There is no minimum age for tampon usage. If adolescents want to use tampons, they can usually begin using them as soon as their menstrual cycle starts.
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.)
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.
There's no specific age since the time when a girl gets her first period isn't the same for everyone. Tampons come in different sizes and absorbencies (slender to super absorbent). It's best to use the slender or regular absorbency when first using tampons.
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!
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.
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.
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.
When you get out of the water your period will flow again normally, so it's a good idea to use a tampon or menstrual cup while swimming. Pads and pantyliners aren't a good option because they will absorb water and become ineffective.
How old should you be to use tampons? There is no minimum age for tampon usage. If adolescents want to use tampons, they can usually begin using them as soon as their menstrual cycle starts.
It matters because the safest way to use tampons is to always use the lowest absorbency that will manage your flow. That's why Tampax Pearl has 5 tampon sizes for your period flow needs: Light, Regular, Super, Super Plus, and Ultra absorbencies.
Myth: I can't use feminine products when I swim
Plus, they might be visible through your bathing suit. On the other hand, tampons are convenient and safe to use in water. They are unlikely to fall out. And as long as you tuck in the string, you're unlikely to have a fashion emergency.
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!
Tampons shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable. While wearing them, they should be barely noticeable. Remember: Practice makes perfect. So if you insert a tampon and it doesn't feel comfortable, remove it and try again.
The shelf life of tampons is about five years — provided they're left in the package undisturbed and not exposed to excessive moisture. Tampons are sanitary products, but they're not packaged and sealed as sterile products. This means bacteria and mold can grow if they're not stored properly.
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.
Tampon sizes indicate the amount of menstrual flow they can absorb. Common tampon sizes include: Junior or slim. Regular.
Tampon size has nothing to do with your experience using tampons or your body size – it's all about using the size that works best for your flow. Check out this guide for first-time tampon users on how to insert a tampon.
One of the main reasons why your tampon can feel some obstruction is because your vaginal muscles tend to tense up and stop anything from passing through. While most of the time, that feeling of “hitting a wall” can be helped via pelvic relaxation exercises, sometimes the underlying issue can be a tad bit more serious.
While it's generally safe to sleep with a tampon in if you're sleeping for less than eight hours, it's important that you change tampons every eight hours to avoid getting toxic shock syndrome. It's also best to use the lowest absorbency necessary. Call a doctor if you think you may have toxic shock syndrome.
The tampon goes in the vaginal opening, located between the urethra, where pee comes out, and the anus. Using a mirror can be helpful to find exactly where the tampon goes. The vaginal opening usually looks more like an oval-shaped slit rather than a round hole.
People can generally choose from junior, light, regular, super, super plus, and ultra-absorbent options. As a general guide: For people new to menstruating, start with a junior tampon. For a light flow, use a light or regular tampon.
Change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours.
Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
Usually, menstrual bleeding lasts about 4 to 5 days and the amount of blood lost is small (2 to 3 tablespoons). However, women who have menorrhagia usually bleed for more than 7 days and lose twice as much blood.