I have a concern, here it is my daughter who is 14 years old she will be 15 in December. She has been using pads and recently has asked about using tampons instead. Something about that just makes me unsure. I have always used pads. I tried a tampon many years ago when I was a teenager and it was something that was very uncomfortable. I have never tried one again. So maybe it's just me. I just don't know if I want my daughter to be using them. So any help or suggestions would help.
I never used them until I started taking aqua aerobics at the gym. It might take some time to get used to them. She's just going to have to see if she likes them or not.
My cousin was never allowed to use them. My aunt was very religious and told her that if she used a tampon, she was no longer a virgin. My cousin had to have to hide using them. I guess it is just better to have an open dialog about those things. My aunt is still pretty crazy. My cousin is 35, and I'm pretty sure her mother still doesn't know.
Be so thankful that your daughter felt comfortable enough to even ask you, or talk about it to you. It's so great she comes to you for "private" matters.
Just discuss it with her.... and be open.
For me, my Mom never told me about those things, and I pretty much "taught" myself... reading books and what not. I never really liked tampons myself...until college years.
Cherish all these moments... they are still our "little girls" after all....
All the best,
Susan
If you do decide to let your daughter use tampons, make sure to explain to her first that she needs to use them responsibly if she wants to give them a try i.e; making sure to change them often to prevent TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome - which can happen if you leave a tampon in too long...) or infection. You could also make her read the whole instructions/warnings that come in the box to make sure she fully understands how to use them and the risks involved.
When I first started my period my mother gave me the option. I decided to try both and I preferred tampons, but still used pads at night because I was afraid of TSS. They now make "teen" tampons that are super slim and therefore a little more comfortable. If you feel that she is responsible enough to use them properly, I say let her give it a try so she can see for herself if she likes it or not... Good luck :)
I think it's just about whatever feels the best for her own body. My mother has used only pads her whole life, but from a young age (and a virgin), I found tampons to be far more comfortable for my (very petite) frame. I would be careful not to make her feel at all ashamed about wanting to try them, and try to provide her with as much information as possible to keep her body safe and comfortable. Keep a neutral attitude about the whole thing, and let her choose what is most comfortable and convenient for her life and her body. Her choice of tampons or pads has nothing to do with her future sexual decisions, so don't be afraid of that!
Maybe it's peer pressure? Who knows. I remember I started using them when I was in high school too. It was just the thing to do....then again, I was in water polo and the swim team. In any case, it's not something that I would share with boys...if that's a concern. Tampons are just honestly easier to conceal in your palm when leaving to use the bathroom from class than bulky pads. Maybe that's it?
The suggestions the other women have already given are very good. I would add that there are different types of tampons available these days and if she doesn't like one brand she may like another because they have different features (shape, applicator style, scented etc.). I would suggest staying away from the scented because they can cause irritation. There are different absorbency levels and she should use the one appropriate for her flow. My dad had custody of me when I started my period and he initially would only let me use pads until I outright stated that I was going to change to tampons. They are less off a hassle all the way around and if used properly should not cause any illness. I would also suggest from my own experience that if your daughter does decide to use tampons that she uses a new one after urinating, swimming or after getting the string wet in any way. When the string gets wet it can cause dampness and odor in underwear.
Hello Rita. I've been using tampons since I was a teenager and much prefer them over pads. Using tampons allows for more physical activity, with the added plus of not having to sit in your "mess" till you change it. To me, it is more sanitary and when properly inserted, more comfortable (you don't even know it's there). I did start off with pads at first though, but once I discovered tampons, I never reverted back to them. Regarding your daughter, my daughter always used pads, but I noticed once she became sexually active, around 15/16, she wanted to use tampons as well. I don't think there is anything wrong with letting her use them as long as she knows the proper way to use them. Naturally, it is your choice, but I don't see it as being a huge deal. Good luck in your decision :)
Dear Rita:
I have the same experience as you do, regarding the use of these products.
I don't feel that wearing a tampon is immoral or anything like that either. I just feel that when you weigh the pros and cons of both, the pads come out ahead. They may not be convenient but they are safer. In my case, though, I do happen to know people who have had toxic shock and they weren't (as some people might think) foolish teenagers. These were responsible adults who knew what they were doing and STILL got sick. That's enough for me to chose the pads over the other.
Beyond that are a couple of other factors. I don't like chemicals inside of my body (or that of my child) and tampons are bleached cotton, etc. It is bad enough having to wear the pads against my body but the fact that the tampon is internal concerns me more. (There is lots of info. available about that online.)
Also, using tampons entails lots of contact with blood that is not necessary when you use a pad. I wince every time I'm in a public bathroom and there are red fingerprints on the trash and on the door lock. I always wonder if these ladies washed their hands BEFORE changing the product to avoid contaminating themselves.
I explained that to my daughter. I told her that this is largely a matter of preference and, to some extent, safety and that she needed to decide for herself. For now, she agrees with me. If she changes her mind in the future, I won't consider it a rejection of my values or anything like that. I just consider it unwise and I hope she continues to see that.
Best wishes,
Marla
Hi, There is nothing wrong with using a tampon. That is all I ever used. I used them from day one. (don't need anymore)
To me they are so much cleaner. One thing is that my mom did with me before I used them. She had one of my cousin's, that was older, explain to me all about them and the proper way to
use them. Until I got the hang of how to use them and when they need to be changed I did wear a pad too. I did't want to have any accident's. The best thing is to let her try them. Like you said you didn't care for it but doesn't mean she won't. Give her the chance.
Good luck Rita.
HEY Rita,
Well, you tried it, why can's she!!!
Good Luck!!!
I started using tampons when I was your daughters age. In high school I was a swimmer and you can't take off a week of paractice every month. I never had a problem with them. I still use them today.
Hi Rita,
I think you will find that tampons are very different now (especially the applicator). They also make some that are just for teens.
I would let her try them and feel really blessed that she comes to you and asks you about things.
Best wishes
There's lots of good information at this request: http://www.mamasource.com/request/11697288027809251329 I hate tampons, and pads. I've been using a menstrual cup for years. I've tried to get my daughter (16) to use a cup or a tampon and she refuses - LOL Makes me crazy Good luck!
Hi Rita,
I started using tampons at your daughter's age combined with a pantyliner (to prevent staining from leakage). There is much less mess and discomfort than walking around with a thick wet pad. They make very thin tampons that are very absorbent. Although, you will need to instruct your daughter to change them frequently to prevent toxic shock syndrome. I would suggest reading through the leaflet on the inside of the box together.
Hi Rita, I agree with you, I tried then once to and it hurt, so like you I never tried again, my 19 year old still uses pads, some girls feel self consious about wearing pads thinking you can tell, like formy daughter is a dancer and she has to wear tu tu's and leotards, but she's afriand to use tapons, I would tell her how you feel, share your experience with her, and this and see if she changes her mind, Chances are some of her friends are using them so she wants to. Julie L.
There is no risk to using tampons as long as they are changed within the alloted timeframe. They are definitley more comfortable than pads, the brands do make a difference though, I have found playtex to be my favorite as I have experienced comfort issues with the others. They now have teen sizes which can also help with comfort for younger girls. This will become more of an issue if your daughter is active in athletics, pads can be bulky and messy when active. You both should give em a try! :)
My daughter is 13 and uses tampons. She just started over the summer because she's very active in swimming and beach, etc. I also started wearing them when I was 13 (which was a LONG time ago!) and I've never had a problem. They are safer than they were back then (regarding toxic shock). It took her about 1/2 hour to get the trick of inserting them, but has it down now. She loves them way more than pads.
here is my experience:
My eldest is now 16. When she was 13.5, she got her period. She used pads the first time. By the second, she wanted out of the pad experience. It messed with the line of her clothes, was messy and she thought she could smell it. That child got down on the floor of the bathroom and went through a box of junior, slender tampax. Finally, she figured it out. Her friends (and mom) all gave her whatever advice they could.
our girls want to be like there friends. If there friends are using,so be it.
It won't hurt them, it is a personal choice.
Tampons are always changing. I wear them every time and have no problem with them. I wish I had known about them when I was a teenager! It's especially nice when you play sports. They make sports ones and ones for teens.