 never used pads and never had any problems with using tampons i have two daughters and both use tampons they are much easier to use and much cleaner and when doing sports you dont have to worry about them sliding around and being so messy