|
I can't put a tampon in but I have to!
Hi, I'm 14 and am just starting the mandatory swim unit in gym class. Well of course I got my period the day the unit started, and I have no idea what to do because I've been wearing pads ever since I got my period about 9 months ago. I told my mom and we bought me some tampons, which neither my mom nor myself have ever used. To practice, I tried inserting a tampon today and it hurt like HELL. I'm a virgin, of course, and I tried several times throughout the day to get it in. I have the applicator thingies and on one try I got it almost al the way in, got the applicator off but the tampon was giving me this horrible burning sensation so I took it out immediately. I did everything on the box, tried relaxing myself and going in at a forty-five degree angle, and it just KILLS. I have no idea what I'm going to do, because I can't keep missing gym class. I have to swim on Monday, and I can't get the freaking tampon in. Please help!!!! Thank you!!
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Sexual Health and Reproduction category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Menstrual/Period Issues?
I work in a swimming pool 2 or 3 nights a week and as it is my job I can't really take sick leave for every period. When I first started I had (like you) been having periods about 9 months. I found it very difficult to insert tampons and also very uncomfortable.
It comes with practice! Don't hurt yourself or make yourself sore though. I find it helps if you make your vagina a little bit wet before, so it will slide in better. Also, try aiming for your lower back. I have to sit on the toilet and do it, even three years on. I still mess them up very often! Take your time, there's no rush. If you do it slowly then if it feels wrong your can alter it!
Think about what tampons you use; does it have an applicator? Are they big ones? I found some tiny ones the other day which are about an inch long and about 0.5-1cm thick! It expands once it's in. They're brill for swimming, just for shorter periods of time. I think it was by lilets!
hope every things fine, you can always pull your teacher aside and mention it if you're still worried. :)
]
First of all- if you have your mother write a note to the PE instructor saying you're on your period, you are excused. They can't MAKE you swim. So if you really can't use tampons, just have your mom write a note and you'll be able to sit out of swimming until the end of your period.
If you'd rather just figure out how to use the tampon- it really isn't too difficult. It is scary at first and it will hurt, especially if you are a virgin. But once you get thru the first time, it doesn't hurt anymore and it will become everyday nature.
The most important thing to do when inserting a tampon is RELAX. If you're nervous and your muscles are tense, it will hurt WORSE. So take a deep breath, take a minute and ready yourself. I know it's hard to calm yourself entirely, trust me, I was just like you when I first started using tampons.
The next most important thing is to make sure that you insert it in a way that works for you. Don't go by the angles on the box. Don't ignore them completely, but modify it to fir YOUR body. If you focus more on the angle rather than your own physical comfort, it is going to continue hurting. Every girls' body is different. The instructions on the box are basic, but aren't patented to fit your specific body. So follow the instructions, but in doing so, modify them so YOU are comfortable. :)
Best of luck!
-Laura (19-f)
]
More Questions: |