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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Original poster

11yo first period - tampons?

16 replies

LaydeeC · 04/04/2011 21:40

Need some wise advice
My 11.5 yo has just started her periods this weekend and they are much heavier than we might have expected.
Just want to canvas opinion on when it would be appropriate for her to move to using tampons.
I feel so sorry for her and want to make it easier and help her to feel less self conscious about it all especially at school
Is 11 too young?

OP posts:

Leverkusen · 04/04/2011 21:42

I used pads until I was 18, just couldn't get tampons to work for me at all.

I think maybe she needs a few periods to get used to the idea of having them, before she has to start worrying about tampons.

doormat · 04/04/2011 21:45

agree with lever..think she needs to have a few periods first

halfcaffodils · 04/04/2011 21:46

Hi, mine is the same age and I am expecting it any day...have been thinking about this issue too. I didn't start til quite a bit later but know I really wanted tampons after seeing the visiting nurse's talk to the girls in 'Year 7'. My mum was dubious, but when I started and they were heavy, it was obvious I needed them. If she feels ok about it (let her read the instruction sheet and maybe some stuff online?) then I would think she should use tampons as soon as she wants to.
My question is when can I persuade her to move on to the Mooncup?

cyrilsneer · 04/04/2011 21:46

Both of my daughters had one period with pads and then moved onto Tampax Compact on their second period. They were 12 and 14 years old and never looked back.

Eleven's not too young. As long as she wants to try and is prepared to give it a go, she should be fine.

cyrilsneer · 04/04/2011 21:53

PS needless to say, start her on the (purple) minis and let her get used to using them for one period, with a pad in place as a safety net. Next period, she can perhaps try (yellow) regular. My younger daughter has just had her third period and started using (green) super for the heaviest days.

Rome wasn't built in a day though - if she gets stressed or upset, abandon ship and try again another day. Stay calm and relaxed - none of it matters and she'll get there in her own time.

Hope this helps.

juneau · 04/04/2011 21:53

I'd say it's up to her. Have you talked to her about how she feels about tampons vs. pads? Are you comfortable talking to her about how to insert them properly? Some people just can't cope with the idea of tampons (and I'm talking about adults here, not 11-year-olds). I started my periods at 12 and switched to tampons after my first period.

Original poster

LaydeeC · 04/04/2011 21:54

oh thank you all so much!
She is on day 3 and they are really heavy - she's upstairs now with a hot water bottle. I feel so sorry for her. Mine started late and I had early menopause so I can't even menstruate in sympathy with her lol!
She asked earlier if she could use tampons as she thinks it would be easier so I think I talk to her tomorrow.
I know that tampons wont make her fee any betterd but hopefully she will feel less self conscious and uncomfortable.
Thanks again, it is much appreciated.

OP posts:

cyrilsneer · 04/04/2011 22:30

Your poor DD...

Remember to tell her to aim back towards her bottom, not up towards her chin. Good luck to her.

SpringHeeledJack · 04/04/2011 22:35

applicator tampons are much easier to use than those without when it's your first go

I remember vividly sobbing in the school toilets and getting into a right tizzy with a lilet when I was 13 -make sure she does it at home when she's chilled out!

kreecherlivesupstairs · 05/04/2011 09:07

and maybe a tiny bit of lube would help for the first or second tries?

halfcaffodils · 05/04/2011 14:30

Agree re: applicators - I didn't get the hang of Lil-lets til I was about 20!

TheVisitor · 05/04/2011 14:33

If she wants to, then let her. Agree about applicator ones. I asked my 12 year old if she wanted me to get some in ready for when she starts and she screwed up her face in disgust. lol

jesuswhatnext · 05/04/2011 16:21

i did use to remind my dd about removing the last one, very easy to forget at the end of a period! - use apllicator ones, much easier imo!

mathanxiety · 05/04/2011 16:34

Mine started out using tampons and apparently had no problems. (We didn't really discuss the minutiae but I think from the constant emptying of the tampon boxes they were fine). I only ever buy applicator types.

Original poster

LaydeeC · 05/04/2011 22:03

Oh, you are all so kind!
I have spoken with her and she is keen - she really doesn't like the feeling of pads (make her feel sweaty etc).
I was just a bit worried that other people would think it was inappropriate although I seem to recall that I moved on to lillets fairly soon after starting mine and could never, ever imagine using pads again (other than after pregnancy).
Thank you all again, I don't post often and really appreciate the all the advice and reassurance

OP posts:

QOD · 05/04/2011 22:06

How weird, I hate tampons and found them much more hassle and yucky! DD (12 - 11 when she started) is totally against them - not from anything I have said - I just use towels anyway (got bored with the mooncup)

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