When you are on your period...

andeemae · Apr 17, 2005

try pointing it more towards the back

live4today, RN · Apr 17, 2005

You really need to talk to your mom about this heart. Is she hard to talk to about female matters? I'm concerned that you are not getting the education you need about your own body and how it works, and you are already 15 years old. Would you like me to talk to your mom for you...sort of break her into the conversation and encourage good communication between the two of you? If so, send me a private message and I'll help you and your mom as best I can. I raised three daughters myself, and it is crucial for your growth and comfort with your body that you become at ease talking to your mother about issues such as this.

You mention having a sister, and not being able to talk to her either. How old is your sister? Why do you have trouble talking to her.

You do NOT need to answer these questions here, but I mention them for "food for thought" for you to think about and question yourself as to why your communication and comfort is not good with your mom and sister........the two women you should be able to talk to about anything.

I'm here for you if you need my help. :)

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2005

Some of us have difficulty with the tampon not staying in the proper position...it may drop down a bit and become quite uncomfortable. Nothing wrong as far as the gyn can spot, but it just won't stay up in proper position. Sometimes trying different brands help.

Others may just choose to use pads instead.

(Another contraindication for using tampons is Neutropenia/Pancytopenia...too much chance of infection/abrasions - However, many oncos opt to stop a cancer patient's periods during treatment to proevent excess blood loss)

punnit_square · Apr 17, 2005

thanks...what exactly do you mean by "tilting"?

When you insert, do not put it in "straight up", instead, point the tip of the tampon towards your back. And like everyone else said, do it sitting on the toilet. Standing is not very comfortable. Try Playtex or Kotex plastic applicator.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Apr 17, 2005

Or leave one foot on the floor and put the other on the toilet. There's a few products that suggest doing this if sitting on the toilet isn't helping

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Apr 18, 2005

Has anyone suggested getting a mirror yet?

I totally misunderstood my anatomy whenever I first started getting my visits from aunt flo... it is not even funny.

The slimfits are great. Try those at first... but, make sure you use something as backup. And plastic applicators are a must.

BRANDY LPN · Apr 18, 2005

If you don't feel comfortable talking to your mom and sister, are you trying to use their tampons? That may be the problem, if you are using theirs they are prob too big for you.

Also you could try laying a mirror on the floor and squating over it so you can see what you are doing the whole time.

But the most important thing is to relax.

Also don't be scared to visit a GYN, if you are sexually active you need to go see them every year anyways and they can answer any questions you have and help you learn about your body.

Do you have any girlfriends you can talk to about this? You might feel more comfortable talking to a girl your own age.

Also the idea of using the OB brand is great that way you can feel what you are doing better, at least until you get the hang of it.

WhatToDo · Apr 18, 2005

I had the worst time ever with tampons when I was young. The slimfit types are best and make sure the top is rounded, not cottony like tampax. I probably put in 10 or so tampons before I realized that I would always feel the tampons if I was too dry, you can't keep pulling them in and out you'll get sore and too dry. Only practice when you are having your period. I'd start by putting a bit of KY jelly (water based lubricant usually used to sexual intercourse) on the applicator and then insert the applicator and get it all the way up and far as it will go without losing hold of the end and then insert the tampon.

My mother didn't tell me anything about all this and I was too embarrased to ask my friends. Hope it works okay for you.

Gompers, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2005

Good advice all around. I'd definitely recommend something like the slender regular Tampax with either the plastic or cardboard "comfort" applicator. Even the Tampax Lites, which aren't very absorbant, but great for a beginner. Definitely a big problem is inserting or removing when you're dry. Wait until the heaviest day of your period to try, so it's easier to put them in. Don't try and remove it until (and not to be gross) you see blood actually starting to get the string wet (or 8 hours has passed). That's a good sign the tampon is totally saturated, making it much easier to remove. Then wait an hour or so to insert another one, so the moisture builds up again.

Good luck, and try to talk to your mom or sister about this. It's easier if you have support right outside the bathroom door, and in the store picking out a proper tampon for you.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Apr 18, 2005

I forgot this suggestion: how about talking to a school nurse as well?

Liddle Noodnik · Apr 18, 2005

I started my period when I was around 16. My best girlfriend had never used a tampon and we were headed to the beach. Well I talked her into using a tampon, coaching her from the other side of the bathroom door like someone said.

Well we went down to the beach and had a great time swimming and all and she was so grateful - we got out of the water and my poor friend had a huge amount of blood running down her legs! I was so embarrassed for her - and I admit, for me too

Before I started I too didn't feel comfortable asking Mom or my sister about the facts of life, I ended up asking my big brother (!) stupid me! But he told my mom and my mom gave me a book to read (put out by Tampax or Kotex at the time). She never reviewed the info with me at all! Weird...

Hey good luck - and get some REALLY GOOD GIRLFRIENDS that you can trust! They are priceless, aren't they ladies?

smk1, LPN · Apr 19, 2005

Quote:
Your period serves a purpose; it washes pathogens from the body. You don't get that with a tampon.
My thougths exactly...if it was needed to wash pathogens, why would the FDA have approved Seasonale, the drug that reduces the number of cycles to only 4 per year?

chiming in with a :confused: look as well? all you are getting rid of is the unused old endometrial layer and unfertilized ovum. It would be a bad idea for tons of pathogens to be imbedded in the the layer that is supposed to provide as safe enviornment for a baby to grow... :uhoh21: