tampons? and swimmers lol. tampon/towels queston?

Question

when swimmers have races do they use tampons?
i started my period not long ago and i've always used pads. they DO absorb well but i wouldnt mind tryin tampons.
do they hurt when the put them in?
were do they go (stupid question :S)
how do u put them in?
what's the best range/brand?
do any one you use them?
what do you prefer?
didnt some girl get seriously ill from one?

HELP

also during school were not aloud the toilet during lessons, so the only times i get to change is break and dinner but the toilets are always crowded and i get embarrased and leave it so would a tampon be better to 'wear' on not a school day?

why do i have to relax when placing it in

Answer 1

Swimmers do use tampons because otherwise they would leak and you can't wear pads in water. Many people say that when you go into water your flow stops, IT DOESN'T! My friend made that mistake. It's something to do with the pressure but it doesn' stop it, it just kind of slows it down, but you MUST use protection in the pool.
1. They may hurt at first but after a few tries they are even easier than pads(and much quieter lol).
2. They go in the middle opening. Get a small mirror and do some exploring. You should find it, plus, in the tampon box there is usually a leaflet with a diagram.
3. With non applicator you just push it up as far as it will go, and with an applicator you just put two fingers on the ridged part and push up until your fingers touch the skin properly. Then put another finger on the bottom of the applicator (where the string is) and push it in.
4. I, personally, think that best brands are Lil lets and Tampax.
5. I use Always pads. I have used; Lil lets non applicator tampons, Tampax original cardboard applicator and Tampax Compak plastic applicator.
6. I prefer either the Tampx Compak because the applicator was smooth and it was VERY easy to insert and the Lil lets non applicator because I can use them very quickly, although your finger can get quite messy with blood and stuff because you stick your finger up there. But I don't like cardboard applicators because they weren't easy to insert and I found them quite painful.
7. The illness you are talking about is TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) a rare yet serious disease which can be caused by leaving a tampon in for longer than 8 hours. I have left a tampon in for about 9 hours before and I was fine.
The links below should tell you all you need to know about tampons and periods. Hope this helps xXx

Answer 2

Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Some women prefer to place one leg on the toilet seat or tub, while others prefer to squat down. After you find a position that is most comfortable for you, hold the tampon with the fingers that you write with. Hold the middle of the tampon, at the spot where the smaller, inner tube inserts into the larger, outer tube. Make sure the string is visible and pointing away from your body.

With your other hand, open the labia (the folds of skin around the vaginal opening) and position the tampon in the vaginal opening.
Gently push the tampon into the opening, aiming for the small of your back. Stop when your fingers touch your body and the applicator, or outer tube, is completely inside the vagina.
Once the applicator or outer tube is inside of you, use your index finger to push the inner tube (the tube where the removal string is connected) through the outer tube.

Once the inner tube is all the way in, use your thumb and middle finger to remove the applicator or outer tube. Make sure that the string hangs outside of the vaginal opening. Later, when you are ready to remove the tampon, hold the string and gently pull it downward until the entire tampon is out.

They don't hurt when putting them in and they come in several sizes so I would sugges using a small size the first time you use one. Kotex and Maxi are good brands. When my mother was young people used tampons that caused toxic shock syndrome. The tampons were made differently back then and they didn't know that leaving them in for a couple days could be dangerous. I grew up using pads and I still do expect when I am swimning.

Answer 3

How to Insert a Tampon

Most of us will try to use a tampon at some time, so it's important to know how to insert a tampon the right way. It might seem tricky at first, but after trying several times, tampon insertion becomes as easy as putting on a glove.

The key is to RELAX! Worrying about it may make you tense, making insertion even harder. Read the package instruction leaflet carefully, and practice inserting a tampon during your period when your flow is moderate to heavy. The tampon should glide in easily. Lubricating the rounded end of the tampon applicator with a water-based gel for the first few tries can also be helpful. And by the way, don't use a petroleum-based jelly.


1. First, look at the tampon. The larger outer tube that holds the tampon itself at the very end is the top – this is the part that is inserted into the vagina. Think – top = tampon. The thinner inside tube is the one where the string is showing. This is the inner or bottom tube – the part that is used to push the tampon in.
2. Wash your hands. Stand or sit in a comfortable position. Sit on the toilet with your legs apart and lean slightly forward, or try standing with your knees slightly bent. Standing with one foot up on the tub also works for some girls. Most of the time, you'll end up putting in a tampon while you're on the toilet – so that's a good place to start.

3. Look at the tampon applicator again – you'll see some ridges, this is the finger grip, on the larger tube. With the thumb and middle finger of one hand, hold the applicator lightly on the outer insertion tube at the grip location, with the larger outer tube facing up toward your body and the thinner inner tube pointing down toward the floor.

4. With your other hand, gently separate the folds of skin around the vaginal opening. Put the tip of the larger outer tube of the tampon applicator in the opening of the vagina. Are you still breathing?! Don't forget to! It helps you stay relaxed.

5. The vagina slants upward and toward the back. So, aim the tampon toward a point low on the small of your back (the curved area of your lower back). Now, take a deep breath, let it out, and relax. Then gently push the larger, outer tube of the applicator into the vagina. Stop when your thumb and middle finger are touching the vaginal opening.

NOTE: For flushable (cardboard) applicator tampons, ease in the applicator by slightly twisting or rotating it from side to side. Don't twist a plastic applicator, this slides in best when pushed straight in at the proper angle.

6. Next, put your index finger (or a finger on the other hand) at the end of the inner, thinner tube (where the cord comes out). Push this inner tube slowly until it's completely inside the larger tube. This pushes the tampon out of the applicator and into your vagina. Move your finger from the end so that the string hangs free. Keep your thumb and middle finger on the outer tube grip.

7. Now, holding the tubes (that are now inside each other) firmly but gently remove them from the vagina. (The cardboard tubes can be flushed away.) (IF USING TAMPAX PEARL PLASTIC OR TAMPAX COMPAK, DO NOT FLUSH THE PLASTIC APPLICATOR OR WRAPPER.) Place the used plastic applicator back into the discreet wrapper or wrap it in toilet paper and throw it in the trash.) If the tampon is in correctly, you shouldn't feel it at all. If it feels uncomfortable, it's probably not placed far enough into your vagina. The uncomfortable feeling comes from the tampon rubbing against the muscle at the opening of the vagina. If this happens, remove the tampon and use a fresh one, trying to insert it a little deeper into the vagina.

8. To remove a tampon, relax your muscles. Slowly and gently pull the removal string downward at the same angle you used to insert the tampon. Don’t worry about the string – it’s securely sewn throughout the tampon. If you feel discomfort while removing the tampon, it probably means you didn’t need to change it because it hadn’t absorbed enough yet. You may either want to wear a tampon longer next time or use a lower absorbency.

Answer 4

1. they dont hurt much, though it might hurt the first time. if u are stressed about it, the muscles wont be relaxed and it will be hard.
2. u want the muscles relaxed because if they arent they will contract making the opening and passageway narrower, making it very hard to get the tampon in.
3. I could give directions on how to put them in, but if u go to tampax.com and go to the how to use a tampon tab, they will give u lots of good directions. that whole page has soooo much on tampons!!
4. use the right size, if a light day use light, if it is heavy, use super because if it is tooooo big it will hurt when u take it out, and if it is too little it will leak.
5. i like playtex gentle glide, or tampax pearl. id start with tampax, cause most of the playtex u find are large sizes.
6. I use tampons, but prefer pads. for swimming they would be better though .
7. Yes, more than one girl. tss or toxic shock syndrome is a serious disease! never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours. tampax.com will tell u about tss.

good luck

Answer 5

Ok .. first of all the ONLY way some girl got seriously ill from a tampon is if she left it in Waaaaaaay tooo long!
The best tampons are the natural / unscented ones. (scents sometimes cause problems "down there") ..
The tampon goes in your vagina - most tampons come with a package insert explaining how to insert them. Just make sure you change it regularly. (6-8 hours)
Tampons are PERFECT for swimming.
They "shouldn't" hurt .. the only time I would think a small tampon might hurt is if you tried to insert one when you aren't on your period ... dry insertion would likely be quite uncomfortable.
I don't have periods anymore .. but .. if i did .. my fav was the good old fashioned tampax tampons in the blue box with white writing.. cardboard (biodegradable) applicators (NOT plastic .. )
I do recommend that you insert a fresh tampon both before And after you swim.

Enjoy the water!!! V healthy exercise and GREAT for those with PMS / Menstrual cramps!

Answer 6

I have always preferred tampons because they work well and absorb the blood without it coming out and getting on the outside of the vagina etc. To me it is just a cleaner way to deal with the hassle of your period. As far as pain I do not think they hurt when inserted and I have found the applicators with rounded tips to be most comfortable. Also as far as comfort I like Playtex brand the most because when they absorb they expand by getting wider where Tampax becomes longer and wider. Somehow the Playtex is made where it "blooms" and opens up like in a V shape instead of growing longer and i find it stays in the vagina and is just more comfortable and absorbs better. You insert it into your vagina and it can not get lost or anything since the female vaginal canal is only about 2-4 inches long. They come in different sizes like slender, regular, super, and super plus. This is just the absorbancy ranges and the applicators are smallest with slender and gets slightly bigger as you go up. It depends on how heavy your bleeding is but you have to change more frequently with the smaller sizes. You could start out with the smallest to see how it works for you. Regular will probably work for most people. I personally use Super because with working as a nurse bathroom visits are limited and I just feel safer with them lol. As far as your worry about school maybe you could try them on the weekend when you will have the comfort and freedom of being at home or just try them in the evening at home. I think you'll find they are easy to use and for me I don't have as many ruined clothes while using them. Don't worry we have all been through this as women and just relax. When you first get your period it is scary and stressful but in time it will be just another part of life. You will find what works for you and it will be second nature. Oh yeah some women have got TTS or toxic shock syndrome from tampons but it is rare today with the materials that are used and the fact that we know now to change them regularly. I change mine every 6 hours. I prefer non deodorant kinds because the ones with deodorant in them were irritating to me. A good website to check out is www.playtexproductsinc.com/femcare. You can also get a free sample from them. One more thing they are great for swimming because they absorb the blood and no one can tell you are wearing them. I also agree with someone elese's answer that you should put on a new one before and after swimming. Good Luck in your decision.

Answer 7

In my personal opinion, tampons are better. The second day of my first period is when I first used one. At first it was a little uncomfortable just b/c I hadn't ever used one before, and now I can't even hardly tell it's there. I'm almost 16 and I haven't used a pad since. The three holes: first one closest to the pubic area is where urine is excreted. The one in the middle is your vagina, and that is where the tampon should be placed. To put the tampon in: take off wrapping (obviously) and it should see either a plastic or cardboard (plastic is more comfortable and easier to put in). there are two part to a tampon. put you middle finger and thumb on the ridged part of the carton. sit down on the toilet or put one foot on the toilet seat. Spread apart the vaginal lips, and insert the tampon into the vagina until your middle finger and thumb touch your vagina. do not remove your fingers from the carton. Then take your index finger and push in the skinnier part of the tampon carton until it reaches the point where it meets the other part of the carton. then COMPLETELY pull out the cardboard or plastic carton and throw it away. There should be a string hanging out of the vagina. If it helps, look at the diagrams given in the intructions inside the tampon box. Hope this helped!

Answer 8

Tampax super-plus. They even come with instructions on how to use them. Tampons are so much better than pads and you don't even notice them. They give you so much more freedom to do whatever you want they have not slowed me down a bit. I swim and that's what I use and they do not leak in the water, because your body naturally shuts down that function when your in the water, to reduce the risk of infection, but I still would not swim without a tampon because it automatically starts up when you get out. It's not a stupid question not everyone gets good info. I hope this helps answer your question.

Answer 9

They should be using tampons if they swim while on their period.

When you first try, make sure to read the pamphlet and relax. Buy the slenderest tampons you can find. See if your mom or a close female relative can help you out. Don't worry about them knowing, they've been through the period issues before!

There IS a risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome, google the term). Just make sure you don't keep them in longer than 6 hours, or whatever it says on the box.

How long are your lessons? As long as they are not longer than 6 hours, and you change right before/after your lessons, you will be fine.

Answer 10

swimmers use tampons. they don't hurt when u put them in! I use tampax,but no matter the brand,all tampons come with instructions and pictures of where they go. There is this thing called Toxic Shock Syndrome thats what the girl got seriously ill from,but you will be fine as long as you change regularly,like every 2 to 3 hrs and every time u pee