First Tampon

[Asking_Alexandria]

Hello. Im 12 years old and I just ATTEMPTED to put in a tampon. I know how to put one in, and I've done it before, just for practice. But now when I FINALLY get my "monthly visitor" I feel weird putting in the tampon. It kinda hurt for some reason. I mean, whenever I put in the tampon, I feel really uncomfortable. And it hurts to like, walk with it or bend over with it. I tried pulling it out by the string, really slowly and it hurt as I was pulling it out. Now, Im not an EXPERT at this, and I don't have a mom to help me with this. Should I be worried when I pull out the tampon? Should I pull it out slowly? Is it possible that it could get stuck in there? And, well...How could it be hurting when I wear the tampon? I mean, could I be putting it in incorrectly? Which brings me to my final question...what could happen if I DID get the tampon stuck in me? Please, someone help me...I can't keep using pads and all I can do is panic.... :'(

[Fiona99]

Hello,
I know your pain it has happened to me. my mom told me that the tampon is not full enough for it to slide out easily. leave it in for a little longer when it starts to leak then gently pull on the string. i asked my mom about the tampon getting stuck inside and she said that if you put in another tampon with one already in, it could so the only thing is to remember to not have 2 tampons in at the same time. you have nothing to worry about i recommend going to this site it is a really good site and answers a lot of questions. www.****.com

[AnnieBrooke]

I think that if you can feel the tampon, you have not pushed it in far enough.  The string only needs to poke out about an inch or two, and if the tampon does not go in past the vaginal lips, it will be in the way and feel irritating when you try to walk.  

It's OK to pull the tampon out slowly (and it will come out quickly when your period is flowing in full, since it will be wet).  If you want, in the early times of learning to use a tampon, you could get a small tube of lubricant like KY jelly (in a tube is best because the remaining lubricant stays clean) and squirt just a bit on the end of the tampon before putting it in.  

Toxic shock syndrome is not common with modern tampons.  It used to happen only with long-wear tampons that had polyfilament strings, something that has been taken off the market.  Certainly, if you have had a tampon in for 24 hours or something like that, take it out.  But wearing one that you change every time (or every couple of times) you pee does not put you at risk for infection.

Start with tampons in the small size -- there are some as tiny around as a fat pencil -- and get the kind with applicators made of white cardboard.  They're best for practice.  Use pads as well until you are clear on how often you need to change them before they overflow.

Good luck, honey.  It's a nuisance, but periods are the price of admission to being female, and tampons make periods easier.  

[Renshai]

When you're on your period there's a little bit of swelling that helps the blood to flow. Sometimes it's enough to make things uncomfortable and that's probably what you're feeling. Having used the tampon without your period you wouldn't have felt the swelling before now.

If you ever do get a tampon stuck it is EXTREMELY important that you go to a doctor. It can cause serious health problems, seizures and even death. Also, if you ever find yourself getting dizzy, bad headaches or severe cramps while wearing a tampon switch to a pad, it could be signs of TSS.