What age did you/your DD start using tampons?

[dollybird]

DD who is nearly 14 uses towels and she has been lucky do far in that we don't go swimming that often and she hasn't had to miss out because of her period. I can't remember how old I was when I changed to tampons but I know I felt a lot more confident. A mooncup would be even better but that may be a step too far at this stage!

I'd probably buy her a selection of different things, including a mooncup, and just tell her she's free to try them or when she's ready.

If she decides on a different preference, just to let you know.

16/17

Never! Well I tried them for a holiday once aged 25 but had to lie on the floor and it took 10 mins, what a faff (for me, I know lots find them easy) I've just always been happy with pads and don't want to be inserting/pulling things out of me.

I was about 12, DD1 started using them after her 2nd period when she was about 11/12 and DD2 was about 13.

Always use pads.

20. I couldnt get them in until I lost my virginity.

I was terrified of them and never touched one until a pool party where I had to awkwardly as someone how to put it in rather than sit outiside the pool. I was about 17

Although I think that lillets and superdrugs own are easier to insert than tampax because they have a pointed tip. And I have never successfully used an applicator.

I started having periods at 11, and started using tampons at about 14 after being reassured that using them didn't make you 'not a virgin'. Wish I had got over that sooner as there is nothing worse than having what is essentially a nappy crackling in your knickers and creating an unsightly bulge. I am going to switch to sea sponge or a moon up though as my periods are really too light to use even the 'lighter days' tampons.

Second period, aged 13. Came off literally just before getting on a coach to camp (where swimming was involved). Told my mum who grabbed some non-applicator tampons from her bag and told me literally in 3 seconds before I left how to use them. I've never looked back. Hate towels and think applicators are ultra wasteful

Not used them and am almost 22. Pads aren't rustly or crackly, what kinds of brands are you buying? You also don't notice the bulge unless you're walking around in just your knickers. Not to say I would never touch tampons though.

I was 18, DD is 14 and not wanting to yet.

If she hasn't got a problem with pads why worry about tampons? I hated pads, so used tampons after a few months, and then switched to a mooncup at university

I used a pad for my first period, after that I moved to tampons - have given dd both but she hasn't started yet.

Straight away for me. It was pretty much tampax or horrible pads with loops and a belt.

I can't remember for me. DD (almost 16) says she cannot get a T in. She reads weird stories on T'internet about girls who needed surgery to be able to use tampons, so wants me to book her in with GP convinced she needs surgery too.

I haven't made a huge effort to get her appt w/ GP.

DD is 15 and still can't face the idea of trying them. Shame as she's a keen swimmer / surfer - but having said that she gets sporadic but sometimes severe cramps when on her period, so being out at sea perhaps not the best idea anyway. Fortunately her cycle is still pretty long, so it's a fairly infrequent problem.

I was 10

14. I was (and still am) a swimmer so kind of needed to.

DD started her periods at 10,used mini tampons for swimming only at 11.She is 14 now and uses them confidently when she wants.Now likes the applicator ones.

I'm 25 and still use pads. Personal preference. I have tried tampons and don't like them. I use reusable pads most of the time now.

DD is 14 and has had periods for the last year. I bought her some mini tampons as we live in Australia and have a pool (as do most of her friends) and the girls are all very "I can't swim as I have my period". She is really reluctant though and won't even try them (fine - her body, her choice), don't think her friends use them either. I wonder if it is a peer thing?

18 and have never used a pad since. But I wish I was introduced to them from the start. My mother only had those very large bricks and then I bought my own always type.

I started at 11 and there used to be loads of adverts where you could get free samples so my mum and I sent off for everything so I could try them.

I stetted on tampax with applicator, incidentally something my mum couldn't use.

Not sure if you can get samples now - worth looking.

Straight away when I was 11 and got my first one. I still only use pads as well on particularly heavy days but I just find them so irritating. The scented ones (bought by accident) give me thrush and are just unpleasant.
Dd is 14 and refuses to use them. We bought a selection for her to try, she said she's tried a few times but isn't keen to try again.