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Pads vs. Tampons

TSS The Real Deal

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That disease is TSS, or Toxic Shock Syndrome. TSS is a very rare bacterial disease, and it can be fatal. But you don’t need to be afraid of using tampons because of TSS. The disease is associated with tampon absorbency, and it’s more likely to affect users of super-absorbency tampons who don’t change them often enough.

To be on the safe side, change your tampon every four hours, and use the least absorbency possible without risk of ruining your white capris. If you experience symptoms such as a high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and a rash, remove the tampon and contact your doctor immediately.

BY ANDREA T. ON 1/19/2010 7:00:00 AM 105 COMMENTS

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MOD MOD MOD
Can you help me?? I wanna use a tampon but i dont know where to umm like put it in??Can you help??

Hey Girl, check out this article: http://www.girlslife.com/post/2009/03/24/first-time-tampon-help.aspx

Kayla C.

Stelllar on 3/19/2010 6:15:55 PM

hey everyone!
MOD's busy and not answering your question? Head on over to my page and ill be glad to help you out periods, boys, friends, anything! let your friends know too. thanks guurlies and see you over at my pagee<3

heyimjoanna on 3/12/2010 2:30:48 PM

MOD MOD MOD Hi, Well what happens if u have TTs? Not that i have that but i just want to know.

Hey girl,

If you have TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), it can make you feel really sick - fever, vomiting, and rash are common symptoms.

Marie H.

sweetliksugr23 on 3/10/2010 7:20:59 PM

I dont have it yet...just dreading it

haleyhay3 on 3/10/2010 1:40:59 PM

MODMODMOD
I've heard that your period stops when you get waist deep in water. Do you really need to wear anything while swimming when you are on your period as long as you are waist deep?

Hey Girl! As long as your period isn't super heavy, you should be fine swimming without anything in. xo Lizzie

lizzie n.

haleyhay3 on 3/10/2010 1:31:49 PM

MODMODMOD
ok so I'm going to go for swimming lessons and my Mom has NEVER used a tampon in her life.I guess that okay,I mean it's her choice but what if I get my period during swimming? I will have to wear a tampon!I will have to use 1 one day! HELP

Hey girl,

Just because your mom hasn't worn a tampon doesn't mean you can't! Tampons are really the only thing you can wear when swimming or in the water, so it's best to learn how to use them. Even though she doesn't use them, she may be able to teach you, or ask an aunt, friend, or another woman you are close to that can tell you how to use them.

Allee S.

lipsmackergal5 on 3/9/2010 12:39:56 PM

MOD no i mean when you take it out. do you just throw it away?

Taeler L.

treehugger13 on 3/7/2010 9:09:08 PM

Mod what do you do with the tampon?

hey girl! You use it for your period, there is more info under period on the GL site.

Eryn G.

treehugger13 on 3/7/2010 8:53:06 PM

MOD what do you do with it then?

hey girl! I am not sure what you are asking.

Eryn G.

treehugger13 on 3/7/2010 8:46:14 PM

MOD
are you supposed to flush a tampon down the toilet?

hey girl! You can, but its not always the best idea.

Eryn G.

treehugger13 on 3/7/2010 7:56:25 PM

MOD MOD MOD
My first period was January 10, 2010, and it lasted one day. But I havn't had my second period yet. Is that normal for starters?

Hey girl,

When periods first start, they can be very irregular. Wait another month and see if you get your next period. If it ends up being a long time, ask your mom and maybe she will think it's right to go to the doctor. There shouldn't be anything seriously wrong though, every body is different and it takes a while to get your period into a regular cycle.

Allee S.

elita on 2/25/2010 1:19:54 AM

MOD-MOD-MOD
my mom says that tampons make u cramp up even more. i want to use tampons, but she's really reluctant. is what she says true, and how do i convince her to let me use tampons? ps im turning 13 in a month
thx!

Hey girl, that is not true. Tampons make no difference. Explain to her the reasons why you want to use tampons -- maybe it's to swim, etc. -- and they're perfectly safe. For more info and research you can show your mom, check out our Pads vs. Tampons section here: http://www.girlslife.com/category/pads-vs-tampons.aspx

xoxo

Alyssa B.

HeartsGetBroken on 2/17/2010 11:43:16 PM

mod mod mod
is it posible to get tss fromm a pad? If u leave it there for a realllllllly long time?

Hey girl! I don't think so, but you should change the pad whenever you need to.

Eryn G.

twee teen on 2/14/2010 5:30:59 PM

IF UYOU HAVE POSTED A STORY ABOUT TSS READ THIS NOW!!!!:please stoptelling us about the storys about how someone you know got TSS it scares us...ALOT

lady leigh on 2/10/2010 11:48:35 PM

people can u plz stop telling the people ho want 2 were tampons but r scared about how your cuz or ur moms friend got TSS it scarz us ... ALOT!!!!!

lady leigh on 2/6/2010 1:09:00 AM

srry, this is kinda random, but my mom had a bunch of toxic shock in a spot on her leg when she was younger...the docs had to remove it...weird

XD003amo on 2/4/2010 11:16:47 AM

Hey Girls

Need advice but can't trust those GL mods with answering your questions?

Sick of getting messages that say they are too busy for your important questions?

Want a reliable girl your age with tons of boy, body, family, school and stress experiance to answer your biggest questions?

If you answered YES to any of these questions you are personally invited to the grand opening of natalieisyourmod on Saturday Feb 6 at 9am central time

Just write in a comment NATALIE HELP and I, Natalie will answer within 3 days of your posting!

Thanks for reading

Natalie

VISIT US!!!!!!!!

natalieisyourmod on 2/3/2010 7:01:14 PM

i hate my period. cuz when we go to church when i kneel yuck i can feel. and i dont wear tampons. my friends dont have theirs except for 2 so its hard to change it too at school. most of the time i end of just blotting it. and i always wear a skort or skirt during that time. dont want to be embarressed.

selena_wiz_lover on 2/2/2010 9:29:32 PM

MOD!!!!!! please help me!!! okay 2 questions, my mom doesn't like me usingtampons cuz she's like, "you want to stick something up there?!?" but is it better than using pads? Also, is it okay to swim during your period?? or should you just not swim?

Hey babe, The only difference between pads and tampons is that some girls find one more comfortable than the other, pretty much. And it's totally fine to swim, but if you're going to go in the water a pad won't stop you from leaking, You need to wear a tampon if you're going to be swimming.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

harajukugirl1000 on 2/1/2010 8:49:28 PM

MOD!
I h8 when im havin my period @ school and i was wondering if u had any ideas on how i could bring pads and tampons to the bathroom without anyone noticing...any ideas?

Hey doll, keep them in a pencil case in your backpack or go during class so nobody sees you. xo JANA

jana k.

Jazmyn D on 1/28/2010 11:46:59 PM

hey ladies my cuz didn't kno she had TSS and tried a tampon and had a siezure and her older sis had to pull the tamp out of her! So b careful...

Jazmyn D on 1/28/2010 11:44:55 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD
Hey!! I have this fear that one day when i try to pull a tampon out the string is gonna break! Is this going to happen? How would you get it out if that happened? Thanks

hey babes, that isnt going to happen but I guess if it does, you either have to reach up there and grab it ( a tampon isnt going to escape into your body so dont worry) or you will have to go to a doctor and have them get it out. xo JANA

jana k.

Fieldhockeystar on 1/28/2010 11:17:42 PM

Mod Mod Mod
i don't like using pads but tampons scare me. my mom said that im too young and said that i should change my p. more offten and just dosen't want me to get TSS. plz reaply!!!!!

Hey girl, TSS is super rare so you're not likely to get it, but it's important to change your pad regularly to protect yourself against protection. Aim for every four hours.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

Tiger Lily on 1/27/2010 8:04:34 PM

*MOD MOD MOD*
hey-- i dont know what to do. i dont wear tampons but i am finding blood everywhere on all my clothes and everything! its all dry and wont come out. it is very heavy and SO uncomfortable. i am freaking out i just dont know what to do.
thanks!

Hey girl, check out this
page and see if it helps:

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx

We have everything you need
to know about all things period! ♥, Your Blog
Patrol Babes

Megan R.

irishkaren on 1/26/2010 6:21:56 PM

MOD~ would it be ok to wear a tampon from like 7-11:30 then change it from 11:30-3:30? thats how long my school day is. thanks!

Hey girl! Sounds okay. But, it depends on your individual body. See how it goes, you'll know when you need to change it!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

ilovegiraffes45 on 1/24/2010 9:54:26 PM

I left mine in for like 8 or 9 hours at school for a week. My temperature got hotter, I got cramps and I felt sick.....MOD?????? Help

livvybee365 on 1/23/2010 2:20:38 PM

srry Alyssa B. I read the question one more time and had a different view....... mi bad

S'alright. Sorry for the confusion, girlie.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

coolchick110 on 1/22/2010 10:59:07 PM

Mod Mod Mod
I am not afraid of tampons, I am afraid of TSS. I know that it is really rare, and I realize that I won't get it if I change the T every 4 hours, but I sometimes get this feeling that the rare bad thing is going to happen to me. I always feel like something bad is going to happen to me, or I am going to be in line for something and they run out right when I get up. How can I get over this fear? I know that it is stupid, but I can't help it!

Hey girl, I know exactly how you feel, but remember this: life isn't worth being worried about every minute: you'll never be able to enjoy it if you're dreading the next moment. Take a deep breath and know that more than likely, you won't get TSS. You can always use pads if you feel more comfortable with it, but don't worry about TSS, girl, really. Take care of yourself and just enjoy the ride. Highlight the good things that happen to you over the bad and stay optimistic. Bad things happen to everyone, but good ones do too.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

coolchick110 on 1/22/2010 10:58:09 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD Alyssa B. answered one of ladybuglover28 's questions which asked which hole to put the tampon in. Alyssa B. answered, either hole will work. Blood only comes out of one hole right?? Plz answer cuz I am like totally confused!!!!!!!

Hey girl, I think you're misinterpreting because I def didn't mean it like that; I may be referring to another part of the question. The thing with tampons is they just take a little practice putting in (and there is only one hole). Read the instructions -- or ask your mom for your help. You'll get the hang of it in time. Sorry for the mix-up.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

coolchick110 on 1/22/2010 10:45:56 PM

MOD MOD MOD
i have swimming lessons next week and i have my period. i missed the lesson today cuz i got it, but i dont wanna miss a whole week of lessons. also i am scared to use a tampon.. like does it hurt?? i just dont know what to do..

hey girl,

definitely don't hurt! try pearl (plastic) my fav brand, and ask your mom to help you!

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx

Sammy d.

jwanner on 1/22/2010 5:17:36 PM

mod i was just wondering what AIDS is ?

hey babes, AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Difficiency Syndrome. It affects the bodies immune system to the point where you can no longer fend up disease. xo JANA

jana k.

fashionsense on 1/19/2010 9:42:42 PM

MOD I asked this a about 30 mins ago but it never showed up. Can you get TSS from wearing pads to long or is it just tampons?? Also will you definatly know if you've gotten TSS or not? Thanks and I'm sorry if you had to answer this twice.

Hey girl! I did answer this q already, but it took a while to get to it. Sorry for the delay. You can't get TSS from wearing pads. If you do get it from TSS you will know it because you will start to feel the symptoms. Check on your box of tampons or even online for details. best, Kristen

Kristen Y.

queenashley37 on 10/4/2009 5:29:12 PM

MOD just wondering can you get TSS from wearing pads too long or just from tampons?

Hey girl! You can't get TSS from wearing pads. Since tampons are actually inside you, you're at risk. Pads are outside, so you don't have to worry. Best, Kristen

Kristen Y.

queenashley37 on 10/4/2009 4:59:58 PM

mod mod mod mod
when putting a tampon in, which hole do u put it in?

Hey girl, check out your tampon's instructions if you're unsure, but I think either place will work. The point of a tampon is to catch what's leaking. For more help, check out our Periods, Period section at http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

ladybuglover28 on 9/24/2009 7:01:30 PM

MOD!! Whats the longest you can leave a tampon in??? Can i leave it in the whole school day???!?!?!?!?

Hey, tampons should be changed every 4 hours or so. I'd change it at least once at school, but really it depends how heavy it is that day.

katelin s.

cngibby333 on 8/24/2009 11:03:50 PM

MOD!MOD!MOD!MOD!MOD!
Hello, I was wondering how can I convince my Mom to let me wear tampons instead of pads. Because she has never worn a tampon before and she only lets me use it when I go swimming because she is scared I will get TSS. I understand her concerns but I prefer tampons over pads. So how can we both be happy ?
Thanks for the help!

Hi babe,

Toxic Shock Syndrome is extremely rare and is caused by leaving a tampon in for too long. Talk to your mom about her concerns and express to her why you want to switch from pads to tampons and just how cautious you will be using them. It will ease her stress and yours.

xoxo Keltie

Keltie E.

cutieness105 on 8/15/2009 1:00:51 PM

MOD it says that a symptom is Diarheea[i cnt spell

] but i have irregular digestive system most of the times... alot of food regualrly gives me gas asnd diarheea... so should i be worried if i get it while using a tampon or should i watch for the other symptoms??? thx! <3 b3kah

Doesn't sound like you should worry, since diarheea is something your bod normal goes through. There may be other symptoms too. Things like headaches or cravings. But don't worry, you know your bod better than anyone else so you'll know when something is not right.

Lynae P.

nicegurl on 8/7/2009 10:51:14 PM

okay the idea of using a tampon is totally discusting to me i would rather use a pad-that is when i actually start-is it true that you have to use a tapon when swimming?

Twilight_fann_08 on 7/23/2009 9:30:50 PM

MOD PLEASE
Umm I can't find the hole.......Where is it?

Hey girl! When you stand up straight, the hole is directly under you. If you're trying to put in a tampon, it will be farther back then your front and closer than your butt. Best, Kristen

Kristen Y.

veronica barakat on 7/23/2009 3:05:45 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
if you swim what happens if you wear a pad? does it like get all soggy or sumthing? i am afraid of getting my period in the pool but i havent had mine yet and ive read that you shouldnt wear tampons b4 u get your period....please help!

Hey girl! If you go swimming with a pad, it will soak up the pool water too. If you're worried about getting your period, you could probably try wearing a really thin panti liner. Have some tampons in your bag so that you can use them if you need to. Best, Kristen

Kristen Y.

kittybug101101 on 7/23/2009 2:33:41 PM

My friend once put in a tampon and forgot it was there. She realized about a month later when she got her next period that it was in there! And she was fine. So chances are, even if you leave a tampon in for a long time, you won't get TSS.

supersingershannon on 7/22/2009 9:09:34 PM

TSS is really really rare, and unless you get these symptoms, you really shouldn't worry about it.

supersingershannon on 7/22/2009 9:07:30 PM

OK, now i know this will sound weird but I've trid to put a tampon in, but it always stings to insert it. Ive tried 3 different times and i cant get it past the opening. Is there a problem with me?

serenabeana on 7/22/2009 8:37:03 PM

********MOD*********MOD**************
I've started using tampons but only for one period. I can put them in very easily and i like them a lot better than pads. But whenever I take it out it still hurts. Once Blood leaked out and got on my underwear, but it still hurt when I took it off that time. I use tampax pearl regular and I know lites won't work. WHY DOES IT STILL HURT WHEN I TAKE THE TAMPON OUT???

Hey girl, although you might be used to inserting, that doesn't necessarily mean that your body is used to it. You still have to give it some time. Think of it as breaking into new shoes. It needs some getting used to.
<3 Jeannie

Jeannie L.

dance4evagrrl on 7/22/2009 6:37:18 PM

***MOD***** Why do people say its bad to have a tampon in for more than 4 hours, but 8 hours when you sleep? i hate wearing pads to bed because i always have to wear two.! is it safe to wear tampons to bed?

when you sleep your body is laying flat which causes you to bleed less. That is why you can use one tampon for the full 8 hours with no leakage! However, during the day when you standing upright, the bleeding can be heavier and therefore it is necessary to change your tampon more frequently! So yes, it is safe to wear tampons to bed! Give it a try!

Brooke E.

xxtwizzy2xx on 7/22/2009 12:01:11 PM

ok this is kinda really weird but imortant to know at the same time, because im considering using tampons but im super scared!! Ok here it goes: How do you pee when you have a tampon in?
gross i know but whatever!

Hey babe, they are different holes so you can pee while you have a tampon in but some find that uncomfortable and take the tampon out anyway.

katelin s.

kelsabrams on 7/22/2009 12:43:47 AM

MOD!!! i know other ppl hav said this but tampons scare the heck outta me!!! like putting cardboard and wat not into my body down there! EW! but pads really bother me cuz my flows pretty heavy and i forgot 2 bring pads with me to a 3 hour long meeting followed by 2 hours of shopping! i almost died it felt all icky and stuff, plus is it weird that i feel more comfie in thicker pads? thin ones just dont do it for me they feel weird and i dnt like changing them as often .

) i ttly understand if u cant get back to me but thanks a lot if u do !!!
LOVE Cassie!!!

Hey babe, sorry I had to edit some things out. Tampons can be intimidating but trust me, they're not as bad as you think! Just test it out and if you don't like it, stick with the pads and try again later. Thicker pads are fine, you should stick with what ya like.

katelin s.

GODALLASSTARS!!! on 7/21/2009 11:31:05 PM

can u sleep w/ a regular tampon in ?

tennisplaya on 7/21/2009 4:47:34 PM

ok i put a tampon in and than 2hrs l8r i go to the bathroom and my period leaked through my tampon it did tht 2ce y iz tht iz at the highest absourbency but it leaked y is tht

tennisplaya on 7/21/2009 4:46:44 PM

MOD!MOD!MOD! okay i hears that you can sleep in a tampon.is that true??im affraid to try it cause im not sure if you can without getting tss.help me pleasseee!

Hey girl,

You can totally sleep with a tampon in. You'll be fine. But it you feel uncomfortable about it, then set an alarm to get up and change it during the night.

LOGIN OR SIGNUP

Lynae P.

is modding

Paulette W.

is modding

Pads vs. Tampons

TSS The Real Deal

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