Kayla C.

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Pads vs. Tampons

Size Matters

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I want to try tampons, but I’m afraid that they’ll be too big for me. Are there any brands out there for teens?

Slender regular. Regular regular. Plus. Super plus. Super confusing! One of the most common misconceptions about tampons is that all these varieties are made to fit different body sizes. They’re not. They are meant for how heavy or light your menstrual flow is. If you have very light bleeding, try Tampax Lites or Playtex Slender Lights. If you guys like a Texas oil well every month, you may need to go with something more.

The most important thing to remember, though, is to always use the lowest absorbency possible to prevent toxic shock syndrome. TSS is a very, very rare disease caused by tampon use, but many cases are a result of women using too high of an absorbency.

Used properly, tampons are an extremely safe alternative to bulky, uncomfortable pads. You can always use a pantiliner to catch any overflow. And be sure to change tampons often. You should never leave them in longer than eight hours, so you might want to go with the bulk under your nightie. Who’s gonna know?

BY JIAE K. ON 9/11/2009 8:00:00 AM 64 COMMENTS

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i had a dream that i asked my mom if i could use tampons but my mom was lk OK but go and ask your dad!LOL
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graceygirl77 on 3/19/2010 2:16:48 PM

everytime i see comment saying "when you first use tampons use a mirror" i'm always lk "god no that sounds gross why would i want to look?!?!?!?

Check out my profile

graceygirl77 on 3/19/2010 2:12:44 PM

MOD MOD MOD
i was wondering if i have a heavy flow and i use a super tampon how long can or should i wear it?

Hey girl. The suggested length of time to wear any tampon is 4 to 6 hours. But if it's your first time using a tampon I would suggest using a smaller size.

Lauren R.

seaturtle2442 on 3/13/2010 3:15:05 PM

thanks mod

just another questions though, i cant feel the tampon, but right now i have a cold, so when i cough or blow my nose kinda hard, i can feel it. is that normal???

Yep that's okay. You're fine girly lol.

Lynae P.

PINKIEprincess on 2/14/2010 1:53:37 PM

MODMODMODMOD!!!!!!!! so i used a tampax pearl plastic tampon, a lite one, but in two and a half hours it was completely saoked! should i move up to a regular????? PLEASE HELP

Hey girly, yeah you should defintely upgrade. I think the light ones are usually used when your about to come off your cycle because you don't bleed so much.

Lynae P.

PINKIEprincess on 2/14/2010 1:35:54 PM

MODMODMOD! so you are saying that there are no small brands of tampons like for teens... ( i am 12 and i have my period so i don't think a regular sized tampon would exactly fit "down there") but that is just what i think... but seriously is there no small brand of tampon? cause i really wanna try them but i don't want it to be too big

Hey babes, I said PLaytex Slimfits, they are skinnier than regular. They will fit. xo JANA

jana k.

28PuppyPaws on 2/7/2010 12:22:12 AM

but i would wear a pantilinner because pads wont stay in place tapmons probably hurt pantilinner stick and stays

cuteforever on 12/4/2009 4:14:45 PM

NEONCIRCUS-
hey girl! ok well first of all just 2 let ya kno, u dont insert ur tampon where u pee! its the hole right behing that. Your vagina. and trust me, it doesnt hurt using tampons! i use them all the time. I know the hole looks small but get the slender fit (i prefer the brand Playtex)and slide it in. its a peace of cake. you'll eventually get the hang of it. while putting it in, stay relaxed. put on some music if that helps. also, try putting one foot on the toilet and the other on the floor. also u could get a mirror if that helps! ok well good luck girlie!

luvpeacehappiness<3 on 11/26/2009 9:59:33 AM

MOD MOD MOD
Listen I want to use tampons so bad! But I'm so scared. I've tried before and I couldn't find where to put it in because I couldn't find my hole but when I did find it it was kind of small and I thought it would hurt so I gave up what should I do?

neoncirus on 11/23/2009 4:53:08 PM

i'm thinking of using a tampon for school becuz it's really embarrassing to change my pad at school cuz when you rip off the wrapper it makes a loud noise so it's obvious that i have a period. only thing i need to know though is where the vagina is cuz i know there's something called a urethra and u pee out of it so i don't wanna put the tampon in the urethra.

Jgirlox24 on 11/6/2009 7:35:28 AM

MOD MOD MOD
hey I have a few Qs. so my stomach doesnt hurt when i have my period...but IM really gassy...its embarrasing!! any way i can prevent this?????
and i have a really lite period.... any suggestions on tampons i should use??? I hate them but have to use them sometimes and they always seem too big!!!
thanks!

Hey babe,

That's a pretty normal side effect of a period. Try Midol or another pain killer that is specifically for period probs. They make slim fit tampons for light days.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

magzy4 on 11/4/2009 4:56:05 PM

Hi, i've had my peroids for about 6 months and I am 12. When I was on holiday with my friend I tried a tampon it was uncomefortable so I took it out after about 2 hours. I read all the intructions and I want to try it again becuase I feel the pads are too big and unfeminie. I'm too scaried to ask my mom and I really don't like pain. My mom has no idea about it and she said that pads would be the best option when I first started my periods.

sydney077 on 11/4/2009 7:02:38 AM

MOD MOD MOD
I really want to try using tampons, but i'm afraid to ask my mom! When i first got my period, she said "we'll talk about those later" but when i ride horses and i'm wearing a pad it's really uncomfortable in the saddle. Also, i couldn't go to my friend's house to go in her but tub over the summer because I didn't know how to use one. How can I ask my mom?

Hey babe, just tell your mom you think you're ready to try them out. She'll be glad you're coming to her first for help rather than trying it on your own.

katelin s.

redvegetable on 10/29/2009 11:10:58 PM

MOD-
ok so i have had my period for six months now and i am not getting cramps or bloating. i am moody though. is not having cramps ok?

Yeah thats perfectly ok. You're not always going to get cramps. As long as your period is coming normally and not disappearing for months a time youre normal. xoxo kerra

Kerra S.

alljonas on 10/18/2009 12:04:49 AM

1. Say your name 10 times.
2. Say your mom's name 5 times.
3. Say your crush's name 3 times.
4. Paste this to 4 other quizzes. If you do this, your crush will kiss you on the nearest Friday, but if you read this and do not paste this, then you will have very bad luck! SEND THIS TO 5 QUIZZES IN 143 MINUTES. WHEN YOU'RE DONE PRESS F6 AND YOUR CRUSH'S NAME WILL APPEAR IN BIG LETTERS ON THE SCREEN. THIS IS SO FREAKY BECAUSE IT ACTUALLY WORKS

twihead101 on 10/17/2009 3:06:57 PM

LEASE DON'T READ THIS, YOU WILL BE KISSED ON THE NEAREST POSSIBLE FRIDAY BY THE LOVER OF YOUR LIFE. TOMMORROW WILL BE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. NOW YOU'VE STARTED READING THIS, DON'T STOP, THIS IS FREAKY.

1. Say your name 10 times.
2. Say your mom's name 5 times.
3. Say your crush's name 3 times.
4. Paste this to 4 other quizzes. If you do this, your crush will kiss you on the nearest Friday, but if you read this and do not paste this, then you will have very bad luck! SEND THIS TO 5 QUIZZES IN 143 MINUTES. WHEN YOU'RE DONE PRESS F6 AND YOUR CRUSH'S NAME WILL APPEAR IN BIG LETTERS ON THE SCREEN. THIS IS SO FREAKY BECAUSE IT ACTUALLY WORKS

Asianae11 on 10/17/2009 2:26:12 PM

MOD!!!! I don't feel like I can talk to my mom about very much stuff, or do i really want to. I want to use tampons but all she has in the house are super-maxi tampons. I've heard that those cause TSS. Is this true? i really don't want to talk to her about it. What to do???

Hey girl! You should def talk to her about it. She will be able to get you tampons that are a better size for you. Those size won't neccissarily cause TSS; it's possible with any tampon. Get up your courage and talk to her!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

briannababe on 10/13/2009 6:19:45 PM

****MOD MOD MOD**** hey i'm farly new to the whole tampon thing and i was wondering is it ok to where a tampon in the shower i really don't wana have to clean up "all that" epscaly on my period thxx

Hey girly, no you don't have to wear one in the shower. Your period stops in water anyway, so there won't be anything to clean up since it will all wash down the drain anyway.

Lynae P.

sarahmichelle on 10/4/2009 3:06:02 PM

Smartcookie36~
It depends on your flow and how dry your period is. If it is dry then stick w/ maxis!! Hope I helped!!

Smileygirl86 on 10/3/2009 1:00:32 PM

pads are too big on me...........the only things thta fit me are liners......ive never used tampons though

peacelovecandy on 10/2/2009 3:51:37 PM

i use the ob tampons. if any of you girls are looking for small sizes than this is the brand for you. the regular size is what i use and they are totally comfortable. when i try to use the tampax pearl ones or ones with the applicator, the tampon doesn't go in all the way and i can still feel it. i definitely recommend o.b. if you need any advice i give great advice!

Sydney on 9/25/2009 5:59:17 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD
I am a little bit overweight and have a REALLY heavy flow . but whenever i try to wear a tampon it HURTS! i can not even stand up! I go to a prep school and only get 3 bathroom passes per quarter of school, and I cannot use them all up changing and checking my pads! any ideas?

If youre putting in your tampon sitting down thats probably why its hurting you. It's best to put in your tampon standing. That way it will go in right and not hurt you. xoxo kerra

Kerra S.

prepygal13 on 9/19/2009 11:41:48 PM

it depends wat feels right girlie !! ^^

chocolatelover13 on 9/19/2009 8:02:10 AM

MOD MOD MOD
Tomorrow i'm going to a six flags theme park and i'm on my period. Do you think i should wear tampons or pads? I'm very familiar with tampons cuz i'm a swimmer so i wear them all the time. I want to wear tampons but i'm concerned that if i wear them all day that I will be in pain after the day is done. Do you think that will happen? Tomorrow my flow will probably be heavy and i use playtex sport tampons if that helps at all. Thanks!!!

Wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. You could always bring both with you in case you change your mind half way through the day. No, you should not be in pain from wearing a tampon all day- especially if you have worn them before. Just be sure to regularly change them and you'll be set!

Katarina E. Katarina E.

<3jesusfreak<3 on 9/18/2009 12:46:01 PM

GREAT TIP!! Because people are still talking about problems using tampons.

If you need to use tampons and you need to use the big and thick ones or if you are to small for even the small tampons, the biggest help for me was starting to use a lubricant when inserting my tampons. I use either K-Y Jelly or Astroglide lubricant and put enough on the end to help them slip in easier.

The only thing I hate about using the lubricant is buying it because its sold with the condoms because its the same lubricant you use for doing other things. But there is no better way of helping tampons go in if you are having a problem. I am so glad I found out about this tip.

luckykel on 9/16/2009 8:00:18 PM

Even the smallest tampons are too large for me lol ((

sparky4me on 9/16/2009 4:32:46 PM

***MOD***
is it true that if you take a tampon out when it is still dry it will hurt

Hey girl! I don't know the answer to this question but you can check http://www.girlslife.com/hub/bod-squad.aspx

for more info on periods.

Eryn G.

girlygirlxxo on 9/12/2009 3:02:10 PM

MOD MOD MOD!!!
I want to try using tampons but my mother thinks im too young to use them. Im 12 years old almost 13 and I have had my period for over a year. What should I do? Thanks for the help! : )

hey girl! You should talk to your mom and explain to her that you want to try them. Maybe you could compromise with her.

Eryn G.

sad_girl on 9/12/2009 2:25:02 PM

MOD
okay so i get really really bad cramps and on top of everything else I'm just tired of pads. So I asked my mom if I could use tampons and she said that because I have really bad cramps that means my body is pushing really hard and if I wear a tampon it will come out. Is this true?

Hey babe,

I've never heard this before and I can't find anything that says that's true, so I think that's probably just a rumor your mom heard. Try to get her to let you try some out just to see if they're better for you.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

relly_rox on 9/11/2009 7:41:04 PM

Tampons are really easy to use. But you definitely should use the least absorbency that will still prevent leaks.

hollywoodhottie16 on 7/23/2009 2:13:33 PM

MOD
ive had my period for two years now and i havnt used a tampon yet! i know i should because we do swimming in gym next year and it would be easier in sports but i tried once when i first got my period and i couldnt get it in!! HELP

Hey babe,

Try reading the instructions really carefully or asking your mom or an older woman you trust for help. It also helps to relax as much as you can while you're putting it in.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

totally-inluv-witdat-brown-eyed-boy on 6/30/2009 1:26:06 AM

hey girls tampons are so easy to use!! if any of you are worried leave me a comment on my profile.
i use tampons and the first time might be alittle scary but it is really super easy!!!

Hannah H. on 6/25/2009 12:11:09 PM

Thanks Alexa!
I thought that was it, but I was completely sure.

gatorbabe16 on 6/21/2009 4:09:04 PM

~~~~MODMODMODMODMODMODMODMOD~~~~
I was wondering which part is your hymen?
Please answer!

Hey girl, your hymen is a fold of thin skin (technically mucous membrane) that surrounds or partially covers the opening of your vagina. It's part of your external genitalia. ~Alexa

alexa e.

gatorbabe16 on 6/21/2009 6:14:40 AM

Hey girlies! Check out my profile!!!
Need advice? Get the mod's "stock message?" Prefer advice from someone your age? No problem! Ask your question on my profile! I'll answer any question! From periods, to guys, to makeup and fashion, you can ask me anything! I've been through depression, period, heartbreaks, EVERYTHING! Just ask me!

gatorbabe16 on 6/21/2009 6:12:38 AM

gatorbabe16 on 6/21/2009 6:07:32 AM

OKAY tampons aren't as scary as you guys think i've been using them for 8 years (I'm 17) but Tampax makes tampon lites for teens but theres really no tampon too big for a vagina so no need to worry about that. Plastic applicator (the outside cover) are in my opinion the best because they go in smoother and wont stop too early. You insert it in the other hole not the one you pee through its wayyy too small for that. Just hold the little grips with your thumb and middle finger then use your pointer to push the stem in. Then pull the plastic part out. The tampon will stay in and the string should be hanging out. I only keep mine in for 8 hours and then you just gently pull the string, if you still have your hymen connected it might hurt to just move your hymen to the side and pull, the tampon should come right out.

xxnicolecuppycakexx on 6/17/2009 6:33:54 PM

okay...this is a weird question but where do i insert tampons?..is it where i pee?...please help!

josie.boom on 6/11/2009 9:46:45 AM

I started using tampons on my second period, and it was fine. Also, I'm very small (only about 4 foot 9 and about 85 pounds) so I was scared that they wouldn't "fit" me correctly. I just use the smallest absorbency level, and everything is fine. I now use tampons all the time!

cartwheeler16 on 6/10/2009 2:50:11 PM

dont worry about tampons im a swimmer so i wear them quite a bit they are actually really comfotable i like the playtex sport

pinkfrogswimmer on 6/6/2009 3:08:51 PM

for whatever weird reason i almost always get my period on field trips. Last field trip I put on a panty liner just in case and I got my period then. I felt soo lucky

relly_rox on 5/29/2009 11:07:24 PM

I am also new to tampons. I have had my period for about 5 months now. I want to switch to tampons. I hear they are better than pads? I hate the bulkness in my tight jeans. I have tried to insert a playtex slimfit tampon into my vagina and could not get it in there. What am I doing wrong. Being new to tampons what else should I know about them?

amy181 on 5/26/2009 6:55:17 PM

MOD
this is going to sound stupid but i don't know what a pantiliner is. Is it like a diaper for teens of some weird version of a pad?

Hey girl, no question is stupid. Pantiliners are just another protective shield for your undergarments when you are on your period. Usually girls wear them with tampons, just incase they leak, or at the very end of their period when their flow is almost zilch to nada. Sometimes i even wear them on the day I'm supposed to get my period just to be prepared. -Hugs, Jiae

Jiae K.

Katydid1913 on 5/25/2009 6:38:20 PM

Mod?
I use the size tampon that my mother wears. But i sometimes don't know if its the right size. There is only one size in my house and i use it for my whole period length. Beginning to end. Am i putting myself at risk for TSS? Should i ask my mom to buy lower absorbency ones for towards the end?

Hey Girl, Its a good idea to use a lower size for lighter flow days, yeah. I would ask your mom for the mixed box that has a few of every size. xo Annemarie

Annemarie D.

foxgirl4life on 5/25/2009 12:43:23 AM

i've had my period for over 2 years and i JUST started using tampons (slender lites lol)

ttlredhead on 5/22/2009 10:35:49 PM

Okay i just started to get my period like a few months a ago so my periods are different everytime. Should i always just use regular tampons?

RMT1235 on 5/15/2009 4:47:11 PM

I got my period a little less than 2 weeks ago and now i have it again! Is that normal? This is only like my 4th time getting it but still.

cngibby333 on 5/11/2009 5:55:11 PM

That happens to me and some times mine last until my next periode so instead of having it for like a week i get it for a whole month and when it runs into my next start time it stops its so weird but its normal for me and i have had mine for a year I guess its because it really hasnt set yet.

surferchicgonegirly on 5/12/2009 12:01:32 PM