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My 14 year old daughter has been menstruating for about a year and is making the transition from napkins to tampons. She is using regular size tampons and keeps complaining that it's uncomfortable when she puts it in, even though she is flowing pretty heavy. Even after she has had it in for several hours she complains it uncomfortable. I don't remember having this much trouble transitioning from napkins to tampons and wonder if she is just uncomfortable with the idea of putting a tampon in or if there may be some thing else going on like maybe needing a smaller tampon. Are there smaller tampons on the market for younger girls?
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Hi. I am a 13 year old girl, still a beginner at this kind of stuff! I have found it hard to insert tampons only because I'm afraid that it will hurt, which tensons up my muscles, making it even harder! My question though, is that as a beginner, I have been practicing with the Slender/Regular tampons by Tampax. But on my heavy days, it doesn't seem to hold up well, so even though I have only been using these for a short amount of time, and haven't yet fully mastered the technique, should I progress to the next size like Regular or Super (which seems like it would be too large to insert in a small girl like myself)??? Please help!
February 3, 2009 - 9:48pmThis Comment
Hi Anonymous,
Everyone is different and you should do what you feel comfortable with, but I starting using tampons around 13 years old too and found it rather easy to progress to the larger size. I would not be concerned that it is not going to fit in. It will (unless you are really tense - as you mentioned)
Also, if you do not feel ready to progress to the larger size and find the slender tampons do not hold well on your heavier days, you may want to consider using a panty-liner to protect yourself from dripping.
I'm someone who never liked pads and though it took some practice with tampons, I am so glad I became proficient. If tampons are where it's at for you, just keep practicing, go with what you know, and move at your own pace.
February 4, 2009 - 9:57amThis Comment
Tonya,
Thank you so very much for all this great information! And addressing the Tampons & Virgins issue, I always wondered about that but didn't know who to ask. I want my daughter to have the information I didn't have when I started my period. We checked out your site and really like the "Ask the Expert" section.
Again Thank You!!!
December 29, 2008 - 4:23pmThis Comment
Dear Anonymous
There is no set age that is currently known or publicized as to when to use a tampon. Tampon usage and its timing is typically left up to the parent primarily the mom and the young woman. Sometimes physicians play a role but because of the lack of agreement among physicians as to what the appropriate age should be it ends up being solely based on personal preference.
Some moms prefer not to introduce their daughter to tampons until she's much older due to factors such as cultural and/or religious. Some ethnicities prefer not to use tampons at all. You typically find this in the Hispanic and Asian cultures.
There's a myth that's also still very much prevelant that if you use a tampon it will devirginize you. Unfortunately the only way to be devirginized is actually having sex. Using a tampon can break a young women's hymen but cannot devirginize her.
In our booklet in each of our kit. This is how we address it.
Tampons & Virgins
Tampons can be used by virgins without “de-virginizing” them.
Most women are born with a hymen, a thin piece of skin just inside the vaginal opening that’s not essential to life or health. The hymen usually has at least one opening for the period to flow out of. Some girls are born without a hymen, which is perfectly normal! A girl can tear her hymen during non-sexual activities like sports, horseback riding, etc. She often has no idea she’s torn her hymen, since there may be no blood or pain.
There is NO medical/scientific proof that tampons make the vagina get larger. The vaginal canal is made of flexible, muscular walls that expand and shrink as needed (think about how babies come out!).
Finally, for moms who don't want to introduce their daughters to tampons. We do have a kit that has multiple types of pads and pantyliners inside. Feel free to go here at
Target - http://www.target.com/Petite-Amie-Cycle-Teens-Purple/dp/B001CUUK98/sr=1-1/qid=1230153900/ref=sr_1_1/176-9052868-5250618?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3APetite%20Amie%20Cycle%20Kits&page=1
CVS - http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=470516&productId=470516&navAction=jump&navCount=3
or our site PetiteAmie.com at http://www.mypetiteamie.com/store.php?crn=206&rn=330&action=show_detail
Hope this helps!
Toyna
December 24, 2008 - 2:32pmThis Comment
Tonya,
My daughter is 13 and started her period this year. Is there a right age for young teens to start using tampons?
Thanks!
December 24, 2008 - 9:47amThis Comment
hey tonya im 12 and a half and today i was going swimming as i was changing i use the bathroom and i notice blood i thought i wouldnt be able to swim i had never tried tampons yet my sister however had some box of tampons that had all sizes and gave me one of the smallest. i for the first time insert it in it was as easy as pie and its safe or else why would my mom allow me to? i feel that i like pads better and i have more freedom to run that pads.i9 would suggest u getting regular size and the junior size any of tho but i would get both and let her try them and see which is more conforable the one i had didnt show the size but i later on insert a regular and it hurt a tiny tad but bother me i had one pad left so im using it as of now b ut im gunna go to bed with a tampax to sleep better. so i answered ur question yes its safe for her to start tampon and no there is no age limit i dont think. i wouldnt let a 11 year old try it as hers just might be too little but anyway no larger than a regular i suppose.if u like u could get a mixed pack and y'all could share it she use smaller ones u use the size u use. goodluck.
August 22, 2009 - 9:25pmThis Comment
sorry i meant i feel that i like tampons better
August 22, 2009 - 9:26pmThis Comment
Dear Coach Virginia:
What makes you think I "expect" her to use tampons? As a mother I believe it's my responsibility to make sure my daughter is aware of all options for menstruation which may make this time each month easier. It was my daughter's choice to try tampons because she does not like the feeling or the mess of napkins. I, as you did, gave her the choice. As with many things in life, including transitioning from napkins to tampons,it's takes some practice before getting used to or learning how to use them but the benefits and the freedom out weigh the learning process.
December 24, 2008 - 8:42amThis Comment
I am wondering why is she expected to use tampons? What is wrong with regular pads? My 15 year old has been menstruating for a year now and it does not even cross her mind using tampons. I think you should let her make her own choice about this. Yes, napkin pads may be not as convenient, but my daughter has adjusted to them really well. She even plays sports during those days without the need for tampons. I am not influencing her decision but have given her the facts of both products and she made her own choice.
December 23, 2008 - 10:38pmThis Comment
I am 14 years old and i have been menstruating for nearly a year now. I am currently using pads but this week, when i was on my period, i started to get a rash from the pad rubbing and it has been my choice to move on to tampons next month when im due. My mother and i have agreed that the best thing is to start on the slender tampons to see if i am comfortable enough with them. I do not think Kelley's daughter is expected to use tampons, i think it's been her own decicion as it was mine.
March 30, 2010 - 2:17pmThis Comment