Is She Too Young? - Lincoln,NE

No its not too young, you can use them when you are a virgin. It might be better for her self esteem too, pads can be smelly, bulky and embarrassing.

The size of the tampon doesn't go by the size of the vagina. Its by the amount of flow. My daughter started using tampons when she was 12 a year old. She liked the Playtex Active (or Sport) ones because they were thinner and easier for her to manage.

I started using them at 13 and NEVER went back to pads. No girl is so tiny that a tampon won't fit, or won't be able to be inserted... And, a hymen does not, ever (unless from a birth defect), cover the entire vaginal opening! Otherwise, how could she have a period at all?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hymen

My older sister helped me out with that when I was 12-13. I recommend the slim, regular, plastic type that have the "torpedo" shaped top for most comfortable insert. And her outside size has nothing to do with her inside size. :)

Good luck, mom :)

EDIT - Re. "size" - I'm 43 and I remember a MAJOR lack of selection in terms of tampon sizes - I think it was pretty much a 1 size fits all. Now you have the extra small/extra slender so you should be able to find something comfortable to insert - heck, I have some now that are slimmer than my pinky finger.

I used tampons starting from age 9.

They hymen pulls back (to allow the blood to drip out in the first place). It's not a solid boundary, or NONE of us would have our periods until after sex. The membrane pulls off to the side ALMOST completely out of the way / some teens (or women) in countries where intact hymens are required for marriage only have sex on their periods to keep their hymens intact. Anyhow... it's similar to how your uvula (the thing in the back of your throat) pulls back every time you swallow).

The risk of TSS and infection is almost non-existant. Grab a pack of tampons, and show her how to use them. The MOST important thing (so many girls don't get for awhile) is to insert as far as possible, THEN plunge. Not to just put the tip in and plunge... which hurts... because the tampon absorbs all the moisture, and then the tampon itself sits in a highly ennervated area so you feel it all the time... instead of insert as much as possble, and plunge, where there are almost no nerves whatsoever and a LOT of moisture/fluid so the tampon glides easily.

I was using them right away (12). As long as she understands how they work, I don't see why she can't use them. Also, she might be tiny but I'm guessing her vagina is anatomically normal and therefore completely capable of accommodating a tampon.

Wow, this is something I never even thought of anyone telling thier kid not to do to be perfectly honest. I started getting my period at 12 & started using tampons within a few months. My daughter is 10 & hasn't started yet but when she does, as soon as she asks to use them I wouldn't dream of telling her not to.

No matter how big around your daughter is on the outside, we're all built pretty much the same on the inside, right? I mean, if you weigh 170 & use tampons & for some reason lost 50 pounds, you'd still use them, right...?

My daughter started using them at 10. We were on vacation, about to go swimming, and she got her period. She had been using pads up to then, but I wasn't going to make her miss out on being able to swim, so I gave her one of my tampons and showed her how to put it in. She never used a pad again after that.

There are slim tampons out there. She'll be fine.

I used tampons for my first period when I was 12. We were on vacation and my mom wanted to make sure I could still swim with everyone else. I would have DIED if I couldn't and anyone in the world knew it was because I had my period.

I've used them since I was 10. One period with pads and I went screaming for the tampons. I don't see why there should be an age minimum on them.

I tried with peer pressure around that age. Just get her the slenders and give her a demonstration using your fist.

Yes, I think a 14 year old could certainly use tampons with proper instruction from mom. Try the slender ones first...

Yes, it's no problem. My daughter's pediatrician told me she could use tampons as long as she 1)wanted to 2) understood that they need to be removed after a couple of hours and 3)knew how to properly insert them. BTW, my daughter is only 10. She swims on a swim team (at least 4 times a week) and doesn't want to use tampons yet, so once a month or so, she has to skip swimming. I'm hoping she decides to start using them soon...but it's totally her choice.

My step daughter asked me this over the summer, she was 12 and I asked her to wait until next year. They make smaller sizes for teens and as long as you explain how to use them I am sure she will be just fine. I was using tampons at 14 too becuase I couldn't stand pads.

I started using tampons when i had my second period. I HATED pads, i wore regular then and regular now.

I started using them about that age. I could NOT use regular old tampons. I had to use Playtex "Slim-fit". They are geared toward younger users so are much smaller.

I think she should be okay with tampons. When my 12 yr old said she wanted to try them( she eventually changed her mind and decided to wait) we bought several different brands to try. She is tiny too. The ones by kotex call U ( the bright colored ones) were the smallest, most slender type. Just make sure she knows that even know it may feel funny at first if its really uncomfortable that its in wrong.

I used them at that age, due to my parents had signed me up for swim lessons that we couldn't switch. The only problem I had was that my mom got me the ones that I had to insert myself rather than using an applicator, because she thought I would be more comfortable with that. She was wrong on that aspect, but I did appreciate her for thinking of my needs.

If she is comfortable with it there is no reason she can't use them. Just make sure to get her the smallest ones you can with the least absorbency. they do make slender ones.

I think if she can use pads correctly and change them responsibly she can use the tampons. Just use the extra light ones and a pantyliner. Maybe start slow and have her use only one a day and pads for the rest of the day?

I think I was about that age when I started using tampons. I was at a friends house and that's all they had. Her mom checked with mine, then made me read the WHOLE pamplet that comes in the box and ask any questions. Totally embarrassing, but I learned a lot! I now have a 13 year old step daughter who lives with us full thime and she hasn't started yet, but I plan on doing the same thing with her when she asks to use tampons.

There's no reason for her not to.
I think after about my third period, I switched--so much better!

First of all to Rachel D. The hymen does not break or need to be broken to use tampons. I don't know who told you that but it is absolutely NOT true.

Second, the Kotex UCare (?) line is designed for tween and teens, so the pads and liners are made smaller. I love those liners, by the way, they have adhesive covering almost the entire back side. There is no slipping and you can't tell there is anything there.

Third, I no longer use pads OR tampons.

I use a Diva Cup and will never go back. NEVER. Put it in, ignore it for 12 hours, empty it, clean it and put it back in. I have been using it for a year and by my second period with it, I had it all figured out. No leaks, sleeping in it is so much more comfortable and I never wake up wondering if I've leaked because my tampon ran out of room 4 hours into my sleep.

I will be encouraging my daughter to use one as soon as she is ready. Probably not until 14 or 16, but she's still 11 and doesn't have her period yet.
Thank God, or our house would be WW3 during PMS time.

I can't remember how old I was when I started using them, but I know I was in high school, so I would think she's old enough. I remember feeling that it was the best thing ever! I would just ask if she would like any advice or anything in how to use them, etc. Point out the instructions that come with the box and have her read them and be sure she understands them. Have fun on your vacation!

If she decides to give tampons a try, I recommend the slender ('light') ones that aren't made of cardboard. The plastic applicators slide in easier. Once she gets the hang of them, she can try the other types.

Not too young, I started on tampons immediately, never used pads a day in my life. The only thing I think there is to consider is if she is responsible enough to remember to change them consistently. You wouldn't want one getting lost in there for a while.

Definitely not too young. Let her choose.

I honestly don't see any reason for a girl whose even young, and having periods, to use tampons. To me tampons are just another option for us females that may just ease our discomfort during an unavoidable time. c:

I wish I used tampons when I was younger, I hated pads the whole time, and it wasn't that I wasn't allowed them... There were just none in the house out of my mother's preference and I never had any sort of "talk" about lady's time, so I just didn't know how.

I would probably let me daughters use them at that age under those conditions. The problem is, if her hymen is intact, she will either have to break her own hymen that first time inserting the tampon (ouch!!) or be unable to get through that membrane.

Side note: don't freak if it turns out her hymen isn't intact, it doesn't necessarily mean she's sexually active. Mine broke when I got hit (HARD!!) in the crotch with a softball.

I would try the slim fits kind. I think they are by Playtex. They are designed with a more slender applicator. Also, she can try the light version and chage very frequently, because those are smaller as well. At least for trying then for the first time, I would teach her with a light tampon and then work her way to a regular or super.

I think so. But she may not be comfortable using them yet. Did you ask her? I didn't even want to try until I was in my 20s :)

Sure she can, if that is what she wants to do. They make slender tampons for those who need them. I wouldn't skimp...get her the slim type with the plastic applicator that is easiest to use, even if they cost a bit more. Also make sure that she understands the angle of insertion (aim towards the small of the back, not UP)...and if it hurts, it's in wrong...take it out and try again.

But extra so she can practice, and buy a box of pantiliners so she doesn't have to deal with any breakthrough.

Also, you'll need to pay attention to the clock for her so she doesn't keep them in too long. Until she's used to them anyhow.

Best of luck!

I was using them my by my third period (age13) because I refused to give up swimming!

I got my first at 10. I was using tampons by the time I was 12. I ruined enough sheets, underwear and pants for my mother. hehe... Anyways I remember the first few months I could go through a box in three days because putting them in was a b***h! I would let her try but if you guys are close go in there and kinda guide her in putting them in and explain that if it hurts at all remove and try again in a few minutes. Also get her some lubrication because that makes inserting them easier I found when I was young.

Oh and tampons are not based on the size of a woman's vagina they are based on the amount of grams of fluid they can retain. The vagina is a muscle. We are able to stretch to have a baby come out of our canal even a 14 year old. You are suppose to do the smallest size because studies have proven that TSS is less common the smaller the tampon you use. I had very heavy periods when I was little and always used super. So I have no doubt your daughter could handle anything from a light to a super heavy tampon. I've had 3 children and torn and been sewn back together with each child... so I'm not as stretchy as some unfortunately.

But I'd let her try. Just explain it all to her and stress how she must remove them every 6 hours at the very most and I'd make her still wear a pad to bed.

I started wearing tampons at the age of 13 - I wore regular then. I am almost 42 and have had a child (vaginally) and still worre regular. I have tried the super - becuase I thought I would need them - but I can't get them in. Good luck with the conversation.

My daughter was 14-1/2 when we went to Mexico for my niece's "wedding" (actually a re-enactment) and sure enough, she started her period then. We had booked 5 days and she was devastated -- until my sweet niece handled the whole thing for me. She brought some small tampons over to our room & had a one-on-one session with my daughter.

I didn't personally want to use them until I was 19.

Good luck!

My daughter used them that young only for swimming. I didn't let her use them regularly. I let her use them for swimming and dance classes. I think it's fine. Good luck!