Females: Your Period / Question
Published: November 14, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hello! I'm a 15-year-old girl. I was wondering if it is safe for me to use tampons instead of a pad when I have my period. I am not sure if it is better to use tampons at a certain age or not. Thanks for your time!
Signed: Tampons, Am I Old Enough?
Dear Tampons, Am I Old Enough?,
The decision to use tampons over pads is purely personal. Although the thought of using tampons for the first time can be worrisome, once you become comfortable with them they are very easy and convenient to use.
There are many different brands of tampons available. Some have applicators and others do not. Also, you will notice that there are different absorbencies, to be used for light, moderate or heavy menstrual blood flow. Choosing a tampon can be confusing so you may want to talk to a family member or a nurse who has experience using them.
All tampon companies are required to have an instruction package which usually includes a clear and easy to understand diagram. Look over the instructions before you try to put one in.
Here are some key things to remember:
- Relax! This will help you insert it correctly, otherwise it will not fit properly.
- The easiest position to insert a tampon is sitting on the toilet with your legs spread apart.
- Point the tampon backwards, angling it toward the small of your back.
- Insert and push the tampon into the vaginal opening, leaving the string to hang out the vaginal opening.
- Remove the tampon by pulling gently on the string.
- Change your tampon every four to six hours in order to prevent an infection caused by leaving the tampon in to long, called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
- Tampons should not be painful. If it is, remove it and try again. If they are continually painful, see your doctor.
Good luck in whatever method you choose. If you are unsure about any sexuality-related issue, it may be a good idea to talk to your mother, a doctor and/or your local teen health center.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
It is estimated that major depressive disorder (MDD) affects about 5% of adolescents, and that between 10 - 15% of adolescents have some symptoms of depression at any one time.
