Hi, I am afraid to use tampons. Do they hurt?

Question

i have tried them before, but it wouldn't go all the way in, no matter how relaxed I was. And I definitely dont want to get TSS.
Should I just wear pads for the rest of my life? That would be hard though, cuz I have swimming at school, and my teachers wouldn't understand.

Answer 1

i didnt start using them until i was about 22. at first i would get horrible pains within about 10 minutes. like pain so bad i would be doubled over crying.

i was ready to just use pads the rest of my life, but then i started sleeping over at my bf's house and he was like "what are you just going to wear shorts every night when you're on your period?" cause i would wear boxers to kinda hold it in place so i wouldnt worry about having any problems.

so i kept trying. and kept trying. and eventually got the hang of it, and i found that i have to use the slim ones or else i get those pains. and i've only used a pad once since then (ran out of tamps) and it felt like i diaper. i will never go back

Answer 2

Make sure you have the right sized tampon - extra slim ones are available, and try both applicator and non-applicator types.

Inserting a tampon, if done correctly, doesn't hurt. In fact, you can't even feel it once it's in. But they do take a bit of getting used to, and the best way to get used to inserting them is just to try doing it during your next period.

If you still find you don't like using tampons there is nothing wrong with using pads. And as for your teachers not understanding, I'm sure you'll find they will understand that some weeks you have to do another activity than swimming.

Answer 3

I remember my mother trying to teach me how to use one and I just couldn't get it in at 14 either Hun. It hurt and I just couldn't do it. I use them now at 31 and love them. I bleed very heavily so they are a great option. However, if you are a virgin and not ever inserted anything inside of your vaginal canal then I wouldn't suggest it for now unless you can stomach the pain. I may be incorrect, but I do believe it breaks the hyman layer inside your vagina if you have not had sex as of yet. Either way I knew it hurt me to try when I was a virgin. They are good to use when swimming yes, but those are your choices Honey. I remember being so confused and not understanding why I couldn't get it to work and please don't worry about TSS it is rare and is just a warning the have to put on the box. Not that it shouldn't be taken seriously. It just isn't common. Tampons are safe and used by many many women. They are a cleaner alternative to pads and much more comfortable for most women. I hope this has helped and all works out. Take care and good luck.

Answer 4

Hi!! no, they do not hurt unless you put them in wrong. they may be uncomfortable if youre a virgin, but they shouldnt hurt.

About TSS...when wearing a tampon, you should use the smallest size for your flow. so if youre only slightly bleeding, use a "light flow" instead of a "super". TSS is a disease you risk getting no matter what size tampon you use, but it lowers your chances by using smaller sizes. and on the box there is symptoms for TSS. read that just so youre aware in case you think you may have gotten it. Its a rare disease, but its still a risk.

you do not have to wear pads for the rest of your life. i hate pads and i will never aagin wear them becuase they are itchy and uncomfortable to me. tampons are a good thing for swimming, but your teacher will understand if you tell him/her. but if youre not comfortable with tampons, you should ask for help. your mom, aunt, or even a doctor can help you. you may be inserting it incorrectly which could cause it to not go in all the way. the way i do it is sitting on the toilet, which my back bent. if you relax your back muscles (its hard to do when your nervous and sticking some foreign object inside of your flower!) and aim for your lower back, you should be good to go. but if its your first time (and if youre especially a small girl) make sure you use a smaller size tampon. i'm small so i use the smallest ones (usually "regular") even when my flow's heavy. oh, and try the plastic ones versus the cardboard. plastic slides better and is more comfortable for insertion.
good luck hun, and i definitly felt your pain when i was first using tampons.

Answer 5

Hi there you can use tampons again if you want. I cant wear tampons im 20 years old n had my first at 10 years old i cant use tampons because i have a horrible skin reaction to them don there. If you have swimming at school and you are having a monthly either ask your mum to right you a note or take your teacher to 1 side and tell her what the problem is and that you cant use tampons they cant legaly make you do swimming if your on your monthely how can you if you cant use tampons. Just have a word with your teacher or your mum it will all be cool i promise good luck huni

Answer 6

Gee! Your question really brought back memories for me! I had the same problem. I finally ended up inserting one, only to find that I couldn't get it out again!! Of coarse I didn't tell my mum, but went to bed with it still in. The next morning it was obviously still in there and no amount of pulling or yanking would budge it! I bet you're all laughing now! I had to go to the Docs to have it removed and that did hurt! So don't make my mistake by trying to do it when you don't have a period or any lubrication! What moisture I did have naturally, was absorbed by the tampon, making my nether region as dry as the Sahara! Lol! No wonder I couldn't get it out. Not only was I as dry as a bone, but the tampon had swelled overnight making it even more difficult!
In Australia, you can buy 'slim' tampons which would be good for beginners. Don't give up, it's easy once you've got the knack. Keep trying and make sure you have plenty of lubricant (even if you have your period), plenty of privacy and plenty of time. Don't worry if you don't get it right straight away, you WILL get there! And, no, tampons don't hurt to put in, and once they are in the right spot, you can't feel them! Good luck!

Answer 7

As your at school i take it your quite young, well when i was your age i found them difficult to use too, but I just persevered. When you try next time cough a few times before you try inserting it as that is supposed to help relax the muscles, also you say your relaxed but you might not be as your tensing at the though of putting one in. They don't hurt - maybe teh frist time will be a bit uncomfortable but once you get the hang of it it's dead easy, and soooo much better than towels!Good luck

Answer 8

If you use them correctly, no. I suggest taking a shower/ getting water down there so it is easier to insert the tampon smoothly. Also, to push it past the bend, you could try squatting a little.

Good Luck. I was crying a little the first time I tried. My mom told me everything to do, then let me be alone to try. It's not bad at all... and VERY useful in the short and long run.. it's near impossible to rely on pads/panty liners for almost any lifestyle.

:)

Answer 9

If you tense up it will make it harder to insert. Try to relax your muscles and insert towards the bottom of your back. I find its better to use a mini one if the flow is light as its easier to insert then as the flow gets heavier use a bigger one. It may also help if you rub a small amount of vaseline on the end to make it more lubricated. If you ruin one then try again. Change position. Try standing with one foot on the toilet or squatting. Perserve and you should be able to do it in no time at all. TSS is very rare and is usually caused by leaving a tampon in too long. Change them regularly and you should be fine. good luck.

Answer 10

It hurts at first, the first time. But your body will adjust and you get used to it.

In the end you don't even realise it's there (but that can be a bad thing if you leave it there too long e.g. TSS).

Keep trying, it won't take long to get used to. And like someone else said, you'll never go back to towels afterwards because you'll feel much more confident and comfortable with tampons.