With 5 different sizes, you have a lot to choose from, but sometimes you just need an answer! Tampon sizes are based on the amount of fluid they absorb. Most women use a Regular absorbency. If you want to start with the smallest size tampon until you figure it out, try the Light size.
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.
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.
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.)
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!
The same rule of thumb goes for removal: Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and unclench your muscles. To remove the tampon, pull down on the string. There's no need to rush the process. To make it more comfortable, you'll want to keep a steady breath and pull gently.
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.
How old do you have to be to use tampons? 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.
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.
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.
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!
Ideally, a tampon should last about 4-6 hours. If you remove a tampon after 6 hours and it still has a lot of “white” showing or it's uncomfortable because it feels dry, you should go down a size. If you fill or overflow a tampon in less than 4 hours, go up a size.
The best way to know if your tampon needs changing is to give a light tug on the tampon string, if it starts to pull out easily then it's time to change, if not, it usually means you can leave it a bit longer. Just remember with tampons, 4 hours is about right, and don't leave one in for more than 8 hours.
Be sure to push the plunger all the way in so the tampon goes up high enough and then you won't feel it at all. You'll know the tampon is in right if the applicator comes out easily and comfortably, if you don't feel the tampon once the applicator is removed, and if there is no leaking.
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.
Why does my tampon leak? Typically, a leaky tampon means you've left your tampon in for too long, or you're using the wrong absorbency. Be sure to change your tampon every 4-6 hours. If you find that you are leaking through your tampon after just four hours, it's time to start using the next absorbency up.
Studies show that the risk of developing TSS is lower in women who use menstrual pads, than in women who use tampons.
Use a tampon, sponge, or cup while swimming
If you can't or don't want to use a tampon or alternative product like a sponge or menstrual cup, you have a few options. If your flow is light, you can wear absorbent swimwear or a dark-colored suit to prevent stains.
You should change your tampon every four to six hours. The more frequently, the better. Never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours. Bacteria can grow on a tampon that is left in for too long, increasing the risk of infection.
It sounds like you are not inserting the tampon completely. I remember when I first starting using tampons, I was afraid to fully insert them and would often find they would get more uncomfortable when I sat down, especially if I attempted to use the tampons that didn't have applicators.
They shouldn't. If your tampon does hurt, it usually means that something's not quite right. In fact, when used properly, you'll barely be able to feel your tampon.
When it comes to peeing with a tampon in, do what makes you feel comfortable. If you'd prefer to take the tampon out before urinating or right afterward, that's up to you. Just make sure to keep your hands clean when inserting it and change it every four to eight hours.
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.