nervous about talking to my doctor...advice please?

Question

I want to start using tampons and I think the only way to feel at ease about using them is by talking to my doctor about them and hearing her opinion. I am really shy when it comes to talking about these sort of things so I was wondering if this would be a good way to word my questions. " If I ask you a question your not going to tell my mom right? Well I was wondering what your opinion on tampons is and if you would recommend them to girls my age?" (14 years old) Would it be stupid to ask?

Answer 1

don't worry about it, she will understand. it's a girl thing.

Answer 2

You are doing the right thing by asking- don't let anyone tell you different, sweetie. And NO, you are NOT stupid !!! Also, you need to realize that doctors deal with and are trained to answer questions like this from patients ( even young patients like you) all the time. Asking about tampon use or about the way your body functions is not offensive to them, and, more to the point, they recognize that it's vital for you know the facts so you can be safe and stay healthy.

As for your worry about whether or not the doctor will talk to your mom about such a question, my advice is to relax about this. This question is normal one from someone your age, and it doesn't mean anything other than that you are growing up and wanting to understand how your body works. Tampon use has nothing to do with sex, other than the fact that tampons are designed to protect your clothing internally instead of from the outside, like a pad does.

The one thing that I think your doctor WILL probably say is that she doesn't recommend tampon use for long periods of time. The reason for this is because girls your age often forget to remove the tampon when they should and change it often enough, and a tampon which is left in place for too long can become a breeding ground and incubator for the bacteria which cause the disease called Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS. TSS is often fatal to young women who contract it while using tampons, and women and girls who use them are the group at highest risk of infection. The bacteria which causes it is the same one you have probably been hearing or reading about in the news of late- Staphylcoccus Aureus. Staph Aureus also causes other kinds of infections as well, depending on where and how it gets into the body. My guess would be that your doctor will tell you to limit your use of tampons because of this risk, or to use them only when you are doing activities during your period where they are required, such as swimming. Even then, you can lower your risk of infection considerably by removing the tampon and using a pad after practice or class is over and you get out of the pool.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Not a stupid question to ask. I, personally, wouldn't say the thing about not telling your mom, because if I was the doctor, I'd be scared you were about to tell me you were pregnant, or had an STD or something. Asking your doctor is a very responsible thing to do, and they'll give you all the info you need to know. Some other things you could do is read online about them, there are a bunch of sites that probably give the same info your doctor would. You could also read the directions in the tampon box.

Another thing, talking to your mom about it would be a great idea, if your close to her that is. She'll know very well about them if she uses them, and you can feel comfortable talking to someone you love.

Answer 5

I remember being nervous about the whole tampon thing.. but the worst part for me, was I had to ask my dad about it, not my mom.. lol
if I were you, I'd ask ur mom about it.. most girls use tampons.. honestly, I can't remember the last time I used a pad..? maybe when I was 13? and I am 24 now. so don't feel scared about it.. it's your choice what you use. EVERY girl has these same feelings about periods in the beginning.. just remember, that EVERY girl goes through it... =)
if you are too scared to talk to your mom, then buy them yourself and read the instructions.. it really isn't that hard. just make sure you put them far enough inside or they will be VERY uncomfortable.. you shouldn't feel anything when they are in right. that's the mistake that I made the first few times I used them.
if you want to talk to your doctor too, that's perfectly fine.. but I don't think it's really that necessary. up to you..!
good luck, and relax! it's not as big of a deal as it feels.. ;)

Answer 6

I think it's a fine way to ask, though I'd let my mom know if I were you. By the way, I was about 14 when I started using tampons and I like them so much better. You can't tell they are in and you can swim and stuff. Though it's just my personal opinion, I just feel cleaner with a tampon versus a pad.

Answer 7

Don't be nervous! She's there to help you and I'm almost certain she'll tell you what's good and bad about tampons. You're not the only one who feels nervous around doctors. When I asked my doctor (who is a guy) about birth control, now that was embarrassing (because he's been my doctor since I was like 6) but I sucked it up and asked because I really wanted to know. Also, doctor's have some confidentiality code so they're not allowed to tell your parents anything that you don't want them to know, although, they'll advise you to tell them.

Answer 8

More importantly is why are you hiding this from your mum. Can't say ive ever used a tampon, but I would have thought letting her know you were using them would be much better, that way she can get them when she is at the store etc?

Dunno, just an idea because i'm guessing she is going to find out anyway....

Answer 9

Hard! If you use a pad you sometimes dont smell good. Not to scare you but tampons can give you TSS[ toxic shock sytoms. Im 12 and im useing a tampon

Answer 10

Why cant you ask your mom?

I think tampons are better, because it doesnt feel like your wearing a diaper! If you play sports, it's soo much easier to deal with then a pad.

Answer 11

No, it's not stupid to ask. At least you have the guts to. It's a fine way to word your question, although you might want to try talking to friends who are in the same situation as well?