How Old Should a Girl Be Before She Uses Tampons?

My daughter started last summer when she was 13. We had a conversation about tampons vs pads long before she got her period and because she is heavily into sports she said she wanted to try tampons. She used them right out of the gate! She got it down on the first try! I was shocked! It took me months of trying and so many tears when I first used them as a teenager!!! I got her the slim ones in the beginning but now she uses regular because her flow is too heavy. I'd say let her try them now. I don't get why it's such a big deal for girls to use tampons!! Sheesh, they're just tampons! If they're old enough to get their period they are old enough for tampons. IMO.

I started using tampons when I was 12 on my second or third period (25 years ago) with no problems. You can get the slender tampons... and if she's a generally responsible girl, she'll understand that she needs to take them out regularly. Perhaps set up a routine - change before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner or something like that? And give her some time to practice so start the tampons at least one period before she goes to camp.

I think it's okay to start any child on tampons at any age. I would start now so that she is very comfortable by summer.

I started using them at age 9.

About 3 or 4 months after I started my period.

The hymen pulls aside during menses, so it's really not an issue (or the blood would be able to come out (it's like swallowing and breathing, the hymen remains tight sealing the canal until broken EXCEPT during your period).

MOST IMPORTANT TRICK? (that most of my friends and I didn't learn for a few years?) Insert FIRST all the way, THEN plunge. Most of us just got it in about an inch, then plunged, and that hurts. I don't know why so many moms forget this bit (maybe it's just a language / experience issue), but nearly all of my girlfriends had the same experience. Ouchy uncomfy tampons until we worked out that it needs to go in 3 inches, not 1. Heck, I know a few grown women who never learned to insert a tampon correctly! (Part of working in a hospital).

Ha, Our daughter started using them her second month. She told me she was done with the pads.. She was in 5th grade.

I stood outside of the bathroom door and gave her instructions.. She never looked back..

HEh. Well, I can tell you this-your daughter is lucky to have a nice mom like you! Nobody explained any of that to me. I started my period at age ten. I learned from the pamphlet in the box. Do you know that I wlalked around for two years with the plastic part around the cotton part every time I wore one? I always thought that you just pulled the plunger off of the applicator tip part rather than, well, plunging it....oops! I kept wondering why in the world they didn't work that great and were super uncomfortable. I forget how i finally figured it out, oh i remember, it was when I came across OB tapmons in middle school off of a friend and figured i only needed the cotton part. Jeeze, really dropped the ball on the one....

My daughter used them from her first period on. She had way too much going on to deal with pads.

I don't think it's an age question as much as maturity. Is she mature enough to remember how to safely use tampons without you there to make sure she's removing them in a timely manner? TSS is still a risk, so as long as you think she can handle the responsibility I would think 11 is fine. If you think she's not, maybe she can just use them for swimming and use pads the rest of the time.

I used them by my 2nd or 3rd period. I hated pads. I started when I was 12. They have the ones specifically made for teens.

A girl should be old enough to have a period before she uses tampons.... This question has come up before, several times, and I really don't understand why this is a question.

I absolutely HATED having a period at 13 and ended up quitting swimming lessons (which I loved) because my mother had never used tampons and had "no idea" what girls did that allowed them to go swimming during their period. Several months later, after reading her women's magazines, I got up the nerve to ask her if I could use tampons. She bought me some, and I've never gone back!

Buy her the slim with plastic applicator and read the directions with her and let her try them. I'm sure she'll figure them out. As far as changing them often enough, I wear mine up to 8 hours on some days. So "often" is relative. Changing too often can introduce more issues. She'll get to know what timing is right on which of her days.

You only need to be old enough to have a period. I was on vacation (at a lake) when I got mine - started using them immediately. Not a problem.

I was older when I started using them, but I had friends that used them since they were 11 or 12. She should be fine. You can actually keep some in up to 8 hours, but i dont recommend it.

1) Do you have to remind her to brush her teeth or take a shower?
2) Can she insert them and remove them by herself?

If you answer these these two questions showing her responsible, then she is old enough. Simple sit down with her and explain all of the important facts and let her give it a try. since she will only be using them for swimming start her off with the slims.

I think the moment there is a need for the "convenience" of tampons, is the right time to introduce them.
Looks like you're in that situation.

let her try and see if she can do it. I was 14 years old, and got my first period when I was 11. I was on the water polo and swim team and so I HAD to use them.

I think the qauestion is more about when are you and she ready to use tampons and less about age requirements.

I was 9 and in the third grade when I got my period, and I had some of the same issues. My mom had me practicing with tampons after my third or fourth period, in plenty of time to get used to them before summer, swimming and camp. It certainly takes some time to get used to using tampons. I used to work as a camp counselor and all the female counselors were sensitive to the needs of girls getting their periods while at camp.

I would recommend using slender tampon, this will make it easier for her to get used to using them. In fact, I think they may make a tampon for teens, but don't quote me on that. Also, do talk to her about the importance of changing the tampon frequently and why. I bet she will be good about that too since she is good about change her pads,

Be sure to send supplies with her to camp just in case. Encourage her to talk to her counselor if she needs help. After all, they get periods too, so they will understand and will be supportive and helpful too.

Good luck with this special rite of passage.

I don't have a daughter, but I am a woman. I got my period when I was 12 and started using tampons before I turned 13. Took me a few tries the first time, but no problems after that. As long as she's comfortable with it, I don't see a problem with it. As far as learning how to insert, there's a picture on the directions, and there's really only 1 way it will work, so I'm sure she'll figure it out :)

I did it again S.! Hi :)

My daughter started using them last summer - she was 11 at the time and had been getting her period for close to a year. It was 4th of July weekend and of course, she got her period. I gave her a detailed explanation and let her try to put it in herself. It took some time and practice, but she was finally able to do it. She doesn't use them on a regular basis now, but come summer, she will. She knows that they're not to be left in for more than a couple of hours. The hardest part was finding the right size (I think she uses a junior size?) and learning how to insert it. I think my daughter feels better knowing she can use them and not have to sit out.

Just give her a hand mirror and the directions and have her practice before this summer. I started using them from my very first period (I was a very serious competitive swimmer, and I had practice that night!) Although, I was older (14). Just explain how they need to be changed frequently. I don't know how serious the risk of toxic shock is. But I can't stand pads. I have NEVER used them except after having my 2 kids. So I go all night with a tampon. I've never had any issues, and I've had my period for over 25 years. Maybe I'm lucky.

I have a son and he's six. But I started using tampons myself with my FIRST period. I was older, though... 13. I was a dancer and swimmer, so there was just no way a pad was gonna work.

She will definitely be able to insert them. Let her start using them NOW so she can practice at home and get used to changing them etc. Get her the slim, light ones and she shouldn't have any problems.

T.

She's fine!! My daughter used pads the first month, after that she was tampon day & pad night.

It's ok. No harm done, most especially for an athletic girl.

Be open and honest with communication. You will both be just fine( and happier!

I started using them at the same age your daughter is. no worries. :)

Both of my daughters use tampons. They just turned 15 and 16. They are very active in sports. This was not an issue that i could argue. My biggest issues were making sure that they could insert it correctly, and changing it often. (no longer than 4 hrs, that is my rule)

In your case, your daughter is a little younger. If she is a responsible child and you know that she will listen to you, it is ok. You really need to explain the dangers to her. She should be able to do her swimming, BUT not if you think she is too young or irresponsible to handle a tampon.

Practice when her next period starts so that she'll be ready by summer. My first experience of trying to insert a tampon was in a dingy, dirty public bathroom at the lake with my mother standing outside the stall giving me directions when I was twelve. My mom used Tampax, and I found the cardboard applicator dug into the walls and was uncomfortable on insertion. Not surprisingly, my attempts didn't work and I ended up wearing my shorts over my swimsuit that day.

I didn't try again until the summer after eighth grade when a free sample came in the mail. Then I did some experimentation on my own and in my own time. The thing that caused the most difficulty was that I had no idea of how to insert it and where. (Ha, Ha, I know :) ). So I took the hand mirror, put it on the floor, crouched over it and looked, saw what needed to happen, and then I could be successful in inserting them. I'd recommend that to anyone.

Of course the free sample in the mail were the kind that were linked to toxic shock syndrome deaths soon afterwards. I had been wearing mine too many hours in a row (they were so absorbent that there was no need to replace them often) and I didn't want to "waste" them, so I wore them for long spans of time, even overnight. Luckily, I was an avid newspaper reader, found out about the issue, and I changed my habits. My mom never inquired about it when the news hit. Now that I look back at it, wow!

Please read up on toxic shock syndrome and get recommendations from your Ob-GYN for types and the regiment for wearing them for teens. I personally know of deaths of young girls linked to the wearing of tampons for too long of a duration. For my daughter, my requirements will be that she must wear a pad at night, and that she can wear them only for four hours each.

I'd also talk with your daughter about her willingness to speak with the counselors at camp. She's been there before. Does she think she can talk with them about getting help? If so, send her. Who wants to look back at a childhood and remember, "That's the year I got my period and I didn't go to camp"?

As soon as she started her period. I did and so did my daughter. There is no reason to sit on the sidelines ever because of a period. You don't make it a big deal and neither will she. It's what women do.

I would put in a call to your own OBGYN - I have no idea actually if it will hurt her or break her hymen. If it's ok, but you are concerned about sanitation, maybe she can use it only during those swim times or other necessary times and use pads otherwise.

my mom was always against them so I didn't use them to recently, crazy right? I could never imagine not intoducing them to my daughter soo after she started her period. I was always so bummed to get it and had I been able to swim and not have the uncomfort of pads I wouldn't have care nearly as much

Wow good question. I didn't start using tampons until I was a Freshman in high school. Now I was one of the first to develop in my class, but I was also the latest to use tampons. Now I can't live without them.

As far as age, you may want to speak to your OBGYN. I'm really unsure of what age. She's pretty young, but this is an area I'm not too positive on.

My roommate in college was on the swim team all the way through HS so as soon as she started, she used tampons. I did not ask her how old she was but it was before HS. I think that since your DD will want to swim and getting her period will not be a brand new experience for her, I would at least give it a go at home and see how where she is. If she's not ready for them, then some sitting out may be needed. Maybe choose a different type of camp this summer if she would like to go but isn't up to tampons yet. If you are worried about her, they can be for swim time only (when she puts on her suit) and when she is back in regular clothes, she can go back to a pad. Personally, I think Infinity are a great invention, especially at night.

My daughter didn't get her period until age 13, but she started using tampons as soon as her flow was heavy enough so they wouldn't be "dry" going in or out. She's very comfortable. We had a long talk about the hymen, the risk of toxic shock, how the pelvis can tilt individually for each female differently, etc. She doesn't wear them as her period is "wearing down"... but is super happy to wear them to basketball practice/games, running, and swimming. Gone are the days when girls need to sit out of sports... there's no reason they can't be fully active during their periods with all the wonderful products we have today.

Summer before freshman year in high school, so 14. before that, I would go to camp for a month and so it was inevitable Aunt Flo came with me.
I'd sit out of water sports for a couple days eh, we were all girls so it was no biggie. But seriously it only lasted like four days when I was younger. I guess if she has the full week, I agree, it would be a shame for her to miss.
I don't have daughters, but I'd reassure her that when the time comes, you all will figure it out. She has about three or four months before summer. I'd wait if she (or you) are uncomfortable about the process. Maybe the month or two prior to camp practice (if thats what she wants) and who knows, with a two week camp, she may not even have to worry about it:)

I was 13 when I started using them. Got my first period when I was 11. I can also tell you that it will likely not rupture the hymen, but that's another uncomfortable story. I do remember the first time using one was VERY uncomfortable because I was trying to use one more absorbent than necessary. So, get the least absorbent, most slender ones you can find.

Well, according to my (deceased, beloved) grandma, never because you wouldn't be a virgin anymore if you did (I love you grandma, but really.. :)

Anyway, I would say it's up to her level of comfort. Marianne L's comment seem right on to (the education stuff, in particular). Might not be the most fun conversation to have, but just be matter of fact.

My daughter used tampons from her second period. She said pads felt like waering a diaper and I couldn't disagree.

I didn't really start using them until college because no one HELPED ME! When I was younger 14 or so I asked my (much older) sisters and they were too embarrassed to help me (and they each had kids already) I remember thinking- what the heck are you embarrassed about, shouldn't I be the one that is embarrassed?

Then I couldn't take it anymore and figured it out in college by myself. What I realized was every woman is shaped differently down there so they need to kind of feel it out.

Also, my mom said that only non-virgins wore them? I asked her about girl swimmers in my high school and she just repeated herself... no logic.

Thank you for being the mom who will talk to her daughter about things, she is so lucky to have someone like you!