Teen struggling with tampons

[BinkyBuntyFintyCunty]

Teen struggling to use tampons. Has some swimming/body boarding days coming up and likely to have period. We spent a LONG time trying/discussing last night, to no avail. There were lots tears of frustration. Does anyone have any tips for using tampons for the first time? Thank you.

Try tampax lites as they are very slim and easier to insert. The ones with plastic applicator are also easier as they are smoother. Try lying on the bed to insert and aim towards lower back rather than straight up

It depends what the struggle is. Are the tampons being used just too big/flow not heavy enough?

Not sure if this is a real post....but try these

www.modibodi.co.uk/collections/swim

Bezalelle thank you for such a constructive comment. Is a genuine question from a genuine poster. Mumsnet has been a great source of wisdom over the years, hence my asking here.

Lying down is a great suggestion Pixie thank you. newmumofone - yes, have lites with plastic applicator and also traditional cardboard ones.

Perhaps it is just a case of waiting until she is a little older.

Google insertion instructions. There are lots of teen friendly instructions out there. I think that OB are easier than the ones with the plastic inserters.

user thank you for link. Will check out.

user they look like the perfect solution. Unfortunately, not available til mid August but think would do the trick. A brilliant idea - leakproof swimwear was something I never knew existed.

THIS is why I posted on mumsnet! Thank you.

Non applicator ones

I can't wear tampons, my cervix is slightly tilted so they just pop out.

Was she actually trying to use them last night? Because they won't insert easily if she's not on her period now.

Best tip I had all those years ago was to aim for the small of your back rather than straight up

I remember the I don't want to wear tampons argument with my own mother.

I recommend Tampax pearl lites, they are smooth to insert. One trick that may or may not go down too well with her, is to stand up and get into a squat position. I also never wipe completely dry until the tampon is inserted (helps on the drier days) and then throughly wipe with a flushable wet wipe after.

I will say, I used to manage a sports centre and having to get in the pool whilst wearing a tampon and then getting out and changing it is the worst. It may put her off using them in the future.

Thanks for all the genuinely kind comments. Thanks too for those who took time out to accuse me of being a pervert/searching for “wank fodder”.

I think I’ve been pointed in the direction of a solution with leakproof swimwear, so am no longer in need of abuse! Thank you.

My dd is a swimmer so this is something we’ve had to contend with and to be honest it took a while but what she found to be the best trick is to raise one foot on the bath or toilet seat. She uses the teen products.

I can't wear Tampons (shallow cervix/tilted womb). As a teen I'd struggle while friends had no issues, it was only years later I realised why.

If she's struggling, by all means try all options, but bear in mind they're not for everyone.

My teens have preferred the plastic applicator pearl ones when starting out. I think the initial problem seems to be not inserting far enough and the applicator helps with that.

snowflake9 thank you - if she decides to try again another time, will give your squat suggestion a go.

Rshard - thank you. I’ve tried to reassure that it can just take time, patience and practice and it’s good to hear that from another parent!

Are those modibodi pants totally leak proof in water? Has anyone tried it? If so looks like a great idea.

I would get the ones without applicator. They’re actually much easier and it’s fine to use a bit of lube if needed (though might be an awkward thing to explain to a teen).

We spent a LONG time trying/discussing last night

Seriously, don't you think that this is weird? and you wide-eyed innocently wonder why people suspect that you may have hairy hands or reside under a bridge.

Hi all,
Just dropping by to say that the OP has been around for ages - so this thread is fine to stay.
If you ever have any concerns about a poster or post, please just hit the report button and we'll take a look.
Ta, MNHQ

teacakeandalatte I have started another thread called ‘leakproof swimwear’ as I had no idea such a thing existed until someone suggested on this thread. Hopefully, someone who has tried them will give some feedback there.

I have ordered some but think would only use on moderate to light days at first to see how it goes. My daughter generally wears a wetsuit so would wear under this anyway.

Lillets/ supermarket non applicator are easier, she needs to relax (easier said than done). You tube has instructional videos