[Aliiie]

I'm 15 years old and I've had my period for about 3 years now. I have not once used a tampon because there was no real reason to use one and I've always been kind of wary of them. Lately, though, I've been thinking and I've realized how much easier life would be if I used them, especially since I do a lot of sports and pads have become more of a hinderance than anything. The thing is I have no idea how to put them in. I've tried many times and I've even asked my mom but she only gave me a very vague answer and it was all stuff I all ready know. So what I'm asking is this: Where EXACTLY do I put it? Is there any specific angle I should put it in on? Should it hurt at all even when it is just barely in? This last question is because every time I have tried, I just barely put it in and I get this painful tingling. What am I doing wrong? Am I putting it in the wrong hole or something? Am I not putting it into a hole at all? All this seems kind of silly considering women use tampons all the time but I truly have no idea so any input or advice would be appreciated.

[IvyTheBunny]

Go to U by Kotex.com, they have an exellent video on how to put a tampon in, using a fabric dummy. BUT, please look into organic tampons, the pretty colorful ones can have reeeally bad chemicals in them.

[Mes T]

Aliiie, tampons can take a while to get a handle on, but once you do they'll be perfect for the lifestyle you've described. You need to insert them into your vagina, that's the only "hole" it goes into. This is not the hole you go #2 out of. Google a diagram of the female body if you need a visual.

Tampons are easiest to insert when you're on your heaviest day of your period. If we're bleeding just a little bit, we can feel a bit too dry or tight up there to insert a tampon easily. So wait to try again when your flow is at its heaviest, then it should go in smoothly.

Ideally your tampon would come with an applicator (some don't, so make sure to get ones that do, while you're getting the hang of it at least). The tampon box should come with a little instruction pamphlet on how to insert it. You need to insert it far enough so you won't feel it while it's in. If you're running around and you can feel your tampon, then something's been done wrong.

Anyway practice makes perfect, keep us posted on how you go. Your mom may have just been a little embarrassed to be talking about this, my mom is the same.

[LovelyLeslieS]

Go to U by Kotex.com, they have an exellent video on how to put a tampon in, using a fabric dummy. BUT, please look into organic tampons, the pretty colorful ones can have reeeally bad chemicals in them.

Aliiie,

Putting in a tampon for the first time can be verryyy difficult so don't feel discouraged! It took me several years to learn and when I finally did, I still had some trouble. What I found to be helpful (and I know this is a little awkward) was I would literally lie on the floor in front of a mirror with my legs up (kind of similar to the position you sit in at the gynecologist) in order to successfully put it in. It took awhile to get used to but now I'm able to insert a tampon easily (without lying down) and have been relying on them for years!!

The reason I'm quoting IvyTheBunny is because she raises a good point about chemicals in tampons. Did you know that most tampons aren't actually made of cotton?? They're actually made of synthetics like rayon/viscose and then they are bleached with chlorine. Chlorine can leave behind a dioxin residue which has been linked to cancer.

I'd strongly recommend Maxim Hygiene Organic Tampons (removed outbound link). They're chlorine free and made with organic cotton. If your pads are bugging you, Maxim Hygiene also makes some pretty awesome menstrual pads because they're hypoallergenic so at least they won't feel as irritating.

If you do start wearing tampons, be sure to ONLY use the proper absorbency for your flow (meaning don't use a super on your lighter days, etc!!) and make sure you're changing your tampon every 4-6 hours. Also, it's a good idea to only wear tampons during the day and sleep with a pad at night. Therefore you give your body some time to cleanse.

Good luck with learning how to use a tampon and remember not to get discouraged! The worst thing you can do is get frustrated because then you're likely to tense up. The key is to RELAX!! And don't give up! I hope this was helpful!

[chaya]

I had problems with tampons the first time I tried to use them. My sister is 2 years younger than me but started her periods 2 years before me. She helped me by demonstrated how it was done. After severely tries I finally got it right and it has been easy ever since. The "secret" for me was pushing it in at the right angle which took a little experimenting to get right.

[sallywi2003]

I ti a very difficult time when first using tampons I would agree with everyone above. Being very athletic I would recommend trying the Instead menstural cup. I had read about it here and have found it a very good product to use. I am older and have used tampons so maybe you will need to wait but they are great.