very personal... girls/ladies only please...?

Question

hey umm i am 14 and i want to use tampons, do you think it is appropriate for my age? i am quite mature. i started my periods when i was 11. i am quite shy to talk to my mum about this but i guess will have to if i really want to start using tampons.

ok so the reason i want to use them are because i find it a pain to use pads because of the discomfort. i just hate doing sport in school and i avoid it out of school, basically when i am "on" i just sit around in bed and watch tv after school lol. which i hate because im generally very sporty. my friends use it and they say it is great just like normal with tampons.

but the thing concerning me is does it hurt? insertion and taking it out? also.. TSS i have heard it is rare but is very bad, i am so scared about that. also my mum doesnt use them so she might not want me to..?

thanks so much!

..if i use them does it mean i have lost my virginity?
and
i cant change them every 2-4 hours! i go to school so quickest i can change them is 8 hours! :s

Answer 1

Maturity has nothing to do with whether you use tampons or not, in fact being mature would mean learning about your body, tampon risks and other menstrual options so that you can make an educated choice yourself.

At your age tampons are a really bad idea, tampons are unhygienic and unsafe for any women but when you are younger you are at higher risk because your vaginal walls are more delicate and you do not have the same immune system as adult women.

You might think you want to use tampons but trust me when I say that if you knew more about them you would not want to, you have so many better options than tampons, options that are more hygienic, convenient, comfortable and safer.

You might want to try looking into your different options, the positive and negatives of them all because this is something that affects you for a lot of your life and that affects your health so it is important to learn about.

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

I would highly recommend you stick with pads for the time being, if you find them uncomfortable then you might want to try switching to a different type of pad such as organic pads or cloth pads as these are far more comfortable than commercial pads – I am taking an educated guess that you are using commercial pads now, which will explain your discomfort.

When you are a little older then you may want to look into options such as menstrual cups as these are far more convenient, safer, cleaner, greener, cheaper and safer than tampons, they are also far better for sports as you can leave them in for up to 12 hours without leaking or risk, they also do not have anything like strings or wings showing on the outside of your body and do not cause cramps.

Different menstrual options;
http://www.divacup.com – Silicone bell-shaped cup
http://www.thekeeper.com – Rubber bell-shaped cup
http://www.softcup.com – Softcup
http://www.lunapads.com – Padded panties
http://urban-armor.org/urban-armor – Cloth pads
http://www.reddyspads.com – Cloth g-style pads
http://www.natracare.com – Organic pads


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.

Sites discussing tampon risks;
http://www.toxicshock.com
http://www.spotsite.org
http://www.tamponalert.org.uk
http://www.wen.org.uk/sanpro
http://cookiepuss.tripod.com/tampons.htm
http://www.frontiernet.net/%7Eruthb/Tampons.html

If you do use tampons then you do have to change them around every 4 hours to reduce risk of TSS and vaginal infections by reducing the length of time you are keeping bacteria within your vagina. You cannot use tampons when you sleep at night or when you are not on your period as this will dry the vaginal walls increasing risks, this is also why you have to use tampon sizes appropriate to your menstrual flow.

Use organic tampons such as Natracare or Tamponification tampons as these are not made from synthetic materials that can increase TSS risk like commercial tampons are, also unlike commercial tampons organic tampons do not contain chemicals that can cause infections.

Organic tampon brands;
http://www.natracare.com
http://www.tampontification.com


Tampons CAN hurt, and there are a few reasons for this;

-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 happens remove the tampon and try again at a later time.

-If you are nervous then your vaginal muscles will contract rather than relax, the best way to avoid this is to masturbate before inserting anything internally as this relaxes vaginal muscles and lubricates.

-If your hymen is in tact the tampon can break or stretch the hymen, the hymen breaking is not always painful, it is different for everyone, but it can be a problem when inserting anything into the vagina.

-Tampons are dry wads of material being inserted into a moist delicate area of the body so friction can cause irritation and vaginal splitting.

-Tampons expand, depending on the brand they can either expand lengthways into the cervix adding to menstrual cramps or widthways adding to bloating causing discomfort.

-Tampons negative affect on vaginal health in turn negatively affects menstrual health and as such can result in longer and more painful periods.


Loosing your virginity means when you have had sex with another person, using a tampon does not mean you have had sex it simply means you have inserted something into your vagina which has no relation to sex what-so-ever. In short, using a tampon does not affect your virginity.
People used to believe that the hymen being in tact meant she was a virgin and if broken that she was not broken, we know now that this is not true as some girls do not have hymens, some girls hymens break long before sex, and some forms of sex do not involve vaginal penetration at all.

Information on the hymen - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hymen


More information on your body and menstruation;
http://www.scarleteen.com
http://www.the-clitoris.com
http://www.myvag.net
http://www.vaginaverite.com
http://www.menstruation.com.au
http://www.mum.org
http://www.sisterzeus.com/teensection.html


If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me from the link on my profile, or click on this link here - http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/my/message_do?kid=fd86a2638e2a47fa0b12005b94499a32aa

Answer 2

Ive been using tampons since I got my period when I was 15 (that sucks you were 11) but if theyre inserted correctly they will not hurt. You need to make sure you get the applicator far enough up there and then insert it. If it feels uncomfortable or isnt in all the way you need to relax and take it out and reinsert another one. I think its totally appropriate and its alot better then pads and more comfortable. To insert it use a regular tampon with applicator and insert it about an inch maybe 1 1/2 inches and then push the applicator to insert the tampon. I wouldnt suggest using supers due to the increased risk of TSS. TSS happens when the bacteria from the menstrual fluid gets into your blood stream. You can eliminate this by changing your tampon frequently and not leaving it in more than 3-4 hours max! If your mom doesnt use them explain that its something you want to do and youve researched it and will be careful. If she doesnt agree then buy them yourself.

Answer 3

If you decide to use tampons TSS is usually only a problem if you don’t change them often enough. Generally you change a tampon as often as you would a pad. It shouldn’t hurt going in just make sure you buy the right ones. You don’t want to get Super Absorbent if you only need Regular. It may feel a little awkward at first but as with trying anything new you can get used to it. Taking it out is pretty easy too. Practice makes perfect right? Make sure to read the instructions carefully before you start so you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into. Give it some time to decide if you like them or not. If you don’t there are other products you can use besides pads.

Answer 4

Hey there.
I started using tampons after the second time I got my period (I was 14) because the pads were just so annoying, especially since I was on a swim team.
I definitely think you're old enough, since you've had your period for about 3 years and so at this point you probably have a good idea about how heavy your flow is and what your cycle is starting to look like.

In terms of virginity, some people would say that if you use tampons you are no longer a physical virgin, because the tampon may break your hymen (the thin tissue stretched over the opening of your vagina (inside you, you can't see it)). However, there are already holes in your hymen - there have to be in order for the blood to be able to get out. Plus, there's nothing sexual about putting a tampon in, and it doesn't involve another man or woman. So I would say that you'd still be a virgin, whether or not the tampon happened to make the hole in your hymen a little bigger.

The first time you try to put a tampon in, it will probably be difficult, it might not go all the way in, and it might hurt a little because you're not used to it. If you want to try, I'd suggest doing it on a day when your flow is pretty heavy, because then there will be more lubrication and it won't hurt as much. You can try putting it in sitting on the toilet, with one foot up on the toilet, or laying down on a bed. You might want to try putting a mirror in front of you so that you can have a better idea of what you're doing. It might feel uncomfortable and you might feel a little self conscious, but it's easier the first time if you can see. Also pay attention to how it feels to try to find the right angle for the tampon. It might be difficult for you to push it in all the way, but take your time and relax as much as possible, and if it doesn't work the first time, try again another time. As for taking a tampon out, it's much easier and doesn't hurt if it's fully saturated, so use one with a low absorbency so that it will be fully saturated after several hours. Ones with low absorbency are also thinner, so they'll be easier to put in and take out.

As for TSS, it's always a slight risk, but not really if you don't keep your tampon in for more than 8 hours. So don't wear a tampon to bed, and use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow so that you aren't leaving the tampon in for more than 8 hours. And if you suddenly start throwing up with a high fever and some other symptoms, take the tampon out and call a doctor/911. There will be more information about TSS on the box of tampons if you want it.

As for school, once you get more comfortable with using tampons, you may be able to go to the bathroom during the day and quickly change your tampon. In the beginning, though, you might want to try wearing a low absorbency tampon and a pad too. That way you don't have to worry about changing the tampon for the school day, or it leaking, but you can avoid the uncomfortable feeling of blood dripping out of you. As you get more comfortable and know when you need to change your tampon to prevent it from leaking, you can stop wearing pads/pantiliners altogether during the day.

I would suggest that you talk to your mother about this. Even if she doesn't use tampons, she may know other women who do, and she'll probably appreciate the fact that you would be willing to come to her about something like this. If you keep that trusting relationship now, it will be more likely to last you throughout your teenage years and beyond.

As one last idea:
Most tampons have applicators, these little cardboard or plastic tubes that you stick in. You push the tampon up through them and then pull the tube out. If you're not too squeamish, you might want to try o.b. tampons (link below). These don't have applicators, so you have a lot more control over exactly where it goes, and if it doesn't go in the first time, you can try again, rather than with an applicator where you might have to throw the whole thing out and try again with a new one. They are a lot smaller and easier to stow away in a back pocket or something. They may not be for you, but it's just another idea.

Hope this helps some.

Answer 5

Yes you should...if youre comfortable with this decision. You don't have to worry about TSS as long as you don't use tampons for over 8 hours. It might be a little trouble for the first time when you insert it, but remember that it will be a lot easier if you use them the next time. And never wear tampons to sleep, use pads. :D Oh, and it DOESN'T break your virginity because it DOES NOT involve a man. :D

Answer 6

They may stretch and/or eventually tear your hymen, but that doesn't have anything to do with your virginity. You're a virgin until the first time you have sex. Some girls are born without hymens so does that mean they were born not virgins? Most girls hymens break from some other incident besides sex, wether it's bicycles, dancing, horsback riding, masturbation or using tampons. Hymens are highly over rated anyway, you'll be relived when it finally does break, assuming you were born with one and it hasn't broken already. You can change tampons at school, girls do it all the time, so every 4 hours is possible, just take an extra1 or 2 with you. Most women who've never used tampons are just scared to try anything new and are stuck in their ways.

Answer 7

Hey. Well to be honest with you I don't like using tampons, probably cause I had a bad experience with it. BUT it is really easy to use... now a days you get the ones with applicators! Read the instructions inside the packet it will make it easier for you. probably the first time you use it, it will feel strange but you get used to it. I say you definitely have to try it cause you are sporty. Maybe try a smaller size first and see how long that last for. You need to change them every 4 hours I think, same as you pads! But if the small ones don't last that long use a bigger one, till you find the ones that works best for you!

Hope this helps a bit! And don't be afraid to speak to your mom about it, she'll understand(she is a girl after all) Best of luck!!!

Answer 8

of course its ok 4 somebody your age 2 use them.......i started using them when i was 11. no it does not mean you have lost your virginity if you use them..........and most tampons you can change every 6-8 hours but if you want 2 use the ones that have 2 be changed every 2-4 hours just take some to school in a small purse or something like that.

Answer 9

i've been using tampons since i was 12. to talk to your mom just go up to her and say that you would like to buy tampons. i know its kinda awkward but if you just make yourself say it its not that bad. tampons only hurt like the first time you take it out becaue your not used to it but it is soooo worth it. just read the directions inside the box. TSS is very very very rare and you most likely won't get it. you can leave them in for up to 8 hours. and at school an easy way to change them is to put one in one of those little garbage cans right next to the toilet before school so you dont have to worry about carrying one around all day. your mom should not care if you want to use tampons because it is your personal decision

Answer 10

I was using tampons at your age, I personally find them much more convinet and you have a lot less leaks. You do have to read and follow the directions on the packages. Tampons can be left in for up to eight hours (overnight only), but it is recomended to change them more often, about every 4 hours. also use the smallest tampon needed for your flow to help prevent TSS. Tss is VERY rare.

As for tampons affecting your virginity it is a myth. your hymen is flexable and will bend and strech with tampons. I used tampons for years before losing my virginity.

Answer 11

I used tampons from day one, but because my flow was very very light when I went to change it for the first time I could not get the tampon out. I started crying and called my mom at work and she told me to fill up the bath tub and take a bath so the tampon would get moist, when I got out it came out very easy.
Good Luck
make sure you get the tampons with an applicator tip and make sure you have it in all the way or else it will be uncomfortable

you should not feel it if it is in correctly