[dspiv20]

When should you let you teenage daughter start wearing tampons? Some of my daughters friends wear tampons. I know this because my daughter told me. They are 13 and 14 years old. Isn't that too young to wear a tampon? My daughter asked me when she could start wearing one. I said that I didn't know but that right now at this age nothing should be going in that area. Now she didn't seem like she really wanted to wear them. She said some of the girls wear them because they think the pads are bulky and disgusting. I buy my daughter the thin ones and that works fine for her. I know she is not ready to wear them but I was wondering what opinions there are on when they should wear them. A friend of mine lets her 14 year old wear them. She said she talked to the gynocologist and he said they will not harm her in any way. What are your thoughts on this?

[Kevaleta]

Well how old were you when you started using them? I am 21 years old. I have been using them since I was 13. How else can you go swimming on your period? I really don't see what the big deal is. They are just something you use when you are on your period.

[MJ7]

I recall some girls in middle school who were forbidden to use them because their parents thought it would effect their virginity. My mom was scared they'd kill be because of the toxic shock syndrome warning--then of course I too was scared off then. In 6th grade though (I was 12 then) I had a very embarassing incident and though thankfully no one (I hope) noticed, I was very self concious after that. I believe I too was 13 when I went to using them. I don't blame you for being aprehensive about allowing your young teen to wear them. Go with your gut and don't feel "peer presured" by other parents to allow your daughter to use them. There are many parents out there that feel the same as you. I would recommend like Kevaleta commented, when she is in swimming to allow her to wear it if you feel her sitting out a few days a month will look too obvious as to what's going on.

[Kevaleta]

A tampon really cannot affect a girl's virginity. They make tiny little silky glide ones that you can barely feel. I have a friend who still had half of her hymen when she gave birth to her first child! Again - its not that big of a deal.

[dspiv20]

Thanks for your comments. I don't think I am making a big of it at all. I dont' think it would effect her virginity but I do worry about the toxic shock. I actually did not start wearing them until I was in my late 20's. I had a friend who wore one and lost the string and had to go to the hospital to have it removed after it had been in there for a few days. I think that scared me into not wearing them. I do wear them now though.

[dspiv20]

I have gotten so many different opinions from friends and family on this subject. That is why I turned to this forum. I have been searching the internet for information and I have found some things that concern me. Maybe 13 and 14 is too young to wear a tampon. Are they responsible enough to change it when they are suppose too? My daughter told me some of her friends that wear them leave them in all day at school. A tampon should not be worn more than a few hours at a time. I know my daughter is going to want to wear them soon she is not pressuring me now but I know in another year or so she is going to want to. I can say no to her but that doesn't mean she won't do it without my knowledge.
Here is an article if anyone is interested about toxic shock syndrome and tampons.
I guess maybe I am making a big deal after all, but everything is a big deal when it comes to making sure my children are safe and well.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/teens/girls/sex...ries/tss.shtml

[shazbo]

i am 35 and i started my periods when i was 13 and i went staight to using them my own choice my mum wanted me to use towels . but the are safe as long as she changes them regular longest i went was 6 hours no longer

[NewroticGirl]

I think if you teach your daughter the appropriate way to use tampons (change them every 4-6 hours, don't leave one in more than 8 hours, etc) then I don't see any problem with her using them... I WISH someone had shown me how to use one earlier, I always HATED wearing pads, they were so bulky and messy and I never felt clean. She may try tampons and not like them, too. But wouldn't you rather she learn about using them safely from YOU, rather than from her friends?

[SoLazy17]

I think it is fine, I got my period at 10 (so like 3 years) and I started to wear them a year ago. Make sure that she knows the risk, and proper way to input them, and even tell her to lessen the time period. (That is what I do, instead of 4-8 hours, tell her to change 2-4 hours).

[lavatea]

I knew a girl whose mom would only let her wear them when she went swimming, and her mom inserted it for her! So gross...

I think I was about 14 when I started wearing them. I can't even remember how I got into wearing them, but I liked them so much more than nasty pads!