Light tampons are good for beginner users because they are smaller and easier to insert, remove, and manage. Some teens may find they need different absorbency levels at different points in their cycle.
Any girl who has her period can use a tampon. Tampons work just as well for girls who are virgins as they do for girls who have had sex. And even though using a tampon can occasionally cause a girl's hymen to stretch or tear, it does not cause a girl to lose her virginity. (Only having sex can do that.)
Each brand of tampon is a little different, but most call their smallest tampon “regular,” “light,” or “junior.” When you decide to try tampons for the first time, you may want to buy a couple of different brands to see which ones you prefer.
They're made to fit a younger body and suitable for light to heavy period flow. They are called Lil-Lets Teens SmartFit™ tampons and come with or without an applicator. It doesn't matter which type you go for as they both work in the same way once they're inside you. The only difference is how you insert them.
If you're menstruating for the first time, it might be best to use the lowest absorbency tampon (usually labeled as thin, light, or junior). These sizes are typically more comfortable and can be easier to insert for those who are newer to the process.
What's the best tampon size for beginners? You might want to start with the smallest size tampon until you figure out what works best for you. We recommend trying Tampax Pearl Compak Regular – it's slender, easy to insert, and is designed for smooth removal on your lightest days.
You can also try using slender or “light” tampons with soft, tube-shaped plastic applicators. Putting a little bit of Vaseline on the tip of the applicator can help it slide in.
Some girls are successful even if they get no help at all. But any help at all can go a long way toward your daughter feeling comfortable with her body, and bravo for trying. Don't forget to tell them how to take the damn thing out!
You can start using tampons as soon as you get your period, which could be as young as 10 for some girls. What matters is your comfort level. Armed with accurate information, choosing whether and when to use a tampon is your personal decision.
Swimming during your period isn't a problem. However, you will want to use a tampon when swimming so you don't bleed on your swimsuit. Pads won't work and will just fill with water. The tampon won't fall out if it is inserted correctly, so go ahead and make a splash!
Many tampon manufacturers provide slim or junior tampons. These are the smallest tampon sizes available and are suitable for first-timers to experiment with as their body adjusts to using them. When selecting tampons for the first time, choose those with a small insertion applicator.
When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body.
Tampon sizes are based on the amount of fluid they absorb, with most women using a Regular absorbency. If you want to start with the smallest size tampon until you figure it out, try the Light size. If your tampon leaks in just a few hours, then go up. If your tampon is uncomfortable to change, then go down.
A tampon may hurt the first time you try to insert it, but it shouldn't be bad. You shouldn't feel it once it's in, so if there still is pain or discomfort, you may not have inserted it correctly. That's okay, like any new skill it may take practice to get it right.
Some girls are born with a very small opening in the hymen, which prevents them from inserting tampons. However, this is true in only about 2% of teens. Others are just nervous the first time inserting a tampon and need practice.
If it's inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel anything. But if you don't insert the tampon far enough, it might feel uncomfortable. To make it more comfortable, use a clean finger to push the tampon farther up the vaginal canal.
When you're putting in a tampon, you might feel a little bit of comfortable pressure. It's not supposed to hurt, you won't feel any discomfort, and once it's in, you'll forget that it's there.
Know that a tampon can't get too far up. Why? Because your vaginal canal is approximately eight centimeters in length and dead ends at your cervix (the end of your uterus). If for some reason you cannot find a tampon string, simply inserting a finger or two should help you locate it to pull it out.
Use unscented tampons with soft, tube-shaped applicators when you first begin. You can also put a little bit of Vaseline on the applicator to help it slide in. Change your tampon or pad every three or four hours to prevent odor and stains on your clothes.
If you've never used one before, using a tampon for the first time can seem a bit daunting at first. But once you get it right, it'll only take a moment. The secret to tampons for beginners is to relax and don't try to insert a tampon when you're not on your period.
And, if you've ever found yourself wondering if tampons make menstrual cramps worse, Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, shares, “No they don't... tampons have nothing to do with prostaglandin synthesis or the way they're used in the body.” Thank goodness!
Tampons allow you to enjoy the freedom of doing and wearing what you want while you're on your period. But you may be wondering if tampons leak. Tampons can leak if left in for too long, so it's worthwhile to pay attention to how long your tampon has been in for.