Question About Tampons

I've used tampons since about the first year I got my period and haven't looked back. There are a lot of great brands out there, including generic store brands that have worked just fine for me. I would also suggest a plastic applicator or comfort tip one since it's the first time you'll be using it.

Also, note that if you can feel it when it's in there, it's not in there right. you may have to do some adjusting. When inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel a thing.

Good luck and have a great time!

I just wanted to recommend the Diva Cup. www.divacup.com You can get one at Whole Foods, or there is a dealer lookup on their website. It takes some women a while to get used to it, but it worked great for me from the start! I've had mine for 2 cycles now, and I don't think I'll use another tampon or pad again!!! Oh, and the waste you don't produce with it...I just love it!!

To answer your questions, though ;)...Tampons are very reliable. I used them for 15 years (until I got my Diva Cup!). I always felt comfortable swimming, running and biking with them. I usually got the Target brand with the cardboard applicator, and found they worked as well as any others.

Good luck with whatever you go with! And enjoy your getaway!

I've been using tampons since I was a teenager - and ironically started using them in order to go to a pool party :) I wouldn't go back to anything else - you don't even know it is there. And they are perfectly reliable in the pool, and in general use. I've only leaked when I've forgotten to change it after a number of hours (but used a mini pad in case). I would try a brand with a plastic applicator to start - they are the easiest. And just get the regular size. If you find your flow is heavier just change it more often. Practice before you go to get the idea of how to insert. Nothing is more frustrating than your first time using them and not knowing how to get them in when you need to. But once you know what you're doing, it's easy.
I also second the lady who mentioned the birth control idea. If you are on the pill, just skip the placebo pills, and start right up with a new pack. You will not have your period at all. And it is perfectly safe to do this. I did this a few months before my honeymoon so that I could time my period to NOT be while we were in Jamaica!
Good luck!

OB Hands down is the best. They are very absorbent and once you use them you'll never use pads again.

Good Luck :)

K.,
I am very comfortable using tampons ( my flow demands it!) and your flow tends to slow when you go in the water. I use platex, and they work very well: easy to insert and remove. Just make sure you change it at least every 4 hours or sooner per their recommendations. Have fun!

I have gone swimming while on my period, using tampons, since I was a teenager. If you put them in right, you don't even notice they're there. I would recommend trying it out before you head to the pool, though. I use Tampax, but there are other good brands. Use the smallest size you think you'll need based on your flow. Good luck!

Hi, K.. I have used tampons since I was a teenager also, and like another mom, I have gone swimming, running, weight-lifting--you name it--in them. I was actually a cross country and track runner in h.s. and college, so wearing a pad with shorty-shorts was just not my cup of tea, hence the switch to tampons. Anyway, I would choose a plastic applicator for now, as they are the most comfortable to insert. They also make cardboard applicators (Tampax, I think) that cover the cotton tip of the tampon, and those are easy, too. I would avoid the ones that have an exposed cotton tip, especially if your flow is light. They can just feel dry on insertion. (Eeek, just thinking about it makes me squirm.)

Also, make sure to change your tampon every couple of hours, especially on light flow days. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is very rare, but I did get it from forgetting to remove a tampon on a light flow day (had a track meet and forgot all about it). I got TSS, and it nearly killed me (no joke). That is not to scare you. I just feel compelled to remind people to change every few hours.

Hope you have a great vacation.

YESSS!! They are awesome and you will NEVER go back to pads. The Playtex GENTLE GLIDES are GREAT!! Very comfortable and small....don't use the super ones...especially for a first time user. You will be free to get it the water, etc! They really are great. You will feel clleaner and like you never have your period. Good luck and have a great time on your trip!!!!!

K., that sounds like every vacation I have ever been on..I personally will not go swimming at that time of the month..or get myself wet other than up my legs...
You would have to make your own choice and try it and see if you feel comfortable..I am an Arbonne District M.
and a SAHM to a boy and a girl..
Good luck...You will make the right decision for yourself...D.

yes, i go swimming with tampons :). just make sure after you get out go get changed. that thing can get pretty uncomfortable afterwards. if you're on birth control pill, start a new pack. i just did for the first time ever as i have an important thing tomorrow so i feel good knowing 'my aunts won't be visiting me this month."