Ferquently asked questions about tampons.
These are some questions and concerns lots if girls have when it comes to using tampons.
Do tampons hurt?
Tampons can be slightly uncomfortable the first few times you use them but the vagina will stretch and they'll become more comfortable. The best way to avoid any discomfort is to relax. If you're old enough to menstruate then you're old enough to use tampons.
How do I know when to change a tampon?
When your tampon is full you will begin to feel yourself leaking (the feeling you get when you use a pad), this is an indication you might need to change your tampon. If you go to the bathroom and notice you've leaked and/or blood is beginning to come down the string then you should also change your tampon. Otherwise just wait for the 8 hours to be up.
Will I still be a virgin if I use tampons?
A virgin is someone who has never had sex before. So using tampons definitely will not take your virginity! So why do girls always ask this question? Girls have a thing called a hymen it is very thin piece of skin-like tissue that stretches across the opening of the vagina. Many people think that a girl is only a virgin if her hymen has not been broken. A lot of the time a girl's hymen breaks after having sex for the first time. But it can also be broken by doing sports like gymnastic or inserting a tampon, although this is very rare.
Do I have to use a tampon if I want to go swimming?
Yes you must use a tampon if you want to go swimming on your period. A pad would absorb the pool water and not be able to absorb and of the menstrual blood. The pad would also start to shred in the pool and on top of all that you'll still bleed into the water. Tampons are not as scary as you think, have a go at least you'll be able to say you tried!
Can you flush tampons down the toilet?
You cannot flush the wrapper and applicator down the toilet and if it is possible you should avoid flushing the actual tampon down the toilet too. But it really depends on your sewerage system. Ask a member of your household. Female public toilets often have a sanitary bin available.
Can a tampon get lost inside you?
No! The cervix is too small for a tampon to pass through so your tampon certainly will not be going anywhere.
How do I ask my mum to use tampons?
Wait for a time where the two of you are alone, like in the car for example. Simply say "hey mum, is it okay if I try tampons some of my friends use them." If she says yes then great, if she says no ask why. You can explain to her that you won't lose your virginity, you know the risks of TSS, that you'd like to go swimming on your period and that they're more comfortable. You could have an agreement that you'll only use tampons when you go swimming to minimise the risk of TSS. If she thinks you're too young try setting a date, your 15th birthday for example. You could also try bargaining to use non-applicator tampons by saying that they're more eco friendly than pads.
What happens if I can't find the tampon string?
The tampon string can usually be found from a squatting position.
What do I do if the string breaks?
Tampon string is very durable so it's rare for it to break. If it does break don't freak out. Your tampon can't get lost inside you so it won't be going anywhere. Wash your hands and get into a squatting position. Put your index finger and middle finger in the vagina and reach up for it. If you don't manage to get it out then you need to go to your doctor because a tampon left in too long can lead to TSS.
Can a tampon fall out?
No, the muscles of the vagina will hold it in place if you've inserted it correctly.
Do tampons hurt?
Tampons can be slightly uncomfortable the first few times you use them but the vagina will stretch and they'll become more comfortable. The best way to avoid any discomfort is to relax. If you're old enough to menstruate then you're old enough to use tampons.
How do I know when to change a tampon?
When your tampon is full you will begin to feel yourself leaking (the feeling you get when you use a pad), this is an indication you might need to change your tampon. If you go to the bathroom and notice you've leaked and/or blood is beginning to come down the string then you should also change your tampon. Otherwise just wait for the 8 hours to be up.
Will I still be a virgin if I use tampons?
A virgin is someone who has never had sex before. So using tampons definitely will not take your virginity! So why do girls always ask this question? Girls have a thing called a hymen it is very thin piece of skin-like tissue that stretches across the opening of the vagina. Many people think that a girl is only a virgin if her hymen has not been broken. A lot of the time a girl's hymen breaks after having sex for the first time. But it can also be broken by doing sports like gymnastic or inserting a tampon, although this is very rare.
Do I have to use a tampon if I want to go swimming?
Yes you must use a tampon if you want to go swimming on your period. A pad would absorb the pool water and not be able to absorb and of the menstrual blood. The pad would also start to shred in the pool and on top of all that you'll still bleed into the water. Tampons are not as scary as you think, have a go at least you'll be able to say you tried!
Can you flush tampons down the toilet?
You cannot flush the wrapper and applicator down the toilet and if it is possible you should avoid flushing the actual tampon down the toilet too. But it really depends on your sewerage system. Ask a member of your household. Female public toilets often have a sanitary bin available.
Can a tampon get lost inside you?
No! The cervix is too small for a tampon to pass through so your tampon certainly will not be going anywhere.
How do I ask my mum to use tampons?
Wait for a time where the two of you are alone, like in the car for example. Simply say "hey mum, is it okay if I try tampons some of my friends use them." If she says yes then great, if she says no ask why. You can explain to her that you won't lose your virginity, you know the risks of TSS, that you'd like to go swimming on your period and that they're more comfortable. You could have an agreement that you'll only use tampons when you go swimming to minimise the risk of TSS. If she thinks you're too young try setting a date, your 15th birthday for example. You could also try bargaining to use non-applicator tampons by saying that they're more eco friendly than pads.
What happens if I can't find the tampon string?
The tampon string can usually be found from a squatting position.
What do I do if the string breaks?
Tampon string is very durable so it's rare for it to break. If it does break don't freak out. Your tampon can't get lost inside you so it won't be going anywhere. Wash your hands and get into a squatting position. Put your index finger and middle finger in the vagina and reach up for it. If you don't manage to get it out then you need to go to your doctor because a tampon left in too long can lead to TSS.
Can a tampon fall out?
No, the muscles of the vagina will hold it in place if you've inserted it correctly.