14 year old daughter, periods and tampon size?

Tonya:

This is information in perfect! She is using the plastic applicator now but I will print this off and share it with her. I am also going to order one of your starter kits for her. Thanks much for your expertise and depth of info!

I will let you know how it goes.

Take Care,

Hi Kelley,

I'm the founder Tina mentioned above. We have a line of feminine hygiene products specifically geared towards girls like your daughter. Feel free to visit our website www.petiteamie.com for additional info. You can also find our products online at Target.com and CVS.com
http://www.target.com/gp/search/183-4526871-6127160?field-keywords=Petite+Amie+Cycle+Kits&url=index%3Dtarget&ref=sr_bx_1_1&x=12&y=12
http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/search/search_results.jsp?oss=1&removeAllFacets=true&addFacet=SRCH:petite%20amie%20cycle%20kits

In regards to your question. It sounds as if its a combination of probably the type of tampon applicator she's using and also her being a novice. For girls just starting out it's easier for them to learn using a tampon with a plastic applicator versus a cardboard or non applicator (digital) tampon.

We include info. such as the one below (feel free to pass along to your daughter) in all of our Cycle Kits for Girls and Teens. The info. is one of many Q&A's included in a handy booklet.

Additionally, in regards to your question on a smaller tampon. As you may or may not be aware. Tampons are regulated by the FDA because they are considered a medical device. Due to these regulations. There are currently only 4 types of tampon sizes on the market - Super Plus, Super, Regular and Junior/Slender.

So, yes there is a smaller tampon size that exists - Junior/Slender. But it is very difficult to find as the absorbency and the applicator size between a Junior/Slender tampon and a Regular tampon is not very significant. So, most women including girls choose to just use the regular size for lighter days and super or super plus for heavier days.

How do I put in a tampon for the First time?

For many, using a tampon may be scary at first. It’s much easier to use a tampon when you’re relaxed. Many girls need a few tries before they can comfortably insert a tampon. But don’t worry, with practice, you’ll be fine. Just follow these steps:

GET TO KNOW YOUR BODY First, know your body – there’s nothing to be ashamed of, so relax! The diagrams below show an illustration of your pelvic area and genitals. Get a mirror and go to a place with privacy. Females have three openings: the urethra (where urine comes out), the vagina (where period flow and babies come out) and the anus (where #2 comes from).

The middle opening, the vagina, is where you place your tampon. Don’t worry about inserting the tampon in the wrong place – the vagina is the largest opening.

BEFORE USING THE TAMPON Wash your hands, and skip the hand lotion. Get into a comfy position that makes it easy to reach your vagina, such as when sitting or squatting over the toilet; laying on your back on a bed (make sure to put a towel down so you don’t stain anything); or standing with one leg up on a chair or the toilet.

TAMPON INSERTION Remove the wrapper. Hold the applicator in
one hand while spreading the labia, or lips, of your vagina with the other. Insert the tip of the applicator at an angle toward the back of your body. Push the applicator in until the top half is in. Then push on the lower half of the applicator tube with your forefinger. This will push the tampon out of the applicator, and up into your vagina. Pull out the applicator, wrap it in toilet paper or the wrapper and put in the trash.

DON’T FLUSH THE APPLICATOR DOWN the TOILET! You may also want to add a liner during the first days of your period. It will catch any overflow the tampon doesn’t absorb.

TIP: Try a little lubricant on the tip of the applicator to make it go in easier. Do not use a petroleum-based lubricant, and never use lotion for this purpose!

CHECK FIT The tampon string should now hang down between your thighs. Tuck it up and back towards your butt so it doesn’t peek out of your panties or swimsuit. If the tampon is in properly, you shouldn’t feel it. But if it feels uncomfortable, it may be in crooked, or not in far enough. Use your index finger to push it in a little more. Or remove, throw away (DO NOT FLUSH), and start over with a new tampon. You can also use a lower absorbency option.

TO REMOVE Check the tampon about 4 hours after inserting to see if there’s blood on the string or your liner. If so, it’s probably time to change it. You’ll need to change your tampon based on how heavy your period is, especially during the first couple of days.When your period is lighter, you’ll still have to remove the tampon every 4-6 hours to avoid getting Toxic Shock Syndrome (Be sure to read the TSS section of our booklet, for more important information about TSS) To remove, relax and pull the tampon string gently but firmly at the same angle used when inserting, and not straight down. It should come out easily.

* You may want to practice getting the hang of using a tampon, i.e., practicing pushing it through the applicator, etc.

Hope this information is helpful for you and your daughter.

Toyna
www.petiteamie.com

Kelley, we have contacted the founder of a company called Petite Amie which specializes in feminine products for teens. I'll be anxious to hear her feedback. We should be in touch within a few days and thanks for raising such an important question.

Have you tried the slender size? They're smaller than the regular size -- I think I've seen them in the multi-size boxes. Also, are you sure she's putting it in far enough? She might be scared and not putting it in where it should go. If it's not in all the way, I imagine it could be uncomfortable.