I'm 13 an using tampons is that going to interferer with my cramps?

Question

i want to go on birth control but i have no clue how to tell my mom. how can i tell her?

Answer 1

Hun going on hormonal birth control is a very extreme way of dealing with cramps, in most women cramps are easily avoided all together by changing your diet or using simple herbal treatments that won't have side-effects.

Hormonal birth control works by suppressing your menstrual cycle, at your age it is not a good idea to mess with your hormones, and it is just at this age when you need to learn about your normal cycle so you can know better about your body. Hormonal birth control does not regulate your menstrual cycle at all; it simply makes your periods more predictable – again something that is easily dealt with by other means.

If you want to go onto birth control as you are sexually active this is a whole different issue, although birth control is of course positive to prevent pregnancy and hormonal methods easier for someone who is young to be responsible for, having sex at your age is very harmful not just emotionally but also physically.

Tampons can in fact cause cramping.
There are two reasons for this;

1.Tampons are bad for vaginal health; vaginal health has a major affect on menstruation often making menstruation painful, heavier and longer.

2.Tampons expand, width-way expanding tampons like Li-lets can add to bloating, and length-ways expanding tampons like Tampax can expand into the already sensitive cervix.

You would be far better off sticking with other options like pads or free-flow, look at different types of pads like g-style, padded panties, etc. to see what works best for you, then when you are a little older think about looking at internal menstrual options like menstrual cups and softcups as these are better than tampons, particularly if you suffer from cramps.

If you have questions or want some information on safely avoiding cramps feel free to e-mail me from my profile.

Answer 2

Granted I know it's not the BEST thing to do, but I use tampons the entire time I'm on my period. The first few days (when I have cramps) I find that after changing my cramps do get a little worse but nothing severe. Usually I take some midol and use one of the thermacare wraps (they work wonders).

I'm not 100% sure on this but...I had a friend when I was about 14 who was on birth control and I believe she went through Planned Parenthood to get it without having to tell her parents. Although I'm sure your mom would only be worried about you if you told her you needed to start taking it, I personally would look into ways of talking to someone about getting the pill without letting her know. If you can't get bc make sure you use condoms and maybe look into female contraceptives as well. 13 is a young age to be sexually active, but I'm in no position to tell you what's wrong or right, so just make sure you're being safe.

Answer 3

Sometimes I feel that when I use tampons my cramps are worse but I think that's just my imagination... Cramps suck with or without tampons. I did read a long time ago that if used correctly (changed on a regular basis, no more than 6hours without changing) tampons are actually healthier for you. They act as a suction when removed pulling out all of the shedded tissues inside leaving less chance for any kind of infections. Just don't use scented tampons... bad stuff. About the birth control pill... You should give it a couple more years and think about it when you are 15 or 16 because you need to let your own hormones establish themselves... When you go on the pill, your body stops producing hormones because the pill is supplying them to your body. That isn't healthy when your body hasn't even gotten used to YOUR hormones yet. You really shouldn't be having sex at 13 anyway. But, if you are, and you're not going to stop, you need to go to a clinic for women. Look up "family planning" in your phone book. I know that in California, you don't have to tell your parents anything. I took the pill when I was 14 and my doctor actually helped me figure out a way to include my mother in my decision and help me to have a stronger relationship. Also, if you are having sex, even if it is safe sex, you need to go to the doctor on a REGULAR BASIS to make sure everything is ok with your body. Other things happen when you have sex, not just STD's and pregnancy, and you NEED to have someone to call just in case!

Answer 4

Using tampons at your age is a bit early but if you are good and change it VERY regularly while menstruating?

Tampons do not affect cramps because cramps are caused much higher up- in your womb, as it sheds its lining. Think of it as the bloody lining tearing away from the walls of the womb and you can imagine where cramps come from.

Birth control is another topic all together.

You should just speak to your mum. If you are wanting to go on to using birth control at your age you are probably sexually active or thinking of becoming so?

Mum will need to know- she will be able to help you to find out what is best for you. Nowadays it is a good idea to use a condom because of AIDs. But it is difficult to use correctly if your condom-wearing partner is a bit new to this stuff too! So- there are pills young girls can take. This would mean that you could be protected from AIDs by the condom (good for the lad as well!) and from pregnancy by the pill.

HOWEVER- the pill is putting hormones into your body and that is never wonderful stuff. Price we pay for not wishing to be pregnant... :-( So- that is where it is best to be totally open with mum about it so that you can get the best possible advice from your family doctor. They will look at your weight, height and how long you have had your period as well as family history of things like heart disease (very exact science looking at birth control!) and then prescribe the best one for your particular case.

Good on you for being responsible and wanting to go on to birth control!

Be good.

Answer 5

I find that sometimes tampons can make my cramps worse. What are the reasons you are wanting birth control? You are too young for sex. If you want it to regulate your preiods or help with the cramps just tell her your cramps are really bad and you would like to see the doctor to see if anything can be done about it. Most doctors will put you on birth control for about 3 months to get you regular.

Answer 6

You are too young for birth control. No, tampons have nothing to do with your cramps. Have your mother take you to your doctor if they are that bad. Also, avoid drinking cold drinks and use a heating pad on your lower stomach when you have the cramps. Take some Ibuprofen.

Answer 7

in my personal experience, tampons increased my cramps- but i prefer them (it just feels cleaner)

telling your mom, you should just tell her. Nowadays there are a lot of benefits to birth control besides the actual birth control. There are b.c. pills that help with skin, hair, cramps, and not to mention then there's no "suprise period" at a very bad time!

Answer 8

tampons won't affect cramps. make sure not to leave them in longer than 4 hours.

even if you go on birth control you should ALWAYS USE A CONDOM. every time. people are way too dirty these days to play around.

why don't you start the conversation by asking her about it. Say you heard people talking about birth control in school and want to know more about it.

If she doesn't want to talk about it, you should talk to a counselor at school or the school nurse.

Answer 9

Tampon usage shouldn't have any effect on cramps.

However, if your periods are really heavy and your cramps are severe, you should see a doctor. Birth control pills can help, and if your mother is even slightly sympathetic to your plight, she'll help you out and not hassle you.

Answer 10

Birth control pills/injections/implants do not necessarily reduce cramps. They WILL help regulate an irregular period. Tampons have no effect on cramps. You have not stated the reason you want contraception. If it's to engage in sex, think again. If you think it will alleviate cramps, speak to your mother about this and then speak to your doctor.