I have been using pads ever since I started my period..and that was about 4 years ago. I just don't like the idea of having something stuck up in *there* for a long period of time. But then again, I have heard great things about tampons, and am thinking about making the switch. Can you really feel them up in there??
If you can feel them when they are in you, they are NOT in properly.
Personally I used pads in teh beginning, way back when, and I'll never ever wear them again, for as long as I live. I rather die than use such a product.
I say give tampons a shot. You might like them. You can't even tell they are in. There are also other products, such as Instead Cups.
I agree with Dana, I used pads at first but in my late teens started using tampons and now there is no way I could go back to pads. If they are in properly you really don't feel them. Good luck.
When I first started I was using pads (back 15 years ago when I was 11!) I made the switch when I was about 14 and I will never go back to a pad! If the tampon is in the right way you can not even tell it is there! They work great even over night!
What a great way to learn about your period, through pads huh? Sheesh. They never stayed in place, and every pair of underwear I had was stained, then my pants etc would stain. How embarassing. ALso I also got irritated and chafe from the edges and just from the damn thing constantly shifting out of place. It's like wearing a diaper, only an unsufficient one that no one would ever make their baby wear lol.
Anyway, more and more options/alternatives are coming out. I'd really try tampons, then explore other options down the line if need be it.
I recommend using tampons all of the time. Quite frankly, I myself regret not using them sooner. I started menstruating when i was 10, and only a 3 months before my 15th birthday did I start using tampons. If you insert them properly, you won't feel a thing and they won't leak either. As soon as you come to trust them, you'll be in padless paradise! And it'll be great!
When you feel that you are ready to use them, go right ahead. You may not succeed at your first try, but when you do, having your period will almost never leave you wearing those bulky pads.
Hi there!
I think most girls start out with pads -- I did.
I started using tampons about 3 years ago (I'm 19 now) as I'm rather active and like swimming etc.
They're fantastic compared to pads! You can wear a thin thin liner if you're concerned about leakage, but I've never had a problem.
There is nothing 'bad' about having a tampon in you, just change it every few hours (no longer than 8) and wash hands before and after changing it. You'll be fine!
I use a combination of pads and tampons - pads at night. You shouldn't really leave a tampon in the whole night, its not recommended anyway for the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
When I wasn't on the pill, and my periods were quite heavy, tampons were a lifesaver - they were much more comfortable and convenient. The only thing I didn't like was getting blood on my finger when I used them, because I don't use the type with applicators.
But now I'm on the pill, my periods are quite light, and I find that I'm mostly too dry to wear a tampon, and they hurt to use most of the time coz my flow is too light. I just use pads now, and I just use small ones, and to be honest I hardly even notice them.
So the point of this reply is, I think if you have a light period, then I wouldn't worry about tampons because they'd be more trouble than they're worth. But if you have a regular or heavy period then they'll prolly be really helpful! Just don't give up after the first time if you can't use them - if you just keep using them you'll get the hang of them pretty quickly.
I started my period when I was 11. I didn't figure out how to use tampons for another couple of years after that. Once I did Whoa! What a great invention. I think pads feel like your sitting on a mattress all of the time. Plus you can go swimming when you use them, and there is no bulkey pad all of the time. I do think you should alternate between tampons & pads though, just for the TSS risk tampons can have. I know it is rare, but you don't want to take a chance! Good luck! Don't give up if you don't get it in on the first try, takes a little practice!
Try using Tamax light days for when your flow is light. I end up using those most of my period. And then I use regulars the rest of the time. The box says to choose the smallest tampon possible for your flow to avoid TSS.
I tried them for the first time last period I had. Mine is pretty short only 3 days so never even thought about tampons. But i wanted to try them out so i got some and put it in and didnt feel it..........thought about it the whole time it was in whether it was leaking or was it in right.........and then after about an hour it had shifted. I think my thinking about it constantly squeezing (kegal type stuff) it had pushed it down or something. Or maybe i never got it in right in the first place. Do they ever shift out of place or am I just nuts?
And is there a limit to how far you should push it in??? or just can you push till it won't go any further in?
thanks
I don't think mine has ever shifted. Push it up until you can't see the base any more. There should be a good amount of string left hanging to pull out with.
a word of advice on those instead cups, practice taking them out at home before you try it in public,
i am a very heavy bleeder since i've had kids ~4~ and i tried those cups they go right into place no problem,you can't feel them , you can even have sex while wearing them ~ althou i didn't~ but when i tried to take it out~~~~thank god i was at home~~~~ and sorry for TMI but i had it spilled out all over my hands before i got it all the way out , blood all over the floor all over my pants,,, it was a ~bloody~ mess
i haven't used them again
yoga
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mom to four of the most beautiful kids you ever saw~~
Hey Yoga,
I'd wondered about that. I couldn't figure how you could get 'em out without flinging blood all over---Ewwwwwwwww! Kind of like opening a bag of chips!! I was always too scared to try them for that reason.
I'm definitely a tampon fan. Although I found I had to try several different brands 'cause they do fit differently. Some get longer and some get fatter as they absorb the flow. Also after having three kids au naturel NOTHING goes back to its original size, shape or location!!!
I strongly suggest using a plastic applicator on your first tries. About two hours ago I used one for the first time and it is soooo much easier than the cardboard applicators. I now understand why the
sex-ed teacher suggested using them first..... When you get used to inserting tampons, move on to the cardboard ones and you probably won't have a problem. Best wishes on your quest.
Take care.....and don't flush those plastic applicators. apparently they can be quite a hassle
Originally posted by yoga1st: a word of advice on those instead cups, practice taking them out at home before you try it in public,
i am a very heavy bleeder since i've had kids ~4~ and i tried those cups they go right into place no problem,you can't feel them , you can even have sex while wearing them ~ althou i didn't~ but when i tried to take it out~~~~thank god i was at home~~~~ and sorry for TMI but i had it spilled out all over my hands before i got it all the way out , blood all over the floor all over my pants,,, it was a ~bloody~ mess
i haven't used them again
yoga
I've always been a fan of tampons, but awhile ago I tried to Instead Cups. I think they are almost better than tampons. Certainly better in specific cases.
They do take some getting used to, but it's definately worth it. If done properly, when you remove them, blood will not fling and spill everywhere.
I've had them in during intercourse, and I, along with my partner, could not feel it was even there.
It is definately a product that you need to practice with, at least a few times to get the hang of putting them in, taking them out.
My partner really loves them, and I do too. I sitll alternate between tampons and instead cups though. Depending on the agenda, flow, my mood etc.
I am a huge fan of the Instead cups. Though I will admit when I first heard of them I though no way in hades would I use them. The mess thing was the foremost in my mind. But then on a whim I decided to try them. Havent looked back since. Yes it does take a bit of practice. I havent had a problem with blood getting every where. One of the best things I have noticed though is I am not spending as much money on those type of products as I once didnt with tampons and such. I have been using the cups for a little over a year now and have almost used three boxes in that time(24 count).
Dana is also correct about the sex. My dh says he didnt notice when I have worn them during sex.
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Married 3/25/95
DS 13 yr
DS 8 yr (3+ yrs ttc)
TTC #3 since 01/02
I used a pad for my first period ever, and was so repulsed that I haven't touched one since (8 years on) Tampons are definitely the way to go, the are more comfortable and a hell of a lot more hygenic.
Tampons or Pads? 
apparently they can be quite a hassle
