Adolescent Beginning Menustration

Another option you might consider instead of tampons is the diva cup. I've been doing a lot research about the terrible environmental impact and potentially negative health impacts of paper products like diapers, pads, and tampons because I am starting up a diaper service. And I discovered this wonderful alternative. I've been using one for a few months now. It is a silicone reusable cup. It only needs to be changed 2-3 times a day and is very comfortable and easy to use. I think there are other brands of this type of product but this is the only one I have found widely available and the only one I have used.

www.divacup.com

I have a 14yo who started when she was 11 and she has never wanted to use tampons. Neither did I until I became an adult. A lot of young girls are not comfortable using tampons plus, pads are much different these days.

Just an FYI on the tampons. It doesn't sound like anyone else had to deal with this, but I didn't start my period until I was almost 15. My mom gave me a tampon and told me how to use it, etc. I couldn't get it in. My Mom didn't know why and was no help...she thought I was doing it wrong (how can you do it wrong :). Several years later I realized it was because my hymen had never broken! Most girls break theirs just riding bikes, etc. when they are young, mine never did. Had my Mom known this it would have been very helpful information for me.

I started my period when I was twelve. It was during the summer (of course), so my mom gave me the option of either pads or tampons. I got used to the tampons really quick. I don't think you need to wait until high school. I would suggest talking to her before her period even starts, and let her know the options, and how each are used.

I was 11 when I "got my period" and we had a swimming pool and I lived in it. My mom bought me a box of the tiniest tampons she could find (with the applicator) and told me how to use them. She showed me the instructions on the box. She said I could use as many as I needed to practice (because it took while to really figure out). I'm so thankful that my mom did that.
I don't think 11 is too early.....

Hi B.,

This is a time when she can hear all the options, show her some of the options when you go to the store, have her touch some, etc. Allow her to tell you when she's ready.

Luckily, pads come in so many more sizes and thicknesses than back in the belt days. I had blocked that from my mind until I read your question.

There is a great book by American Girl which is so good for girls, especially at this age. There is a section about starting and the options available. My daughter had read the book over and over. It's called, "The Care & Keeping of You". It's at most bookstores and on AmericanGirl.com.

Good luck!

http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/ProductPage.jsf...

I only have boys but I rememer I was 14. I bled really heavy and pads were not enough. that is really all we ever had around. I wish I had known that I could use a tampon and a pad to ease the fear of bleeding through at school. After I was sexually active a few years later, I can see that at 14, I would not have been prepared for tampons, mentally or physically. 11 is kinda young to be explaining how to insert one. I would probably stick to a pad, in a few years, let her try tampons. Thank god I have boys! Good luck

Yep, remember the sanitary thong. Groce. Moving on... I would go with pads. Pads have come a long way!!!! ALways have two or three extras available in the bottom of her book bag. If you recall, there's been numerous health issues regarding the use of tampons. I know from various friends that used tampons through the years, they have all pretty much have had health issues. My Dad being an insightful person, said no way... I have never had one "female" problem and I truly believe it is from not using tampons. Something I have noticed through the years too is to drink a lot of water and stay away from caffiene products ... and get plenty of sleep prior to the "start". Also, I read this a couple of years ago, to take an aspirin or advil or tylenol probably three - four days prior to the "start" date or when you begin to feel the "symptoms". I started doing this and I no longer have menustratal migraines/headaches.

Good luck.

Menstruation can take as much as two years from the time the breasts start to develop. That certainly was the case with my daughter. She just started her period earlier this year, not long after turning 13. By then she was a DD cup, and at 11 she had just started developing.

My daughter initially used just pads, but we were at the beach this summer when she got her period so she decided she wanted to try tampons. I showed her what to do first-hand by helping her insert the first one. She said there was some initial discomfort sticking it in, but it quickly passed. Then she was hooked and now likes to use them more than the pads. I personally prefer tampons over paids, but was very clear to her it was a personal choice.

So I think it is fine to use tampons if she's willing, but she has to be very clear on their use, frequency of changing, etc. If she wants only to use pads (the idea of inserting something in your vagina is a bit intimidating to innocent young ladies!), then that's fine too. I just suggest giving her all of the facts and involving her in the decision since it truly is a personal choice.

I have a 13 year old who started when she was 9 years old. I felt so bad for her to be so young. She's been fine with it. I do agree that you need to talk to your daughter about it. She needs to feel comfortable in which ever one she picks. I have bought my daughter tampons but she doesn't care for them. I don't push it either, I let her know when she wants to go swimming she needs to wear them.
Just make sure you tell her to be safe with tampons and change them regularly.
Good Luck, my daughter has major mood swings, the worse PMS I've ever dealt with...

I remember when I started my mom gave me pads and showed me the tampons. I didn't feel comfortable trying to put the tampons in and didn't use them until high school. I remember feeling embarrassed by the pad "bulge" and I wished I had gotten over my fear of the tampon sooner. I would offer both and whatever shes comfortable with, go with that.

Yes, Ma'am, I remember those old sanitary belts! I was also one of those that had an extremely difficult time with getting used to the tampons. Later, as an adult, I was finally told by a doctor that I had a "tipped uterus" and I figured that that was why inserting a tampon was so difficult. The diagram just did not do it for me. I had to ignore it and figure out what worked with my body.

I would go with the option of explaining both and giving her a choice, but would gently encourage her to stick with pads unless her flow is very heavy or the activity warranted it - it's so easy to forget to change the tampon - out of sight, out of mind.

Lots of luck!
A.

Hehee, my Mom told me how she had to wear the belt with the thick pads and she said she was always afraid they'd leak while she was wearing her white PE uniforms. We've come along way, haven't we.? I personally will not let my kids use tampons. My mother used them and got PID several times, then had to have a hysterectomy at 33. For one thing, kids their age if they're anything like me and my friends, had a hard time just using the restrooms at school, but to actually have to change the thing or risk getting some disease isnt' worth it. Also, most of the time you have to wear a pad with a tampon anyway. Pads are alot thinner and alot more comfortable than they used to be. I personally wouldn't risk it until she's old enough to really deal with it. I still don't use them very often.

I was also 11 when I started. It was in the summer & I had a swimming party I was NOT going to miss, so my mom gave me tampons. I also agree that pads so amazingly better than they were 30 years ago, so share all the options with your daughter & let her decide what will work for her. It's probably a good idea to go ahead & have tampons, pads & panty liners on-hand so you're prepared when it does happen. She'll just have to experiment with the different products available & see what works for her. Good luck!

I would evaluate the situation when it arrives. Most often when a girl starts her period they aren't "regular" right away and the flow often varies. I used tampons when I was younger (13-14 and in to my early 30's) but now at 42 I don't have enough flow and they hurt....my daughter has only had light periods as well so she has never wanted to use a tampon and she is 21 now. Pads are so not what they were when we were young....Carefree panty shields are sufficient for me and I can't even feel them at all. There are lots of options now! Good luck!

Pads are so much thinner now. Even the thickest ones aren't bad. I started during the summer after 6th grade and I started using tampons right away because I wanted to swim. I think I was too young, honestly. I wouldn't change them often enough (esp. at school bec. I was embarrassed), I forgot to take one out before putting another one in once, etc.

Personally, I would have her use pads and later, when she's a little more mature let her try them if she wants to. Just be very clear about the dangers of TSS. She should use the least absorbent, use a pad for backup, and change them often.

Pads are not the same as they once were, they are invisible, adhesive ,and absorbent. I would ask both your daughter and her doctor what their feelings are. Pads are easier for a young girl to handle, and may be safer, though tampons are also safer than they were when we were young. I can wear a super maxi under stretch denim with no show. I know this is tough, but it is just a part of life. Good luck.

Hi B., my name is T. and my daughter is now 15 years old. I believe a pad is better when they start menstruation. I have several friends that started their daughters off with pads. They even have smaller teen size ones now. Yes, I remember the old type with a belt. I also talked to my daughter about going the bathroom a little more frequently and letting a teacher (female) know quietly that she as on her cycle. My daughter does alternate with tampoons at time, she swims so if she cycles during that time, she'll wear a tampoon. Good luck!
T.

My daughter is 13 and she started her cycle about 1 1/2 yrs ago. In the beginning she was a little nervous about tampons but she asked me a TON of questions. She HATED pads. I bought tampons for her to use IF she wanted to. I made sure she had a good supply of everything she needed.

I had a hysterectomy in 01 so I don't have to mess with that anymore, YEE HAAA!!!!

I gave her the choice. A couple of months into her getting regular, etc., she was using tampons. Most of her friends use tampons as well.

I see no reason to make a young woman feel "tortured" (my mom did not make it easy for me....I sneaked to use tampons).

Personally, she is now at a stage fully capable of making up her own mind with what she needs to do for her own body.

Good luck! Hopefully the PMS'ing won't be too bad on you!!

My daughter is only one so I have a long time before I have to think about this, but I can tell you how I felt. My mom gave me pads and that was it. She never told me about tampons at all! My friends were all using tampons and I really felt "left out" not to mention how nasty it feels to sit in one during class! So a friend gave me one to try and afterwards I begged my mom to let me use them. SO I would say let her use them...or at least give her the choice. Like another member said...she may not feel comfortable using them yet.

Dear B.:

Yeah, I remember that huge belt! Our experience sounds similiar, except I started at 10.

I would say yes to the tampons. When I was 11 the family went on a vacation with lots of swimming and, you guessed it, my period started. Luckily my mother brought along tampons and taught me how to use them. I would recommend the little ob tampons without an applicator. They're very easy to use.

My daughter is almost 13, but hasn't started her period yet. When she does I will let her use tampons.

L. F.

I would talk to your doctor before giving her tampons at this young age. She can do more damage than good. My nursing instructor "preached" to us that girls should'nt use tampons for the first two or three years of their period. The body doesn't need a "back up" of the uterine lining and it could irritate the uterus and lead to problems later on; ie: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Also tampons SHOULD/MUST be changed every 4 hours or sooner to prevent the possibility of PID and Toxic Shock Syndrome (in anyone). Kids in school have very little time between classes and until she gets used to having a period, she may even forget that she has a tampon in. My older daughter uses pads and prefers them at age 15. Always brand is good so is Kotex.

My mom made me wear pads and I hated her for it. I wore tampons anyway behind her back so I would just leave it up to her but teach her how to use both correctly so she does not leak. That is embarassing.

remind her to change every couple of hours and not to leave one in too long.

remind her not to wear white or light colors and to pack several extra in her purse. and a change of underwear would be helpful as well.

HTH
A. J

Always makes really thin pads that are super! I would not let her use tampons just yet. It's a big change to deal with and a tampon might be too much in the beginning. When she is ready I found that OB tampons are really small and work well for little girls. Great for swimming! They spread out instead of spreading longer creating a block. She will appreciate that after she learns to use them. They can also fit into her pocket, they look like bullets (they are tiny).

Start with pads. Check with your pediatritian for when to use tampons.

Oh my gosh - I got that dumb belt too and there really wasn't a reason for it! It was just what her mom had done, so she did it too.
I had the same questions when my daughter started. Most girls are using tampons and that is what she wanted to do - they are so much easier. I would suggest the Playtex sport brand. The applicator is shorter and they really work great!
We were on vacation - so I bought her a stuffed animal as a gift to mark the moment - we didn't do the Huxtable "girl day", but I tried to make it special in my own way, It was "our little secret" and we had a very good experience.

I started my period at 13. My mom and aunt stood outside the bathroom door trying to help me with the tampon thing. I used vaseline and just could not get it in. I was so overwhelmed, frustrated and anxious. I cried and felt like I was going to pass out (could've been those crazy new hormones:). I used pads until losing my virginity as a teen. I would think at 11, it would be very overwhelming. I have a 6 month old baby girl and am sure when she's at that point (actually before) I'll speak to our pediatrician. If the pedi is fine with tampons at that age I would allow her the choice but would definitely not push tampons at all. Pads are plenty thin now and there's no longer any concern for embarassment. Good luck.

My daughter just started her cycle this past month. She is just 11 yrs old. She has been developing in other areas for over 1.5 yrs now. Our doctor was sure that she would have started over a year ago. The general rule is 1-1.5 years after they start to "bud".

As far as the tampon question. We had the same issue arise. The weekend she started, she had the opportunity to go swimming - she really wanted to go, so I call a nurses line to see if there were any medical issues to be concerned about with a YOUNG girl using tampons. There were no "medical" reasons for her to not use them. It was an issue of responsiblity (maturity) and our (Mom and daughters) perference. The major concerns as mentioned a couple of times is TSS - which is caused by leaving the tampons in too long. I was told that if she is not mature or responsible enough to know that she must change it out every 4 hours then she should use the pad until she was.

I was willing to let her try it if she wanted - she stated that she was. I showed her by diagrams and explanation what she needed to. I gave her privacy why she tried to do it herself...... She was too scared to even try it. That told me right there- she was not ready to do it.

You know your daughter and she knows herself. If you think that she is ready - let her try. She will tell you if she is or not.

I know the first time I tried to use a tampon, I was in the bathroom for at least an hour crying because I was terrified. I was not mature enough at the time. I tried to us OB the first time and OMG - there was no way I was doing that!!!!!

FYI - I did find that Tampax makes tampons now that are "slender" with applicator.

Good luck and trust your instincts!

Definitly start with pads. Talk with her DR. about tampons, because that young I don't know. I was 4 months from 15 years old before I started mesustration, so I started using tampons right away. I knew all the ins and outs before using them, so the DR and my mom told me it was ok. Don't forget, times have changed, no longer do you have the belt or the big pillow between your legs. Pads have come a long way and most are so thin no one can tell you have them on. Look for the packages that say ultra thin. Good luck

I think using a tampon is a bit overwhelming for such a young age (and I don't think enough research is going into WHY girls are getting their periods so young now, BTW). Of course we no longer have the huge pads with the belts, so you can find her maxi-pads with wings that are fairly thin. I started my period when I was 13, wore pads for a couple of years, and then started using tampons when I was 15. I was in gymnastics and the activity warrented making the switch. I remember my mother showing me how to do it, looking at the diagram and reading the instructions over and over again, and I was still freaked out about putting this thing inside me.

Has your daughter ever seen herself in a mirror (I remember the episode of Charlotte doing this is Sex in the City)? It is important for her to know how she is made. I would also get a book about this--sorry I can't recommend a specific one--maybe some other moms can--and look at it together. Show her the vagina, uterus, etc. and show her what happens when she will get her period. DO THIS NOW, before she starts, not later afterwards. She maybe young for sex education in school so make sure she understands that even though her body is maturing, she is still a girl.

Since she is developing now this is a good time to reinforce what is appropriate behavior towards her by any boys or men (or women, for that matter, I guess we have to consider all options). Sorry I went off on this tangent but I think that since our girls are developing so much younger now, for whatever reason, we have to consider these things.

I remember those pads...Horrible! Luckily they are alot better now, but I still hate the pads. I would definitely tell her about both kinds and have both on hand. Most likely she will go with the tampons. Their easier, smaller which is nice when you have to keep them in your pocket and I always felt 'safer' with them (pads always made me feel self conscious). Definitely talk to her about how often to change them, etc.
Not looking forward to my daughter having to deal with all that! I was a late bloomer and didnt get my period until I was 15, so hopefully she'll be lucky enough to be the same way! : )