First Cycle questions....is It Safe for 11 Almost 12 Yr Old to Use Tampons, Etc?

A friend told me about a book called "The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls" (American Girl Library). I have 2 girls, ages 9 & 6 so I wanted to provide them an opportunity to get good information and open the dialog when they are ready. I gave the book to my 9 year old and she read it with great interest. By watching for teachable moments it has helped with her comfort level in talking about these subjects.
Good luck and thanks for all the great replies!

I believe the child is too young, for anything like that, i would not allow my 12 year old, it does not seem right, for anything to go into my child at this age, let that stay the way it is, let the child use pads, and when she older she can decide.

Hi! I had a very heavy flow when I first started. Everyone is different so as long as it doesnt last more than 7 days she is fine. Tampons are ok too. They even make the Pearl Slimfits...something like that. They are made for younger girls and women. Poor girl having to deal with it so young! Good luck!

I agree with thte poster that suggested the Diva Cup, or some other brand of menstrual cup - I would reccommend ALL women try them - especially those of use with heavy flows, or those who hate both pads and tampons! I would also reccommend you get one yourself and try it before having her try it....until she is ready, let her stick with pads, they are alot better/thinner/more absorbant than they used to be, and no TSS risk.

I found a menstrual cup, the keeper, 8 years ago, and I have used nothing but that (except after giving birth) ever since....I have only had two leak incidents in 8 years, and I can never feel the cup inside. On my heaviest days I may have to empty it 3 times, regular days, (which are still heavy by most people's standards) I only empty it in the morning and before bed (so she may never have to touch/deal with it at school at all)!!! And you can wear it when you haven't yet started, but you know you are PMSing, so there will be no embarrasing accidents - it catches everything!

I only wish I had known about these when I started at 10 years old! Because they sit much lower than a tampon(right inside the vagina) they will not tear the hymen, and they are made of flexible (and sterilizible - by boiling) surgical silicone! They are so much more comfy than pads or tampons (which I always coul and still do always "Feel" even when inserted right) and no TSS risk, as long as you clean them properly in between. My mom was also a proponent of the giamungous el-cheapo pads that came in the big cardboard box! UHG I started buying my own ultra thins after a few months of hers!

There are many brands of cups ( I have tried three, the Keeper, Diva Cup, and Moon Cup UK - my favorite). They are also reusable for up to 10 years, and so they save you money and save the environment form all that paper waste! Do a search on Yahoo for "menstrual cups", you will find all kinds of info. Here are links to the sellers websites:

http://www.keeper.com/

http://www.mooncup.co.uk/

http://www.divacup.com/

http://www.miacup.co.za/index.php

http://www.ladycup.eu/

You can read more about what they are and how they work here:
http://www.squidoo.com/menstrual-cups

http://www.mum.org/MenCups.htm

http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/tag/brand...

This page talks about how to fold and insert he cupa nd lost of stuff for first timers - Frequently Asked Questions. http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/tag/faq

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup

Ok anyway , I just love my cup and I hope lots of you ladies out there reading this try one, they are so much better than any other option, and they help you get to know your flow much better, so if you ever do have any issues you can accurately tell your GYN what is gonig on - you can't judge volume on a pad or tampon very well!

Good luck!

Jessie

I would recommend tampons. Tampax has a website for moms and daughters you might want to check into, it has helpful information, answers to questions and free samples of products. www.beinggirl.com

Instead of tampons, you might want to check into the Diva Cup (http://www.divacup.com/). I have read about this on many other boards and have actually bought one (from http://www.southcoastshopping.com/?CLSN_2536=120999710425... myself a couple weeks ago (haven't tried it yet). I plan on getting one for my dd when she starts too.

Plus you are helping to save the environment too.

I remember it happened to me in 6th grade, I was living in Miami at the time and I was sitting in class on a wooden chair, suddenly I looked down and started screaming in the middle of a test. I guess I was the first in my class to get it. The stain never came out of the chair and the next week the same thing happened to my BFF. I remember using big comfy pads and feeling very confident about that. It wasn't until high school when I started using tampons. O.B. were my choice. I remember reading, "DEAR GOD, IT'S ME MARGARET", by Judy Blume. That book is a classic and is a huge help. It also teaches a little history about how people back in the day used to use some kind of belt. All the best and good luck=)-J. H.
P.S. I remember having a super heavy flow for a long time. Some doctors credit heavy flow and early puberty to drinking milk with hormones. I drank whole milk almost all the way into high school.

I had my first period at that age as well and mine was also heavy and had clots. My mom wouldn't let me use tampons and bought the thick, diaper-like pads (the cheap ones....ugh) I was really uncomfortable and had bad leaks at school a few times... My daughter started at about 13 and has used tampons from her second period with no problems. Just talk to her openly and honestly about how important it is for her to change them frequently and not use them when she doesn't need to... If you have a good line of communication with her she can tell you if she is having any problems... Just buy her the regular size because they are smaller (some brands do have the ultra slims too) and the plastic applicator is easier for new users. I have to pat you on the back for making sure you do what works best for her...I love my mom dearly, but she never asked me what I needed or tried to find what worked best for me...She just bought what was the cheapest... As far as the periods being heavy this young, it happens...Talk to her doctor and make sure it's not too heavy and watcher her iron levels...She'll probably have anemia problems if she isn't a big meat eater, but that is usually fixable with vitamins. Run it all by your doc just to be sure. And welcome to the world of Mother of a hormonal teen!!!

Hi,

I'm glad I saw this, as my daughter is almost 11 and I am beginning to talk to my friends about this issue, though I wish I didn't have to ... not yet!

You got a lot of good answers. I didn't read through them all completely, but there's one issue I didn't see covered (though I may have missed it, sorry if this is repeating someone) ...

Two of my friends started using tampons themselves when they were young and first got their period, and said it was extremely painful the first time. It turns out that the tampon actually broke the hymen.

I didn't use tampons till I was older, so I couldn't say, and I had never heard of that, but it happened to both of them. It may have been the old-fashioned tampons were too big, and your daughter could safely use a slim one, but I would ask a GYN about it.

Personally, I don't like tampons for a number of reasons, i.e. I think they are more of a hassle and leak more than pads, and I REALLY don't like the idea of plugging up something that is supposed to flow out, even temporarily.

I probably won't let my daughter use one until she's older. Not suprisingly, my two friends won't let their daughters use them, for fear of breaking the hymen.

Hope this helps, and good luck! I'm right behind you! :0)

Blessings,
Peg

I know I'm late in responding but in our family there were three girls and we were all different. We hated pads but did use them for a few months before switching to a tampon. It took all of us a few attempts before we realized the correct positioning. It does not affect your virginity as some are worried about .. it'a about hygiene and confidence for our young girls who are very active in this day and age. Playtex has come out with a new brand for active/sports marketing and they are really good! They're made to expand from left to right to prevent leaks and they are not long (which makes them more uncomfortable). I usually like store brands but store brands tampons are TERRIBLE .. please don't buy them for her. One of my sisters had to be put on birth control pills to control her period because she had a very heavy period for her young age and was becoming anemic. Watch your daughter for this and don't hesitate to do what is medically suggested. This did not affect my sister's morals in any way and she wasn't intimate with anyone before she met the man she loved and married. I have a 9 yr. old daughter and will too be faced with this in the next couple of years ... I sure wish we could keep them young for longer!!!

I was a dancer when I was in grade school and you couldn't wear pads underneath your leotard without showing. I had no choice but to start using them at age 13 (when I got my period)...and from that day forward I LOVED them! My mom just gave me the instructions, kinda explained how they worked and I remember it was kinda frustrating at first but I eventually figured how to wear them right. I remember also being kinda scared of pushing them in too far, but it is really tough to do that, and besides you've got that string. Talking to your daughter about TSS would be a good idea if she starts to wear them, since they can be so comfy to wear you forget they are in. I also ended up getting contacts at age 12 because they wanted me to take my glasses off during performances since I couldn't see the edge of the stage without them...let alone my dance partner! So ages 12 and 13 were a huge milestones for me and my firsts!

Here's my two cents. I made sure my daughter learned how to use them soon after she began her period. This is why. When I was young, I had a girl scout event with no parent available. I began my period and the only thing available was a tampon. It took me about 45 minutes, with friends trying to explain to me how to use it under the public bathroom door before I figured it out. I'd rather be safe and have her know how to use them, just in case. Then let her decide which way to go. I've told all her friends mothers the same.

I was told by my Gyn years ago when I started mine (and I was almost 16) that girls should use pads for a year when they first get the "visit". They need to learn how their cycle is, how many days, etc. After a year, tampons are ok if it is your preference. I asked her why, and she said that young girls (and they seem to be getting younger) tend to forget about the tampon and have a higher risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome). But I agree that you should talk to her ped and an Gyn....HTH

Just to let you know, my daughter is also 11 and started this year. Her flow has been extremely heavy and lasted for almost 2 weeks the last time! I have been in contact with her doctor and she said we just needed to keep an eye on it until her hormones level themselves out. She said its not unusual for girls starting their periods to have very heavy flows or even very light ones until the body adjusts accordingly. Poor kid! We haven't tried tampons but we've tried about every pad out there and I can tell you they almost always leak! I made sure she had stretch cotton underwear that fit tightly and then had her wear spanx shorts to keep them in place. That seemed to help. Oy vay, I was hoping I'd have a few more years before I dealth with this. :)

This is the answer I got from my pediatrician... "As long as you have a period, you're okay to use one. Just be sure to use one with the right absorbency. Maybe you should use a junior tampon. Anything that absorbs too much can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS, look it up. Just don't use a "super" if your flow isn't that heavy. Stick with regular."

With her being so young, I would recommend trying the 'slender' designed ones- they're a lot thinner than the regular ones.

Good luck!

some folks are very miseducated about their bodies and that scares me. If you are able to have a menstrual cycle, you can use a tampon - used correctly they are safe and effective. It is rare to have TSS - but that is why you need to use the least absorbent tampon to meet your needs and change every 4 hours or so.

As far as the hymen issue - the hymen does not completely cover the opening to the vagina - or else menstrual blood could not get out. the hymen can be "torn" from biking, playing, tampon use - and of course sexual activity. The tampon use in and of itself does not necessarily "tear the hymen" - and it has no bearing on virginity at all.

As far as heavy bleeding and clots - unfortunatly this is normal at this age - hormones take times to regulate and usually the first couple of years can be heavy and unpredictable.

bottom line - it is about personal choice and comfort. I was not "allowed" to use them at first, but since I was a swimmer - my mom finally let me.

As a mother of 3 teenage girls:

When asked if it is safe for a girl your daughter's age to use tampons, I would say in a word...YES. One does not have to be a non-virgin to use tampons (as some myths say).

Should she? That's personal preference. If you feel better, talk to her doctor to address any concerns you may have. It seems too easy to take someone's non-medical advice in today's times as gospel. Your family doctor has a better idea of your family's personal needs.

Note: They do make smaller tampons for teens who are a bit smaller than adults.

My daughter used tampons (now 16) when she started after a short while with pads and not being happy with them. She always said the ones specifically for teens are thinner and much more comfortable and also wanted the plastic ones. She said the regular ones for women she did not like at all.

Hi D.,

It sounds like you got some great advice on the tampon question.
I think I would certainly question the heaviness with clots of her period of someone her age. If your/her doctor doesn't seem overly concerned then OK, but I just think that sounds odd for a first period and young.

In good Health,

Lori

As far as her flow, it wouldn't hurt to talk to her Dr. and moniter it, as it's her first flow. As far as tampons when she decide to use them. Get PLASTIC applicators!!! They go in sooo much easier and not as rough as come cardboard ones can be! Good Luck!

I would say its ok. I did it at age 11 and my sister did as well. I would use slim fits due to the size. Im sure you understand what I mean by this. I would highly suggest that your daughter wear panty liners to prevent accidents until she gets used to her period and starts to know how long she can wear a tampon without leaking. At that age an "accident" would be devastating!!! Well, it would be devastating to anyone, but especially at her age where kids can be so cruel! Hope this helps. Tampons sure are more comfortable than those pads that might as well be diapers!

Please, please explain to her the dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome before letting her use tampons. Tell her that she needs to change them often so she doesnt get TSS! It explains it all on the directions insert inside the box. Also, when I was young tampons were terrible and they sure were not as comfortable as everyone said they were. I didnt realize I wasnt getting them in far enough and that can almost hurt! Ask her when she has one in if its uncomfortable or it feels funny. If she says it does feel weird explain to her that she needs to get it in further. If its in right, she shouldnt feel it at all.

Im sure you know all of this having gone through it yourself, just something I struggled with and something to relay onto your daughter! Hope this helps!

My first cycle lasted almost two weeks and was very heavy. After a few cycles (I don't remember exactly how many - it has been a while) it became a more normal length with only a couple of super heavy days and the rest light to moderate. If you remain concerned or if her pattern doesn't change, you might talk to the doctor just to make sure all is well. Personally, I think the body is just trying to figure it all out, but it never hurts to double-check. Hope things settle down for her

Wow I am really posting late but I felt it important. I read many of the posts and the most obvious conclusion is how very different the realities are for different people. I have 3 sisters that vary greatly in age and we are only somewhat different from one another in our use of tampons. Since we grew up in different decades the options for convenience varied greatly. Mom mother was not a fan of tampons(actually none of us were fans of periods at all, Ha Ha).
So the 4 of us:
1. started at 12, very thin person, moderate physical activity, light to moderate flow, regular cycles, used tampons when they 1st came out cause it was the cool thing to do and pads were bigger than diapers. She was also in dance and the tampons improved that tremendously. Periods lasted 5 days start to done totally
2. started at 13, strong build, daily strength physical activity level, heavy flow her whole life, irregular cycles, used tampons when they 1st came out because of newness and she used them with a pad mostly because nothing kept her from leaking, tampon change every bathroom visit, pad change more often, periods lasted 1 week of flow plus another 2 days for finishing.
3. started at 11, small frame, average physical activity, moderate to heavy flow her whole life, regular cycles, periods for 1 week, used tampons ASAP just cause the commercials made it look cool and she hates anything that is remotely old fashioned. Sometimes she wore pads too because of leaking problems. Was never really able to move away from pad use on heavy days until in her 20's and tampons had greatly improved. Later pads improved greatly and she didn't hate them so much. She had also had some health issues with tampon use ( changing them too often) that wasn't exactly full blown TSS but she was pushing her luck repeatedly and getting ill.
4. ME, started just before 15th bday, large frame, bulldozer build, constant heavy physical activity including weights, gymnatics, and dance. The physical activity probably delayed my start date. Anywhere from very light to moderate flow. Extremely irregular cycles. Was not uncommon to skip 4 months at a time until 22 y/o due to hot seasons and competition season. Lasted only 5 days total at most with flow really only being 2 days or 1 1/2 days. The flow was to light for repeated use of tampons and they made the cramping worse. 1 worked for more than 1 day and it is not safe to keep them in that long. I almost never used more than 1 in the same cycle and only used them when athletic events required. I would cut them shorter so they weren't so uncomfortable. Pads had many better options at this point being 20 actual years later than the oldest sis.

For all our differences we all had lots of clotting and cramping. Mine was the worst and for longer in my life(until 33y/o). We all could feel the tampon regardless of tampon size or positioning it was always some level of discomfort.
Only sis #3 used tampons after 30y/o cause she still thought that pads were antiquated. All of us were able to conceive naturally and deliver our children. The older 3 all got to the point where there flow each month was so much that they were getting ill and were anemic all the time. sis #3 even on 2 ocassions had to have a blood transfusion due to the flow loss. All 3 after a few years of this had hysterectomies. I do not have that problem but I am not yet as old as they were. But my cycles are still very light yet cramping.

I agree greatly with the post about knowledge of tampon use. I was fortunate and had actually watched my sisters insert them so really no trauma emotionally for me when I tried. I would never want to leave my girls in the situation of not knowing.

When I was in elementary school and girl went to the bathroom. I was waiting for her to return cause I had to go. After a while I asked if I could go even though she wasn't back yet. I found her in the bathroom stall floor crying hysterically because she thought she was dying. She was 8 and her mother had never talked to her about periods. She had no idea this ever happened to anyone. She had never seen her mothers cycle or any evidence of it. I really couldn't believe it. She did not come back to school for 2 weeks.

Maybe this is all too much information. But I think we all suffer from lack of knowledge and communication about the facts. I am not so proud as to not want someone else to be able to benefit from my reality. Your daughter just might be different from her friends and have different needs and thats okay.
God Bless,

D., a lot of good advise....my daugther is also 11 and just started ...one thing nobody mentioned to you is to make sure you tell your daugther how to dispose of either the tampons or pads...I forgot to tell my daugther until I looked in he trash can...then I realized I forgot that detail =)
...I still think it is to early to start, she just lost 2 more of her baby teeth!...has to be the extra hormones in the food...good luck

I first started when I was 10 or 11. I don't remember alot, but I know I got "blessed" with 7 days & most of them fairly heavy! The good news is when I turned 30 it went to half the days and half the flow (long time to wait though). I don't have any advice on the safety of someone that young using tampons, but I know I wish my mother would have given the option. Life's alot easier when you're not walking around with a pad that doesn't stay where you put it. I don't think the tss is as much of a threat anymore, but I would call my gynecologists office for their opinion.

Hi D., I feel your pain, only it was me in your daughter's situation. I was nine when I started and was 10 when my mom introduced me to tampons. I was headed to camp that summer and started the night before and couldn't go swimming all week. So when I got home my mom explained how they worked and I have used nothing but tampons since. The only time I used pads was after both my kiddos were born and now at night. So if you feel she is ready and is having accidents then by all means let her try them out. On her heavy days have her still wear the pad until she figures out how long her tampons will last. Good luck and God Bless.

Sorry for the lateness in reply but honestly didn't see this question posted. Here's my two cents. If she wants to use them LET her...by ALL means! If they're difficult to insert at first due to the hymen, I would take her to a Gynocologist to try & stretch the hymen a bit to allow insertion. Believe me, I would've done ANYTHING to have been allowed to use tampons. I received "the talk" from the school counselor in 5th grade but truly didn't know what the heck she was talking about & I never received any instruction or information from my mother. Even when I saw her in the bathroom during her "time" & asked what the blood was from, she just said "never you mind, you'll find out when you're older" & that's all the info I got. When I did start at 13, I didn't know it. The blood was brown like poo & thought that was weird having poo come out from my 'front' side so I told my mom & asked if she didn't think that was weird. It never clicked in her head anything was amiss, she just kept reading the paper & nodded her head although I tried to get her attention thinking something was wrong w/me. 3 days later, she saw my panties & chewed me out for "not telling her". Well I tried. So from that point on, I was forced to wear pads. After I saw an ad for tampons I desperately wanted to try them but was too scared to ask my Mom to use them because she is one of these prim & proper "ladies" that believed that inserting things like that was taboo & you "NEVER, EVER talk about such things anyway" & I was forced to wear pads til I got into college then I FINALLY was able to try tampons for the first time & have NEVER worn pads again! Ick I HATED my mom for making me use them. I never had a 'lite' period, always heavy w/clots so as long as I was sitting, I was okay but the second I got up, straight to the bathroom to clean the mess but it was difficult since we were only allowed 5 minutes between classes & you were counted tardy if you weren't in your seat when the bell rang. I got detention because of that but cried my way out of it to the head person in charge, which was a women thank goodness! But I was MISERABLE having to used those HORRIBLE pads. They ALWAYS shifted off my panties, they never truly absorbed like the commercials say they do, the flow always ran out either end or both, especially when I slept. I got in trouble for messing up my bed sheets, etc. I couldn't go swimming or do any regular activities during my 'time'. I can't tell you the times I had to go home to change pants because I started at school wearing light colored pants or had to make one w/papertowls or tissue til the end of school. I didn't know I could goto the school nurse for a pad & of course didn't carry any w/me. Too embarrassing as the other kids would tease other girls for carrying a purse because they knew why the girls carried purses. So, I was NEVER so happy when I got to choose for myself to use tampons. Although I had a horrible experience having to use pads due to my mother's strange beliefs but in my opinion, tampons are the best thing invented besides toilet paper, bras, & flush toilets so my answer would be...yes, please, by all means, let her use them if she wants.

My cousin was a lifeguard when her first AF came, so she started out using tampons. Just be sure to make sure she knows the hazards of TSS and how that can happen. You may do some net research on TSS in general so you have all the facts when laying it out to her. Good luck!

My mother gave me very little direction. I started about 12, and after the miserable wad between my legs, sitting in class with no A/C, I figured out how to insert them myself. Back then, they had one size and the applicatore were cardboard and weren't comfortable, but I still would have rather had that in than pads on. This was in the late 50's. Sure glad I didn't grow up when you washed and dried the cloths, ugh! Let your daughter decide when, give her all of the options.

I am glad you have a good relationship and can be open together as mother and daughter. Thank goodness things have changed since "the olden days". My mom said her mom handed her a box of pads and said "Here" and that was about the extent of it! Nice huh? And my grandma and her 3 sisters had to use and rewash rags--can you imagine??? Anyway, I think it is ok for your daughter to use tampons-it will take trial and error of course maybe a little vaseline. (oy, Never exactly an easy subject eh?) But it would make everyone's life easier I think. I think I tried them at 12 when I first started ...because My best friend was a year and a half older and said I was a baby if I didn't lol. And I remeber a girl in High School who had leaked badly--did not know it, and was just walking around in the middle of the lunch crowd, A girl told her and she ran like the wind! I dont know how many people actually saw "it" but I think every bit helps in the way of not leaking. Of course, This is all if SHE wants to try it. She will eventually probably anyway. Physically I think she could handle it just fine. God bless and good luck!

My niece was 10 when she first started last year and my sister had quite a few of the "light" days tampons and they started and practiced getting those in and she now would rather wear tampons. My sisters and me all started with tampons and I think they work the best if your daughter is comfortable wearing them, it just may take some practice.
As for the heavy flow, you might just want to remind her that every chance she gets at school she needs to go change her pad or tampon, I had a heavy flow when i first started and had a few embarrassing accidents at school, and thankfully it has lightened up some since then.

My first period was when I was 9 years old but I did not try tampons until I was around 13 years old (in 8th grade). I was taking SCUBA classes and had just started my period right when I arrived to one of my classes; didn't have any pads with me so I got a tampon from a fellow classmate (who was an adult woman). She only had super tampons so I had no choice but to try my first time with a super one. Just before I was about to jump into the pool with full SCUBA gear, with one foot up to go in, I fainted on the side of the pool. Now I use tampons with no problem but will never forget my "first time". :)

I would suggest getting the knack of how to use tampons and test it out when you and your daughter are at home. It can be a bit tricky getting to know if it is inserted properly (to the point where you don't feel it). I'd start with the regular ones first before moving up to super as you mentioned your daughter's flow is heavy.

It seems her flow might be a bit heavy for a first timer. I would ask your OBGYN and maybe have her visit the doctor. I would also ask about the tampons too. Hope it goes well! A. D

I know that this is late, and you have already gotten lots of great advice. I started my cycle young, at age 10. It was quite heavy just like your daughters. I had a lot of embarrassing accidents because I could never get the pads to stay just where they needed to be, and asked my mom about tampons. She resisted at first, because she thought that pads would be safer. The summer I turned 11 I was not going to miss any opportunity to go swimming or hang out with my family at the river, so she finally relented. I already had the general idea, and I took the instructions and read them very carefully. I will agree with others that the first time can be a little painful. But like everything else practice makes perfect. It is best to try it when your flow is moderate, not too heavy, not too light. But to get to my point, I started wearing them at age 11, and I am 30 now and still wear them. I have never had any trouble with them. TSS is serious, but as long as you follow all the safety warnings that come right on the package, and pay attention to your body... I also agree with the poster below me. You should make sure that she knows HOW to use one regardless of whether she will be wearing them regularly or not. There were a couple of times when "Aunt Flo" came a little early and caught me off guard. And the only thing my friends were using was tampons. It would have been difficult if I had not already known how to use them.

I was almost 14 when I started and it was heavy from the get go. I never saw an OB/GYN until I got pregnant at 18. I miscarried and never went for annual check ups until after my oldest child was born. I bled heavy my entire life. My mom did the same thing so I just thought everyone was the same. About 4 years ago the bleeding just got worse. I had to change every 30 minutes or else it was everywhere. I had already scheduled my annual so brought it up to my doctor. She inquired how much my normal was and said that was to much and clearly explained why I was so anemic since I had been her patient. I would definetly take her to an OB/GYN. The health risk from being anemic are a lot. I would try to find someone that she is comfortable with since these type of exams are very personal. I prefer a female over a male OB/Gyn. They usually understand easier. Also if your daughter is petite or small make sure that the doctor can accomodate that. Good Luck.

Yes, let her use tampons. Just make sure she changes them every 4 to 6 hours if her flow is heavy so she doesn't leak. Buy a multipack at first so she can see what absorbancy she really needs. Please remember that it may look like a lot of blood in this one instance, but the next couple days may be lighter and her cycle is just getting established so she could be very light next time.

I know I am late, but I started my period at this age (it was my first day of Jr. High!). I used tampons from the very first day. I felt cleaner and less likely to leak. I would talk to your daughter about what SHE wants and is most comfortable with.

My daughter started when she was ten, and she had a very heavy flow. We did consult the pediatrician about it and he said if it continued she may have to see a pediatric gynocologist. I didn't even know there was such a thing. Anyway, I talk to my gyno about it. He was very reassuring. He told me not to take her to anybody unless it was absolutely necessary. He said to just make sure she wasn't getting anemic. She will be fifteen in a few months. Her cycles are finally getting normal. (She had them every two weeks for a long time.) She is still, however very heavy on the first day or two. She just started high school, and we're a little worried about her heavy days because it was nothing to get called to the middle school to bring her a change of clothes.
She has tried tampons in the past and hated them. She is considering trying them again to help with the leakage problem. I don't know what age they can start using them. I just didn't want her to use them until I was sure we was responsible enough to change them frequently. I think you should wait at least a few cycles so she can get a sense of how often she needs to change her pads. Then, she'll be in the habit and change her tampons frequently also.

Hi D.! I am 30 and have an almost 9 year old girl and I am just waiting on the day when my girl calls me from school freaking out.. If you have any advice about her experience please let me know as well. I remember using tampons but me and a friend girl tried it at the same time to make sure we did it right... (sounds kinda strange now looking back) but we were both scared and ive worn them ever since.. so i really think she could start on regulars not just slims. If you using them, u minus well use some that work. I dont think it really matters how old you are or if you are still a virgin, your flow will still be as heavy as it will be and "slenders" will not always work. Well I just wanted to reply because I know i will be going thru this soon as well and wanted to speak with other mothers to find out by their experiences.

Thanks,
A.

Hi D.,

I cannot believe how many great suggestions some of the women had for you. It makes me wish I had such helpful women around me when I was starting my cycles for the first time!

I don't have a single thing to top any of these comments, but the OBGyn thing did make me think. I had heavy cycles too from the very beginning and eventually developed endometriosis (not diagnosed till my 20's).

My cycles were extremely painful by the time I hit highschool and I was ruining bedding and clothing both, but at that point no one was looking for me to have such a serious/grown up problem. More and more they are finding that it is possible for even young girls to start showing signs of it though.

I am not an alarmist, so I am not suggesting your daughter could have these issues, but I would keep an eye on her and find a good OB who has experience in this field.

My OB is one of the best doctors I have had the pleasure to see. Dr. Patrick Pevoto is as caring and compassionate a doctor as you will find and he puts most females at ease immediately. He just has a very gentle and empathetic way about him and has always made my visits as easy as possible. The nursing staff with him are all females, giving his patients a choice.

Your daughter may still prefer a female for many years (my sister won't even consider a man) but Dr. Pevoto has treated me more successfully and skillfully than any female OB I have been to. I am moving to Michigan soon and he is going to be one of the people I miss most. His office has been like family to me.

So, I guess what I am saying is to start thinking of finding an OB for your daughter, and possibly one with endometriosis or other special menstral difficulties in their experience profile to make sure your daughter gets the best care possible.

Good luck to you and your young lady ;)

P.S. I started when I was 13 and tried tampons on my own. I didn't get them quite right at first, so riding my bike around the neighborhood was rather uncomfortable ;). I got the hang of it though without my mom or friends. And your daughter will do that much better if you are helping her- so kudos to you!

No, it is not safe to let 12yr. old use tampons. Let her learn the responsibility of being on her period ad wear a pad. Tampons isn't safe anyway.

I see that you have more than enough information and opinions on most of this. I did have one suggestion that I didn't see here. When I was a teen, I had very heavy periods (grew out of them later), and night-time was the worst!! Now they have "overnight" and "Wings" and "channels" and all sort of things. I don't know how good those are.

Whether she wears tampons or pads, night-time may still be heavy (you're sleeping around 8 hours!) so you may want to try what my mother tried with me. After ruining my sheets more than once, she gave me a cotton changing pad. I put it over the sheet and under me, laid across that section of the bed. It was a little stiff so that took getting used to. But it was fairly soft and it "breathed", so it wasn't like sleeping on plastic where you're trapping body heat and sweat. If it got stained, we cleaned it, and at the end of my period, I'd fold it up and put it in the back of my underwear drawer. Just a thought if whatever she's using at night isn't catching it all.

Hi D.!

I also agree with the previous posters about the menstrual cup. I have a diva cup and love it. Its far less drying than tampons and is much safer, as I'm sure you've already seen in the pp's. I wish every woman would try one. They really are great and I only empty it once in the morning and once at night. They're easy to clean and far better for the environment and your pocketbook. They seem large, but there are several ways to fold them for ease of insertion and are way more comfortable and leak resistant than tampons. Good luck!

-H.

Please check if your daughter has the Wildbrandt - disease.
I had the same problem when I was young very heavy blood flow
and nobody was able to help me and it was very uncomfortable every month for me.When my son was born I have lost a lot of blood.
My name is H. and I'm leaving in Paris.
If you need more informations please ask your doctor. I hope that I could help you.

Hi:) I missed this the first time and you obviously got some good advise. I just wanted to add that because she's young, some tampons might be too long for her vagina still. I had trouble with them for a while when I started early. I found that getting OB ones are best because they are more compact. I still have trouble with some brands! But never with OB.

You might want to try switching to organic milk products to reduce to amount of hormones she is taking in, that may help balance things out. A woman I know told me about her friend whose 6 year old daughter was starting to develop breasts. They switched her to organic milk and they went away.
The clots don't sound normal, might want to get a second opinion.

Hi D.-
I was 12 when I first got my period, but it happened to be a day when my friend was coming over to swim. So my very first thing I used was a tampon. It felt a little uncomfortable (didn't have the right angle) But ever since they have been completely fine. I feel sooo much cleaner using tampons VS. pads. I prefer the Playtex Gentle glide and they are very comfortable. I also have the larger clumps when my flow is heavy. I know there have been a lot of moms saying they don't want the hymen broken or that there just shouldn't be something put up there, but in reality you daughter IS going through puberty and she IS growing up now and there is no way to keep her little forever. This is just a part of life and before you know it she will be graduating high school. Also, I think you should talk to her about the changes going on in her body etc. and take her to the GYN fairly soon. My mom never took me or talked about it and I regret that she didn't help inform me. My first trip to the OB/GYN was when I was 23 and pregnant-not so good. Anyway.....good luck!

My daughter started her cycle very young (9). At 11 years old I asked her if she would be interested in tampons. Being a woman- I know all too well how much easier they are. I bought several types- regular and lites and told her to first try the lites. They are smaller and absorb less so they are great to see if your daughter is comfortable with them. My daughter decided she likes pads better- but still has the option should she chose to try tampons. The key is to make sure your daughter understands changing them regularly, but not too often, the risks of TSS and other key health concerns with using tampons. If she is mature enough to handle that information- give her a chance. I was surprised when my daughter decided to continue to use pads- but she felt good that I let her make the decision.

I was in a swim team when i was about her age and used tampons from the get go due to that fact. My mom always had both pads and tampons available for me. Just start her out with the super light ones and let her know that if it's uncomfortable it's not in right. Something I had to figure out for myself at 12:0(

Good luck

please get her checked by her obgyn...as she should have one now. i would be concerned about blood clots...is her weight a factor? and tampons for her might be too soon. but that is just coming from someone who does not know your daughter...check with her doctor is my opinion.

Have you tried the ultra thin pads? It barely feels like there's anything there. I had a very heavy period as a pre-teen and teen. Tampons weren't absorbent enough for me, i still had to wear a liner. I also have a sensitivity to tampons and can only wear them for short periods of time.
Try the ultra thin pads. I recommend always brand.

Hi D.,
My very late 2 cents are these, I find pads very irritating, a lot of posters mentioned this about tampons, but for me its more applicable to pads. So, whichever method she chooses, make sure she changes them frequently. If she continues to have a heavy flow, the best option may be to use both.

And I am definitely with the group of mom's that feel it's never too early to use tampons! If your daughter likes to swim, or really to do any other activities, they give you so much more confidence and/or comfort.

Keep the dialogue up with your daughter, you're doing great!

I agree with kimberly R. way to young for tampons. omg what is wrong with this world today. I didnt start using them till i was 20 and that is only if I really wanna go swimming and its that time my 13yr. old cant believe girls her age are even using them.

Dear D.,
i started having aunt flo at the age of eight years old. And started using tampons shortly there after. I was using the smallest one they had until i got used to them then moved up. My flow then was very heavy. I'm now 24 with a son thank god, and also a single mother. Best of luck
L.

I had a very heavy flow and started using tampons at her age with no problems. The only thing I would worry about is explaining that she needs to be sure to change her tampon several times each day, even if it doesn't seem necessary, because of the risk of TSS if you leave one in for way too long.

My only daughter also started her period before turning 12yrs old. About that time, we all switched to a better diet (NOTHING PROCESSED) and only organic milk products. My daughter only had 1 period, then stopped having them until she turned 13yrs old - better diet, less hormones, less mood swings - positive results!

I was a year-round swimmer when I started my period (and on into adulthood). I used tampons from the very first cycle when I went crying to my mother because the team was scheduled to go to a water park. Aunt Flo has great timing. I was 11 years old. Talk to any other swimmers, they probably started using tampons pretty early too - you can't miss training for a week!