How to Explain Tampon Use to a Pre-Teen

The decision to begin wearing tampons can be daunting to a preteen. Young girls often prefer the idea of tampons to the use of bulky pads, but have concerns and misinformation about their use. Explaining correct tampon usage and dispelling common fears is paramount to helping a preteen. Armed with facts, she can make the best decision for her personal care.

Instructions

Calm Preteen Fears

1. Educate your preteen about the female reproductive system. It is physically impossible to lose a tampon inside of the body. Explain that if the string is no longer in place, she can simply reach inside with a thumb and forefinger to retrieve the tampon.

2. Assure your preteen that tampon use does not affect her virginity.

3. Suggest keeping supplies nearby in case of an unexpected period. She can tuck tampons into a purse or locker, and they are often available in public vending machines. It is best to keep extra coins tucked into a pocket or purse at all times.

4. Instruct her in hiding a bleed-through. This can be as simple as tying a jacket or sweatshirt around her waist. Keeping a jacket in her locker all year is a good idea. Reassure her you can provide a change of clothes in an emergency.

5. Remind her that blood can be removed with soap, cold water and a little scrubbing--even hours later. Her favorite jeans are safe!

6. Welcome questions from your preteen. Enable her to approach you with concerns at any time. By coming to you, rather than her friends, your preteen is getting correct information.

Explain the Mechanics

1. Wash your hands, and remove the tampon from its wrapper. Throw the wrapper in the trash.

2. Try different positions. Some women sit on the toilet to insert tampons, while others stand, lean over, or put one leg on the toilet lid. There is no wrong pose. Try different positions until you find what works best for you.

3. Grasp the tampon by the lower part of the larger tube. Ridges often mark it. Point the wide end of the tampon upwards at an angle, facing toward your lower back. Ensure the string is hanging down.

4. Pull the outer skin away from the vaginal opening with the opposite hand. Insert the tampon gently. Slide it toward your lower back until your fingers touch the vaginal opening. If the tampon sticks inside your body and will not slide in comfortably, try twisting the tube. Proceed to step five only if the tube is inserted fully. If rotation does not help, and the tube is not fully inserted, slowly pull the string to remove it from your body. Try again at a time when your period has a much heavier flow.

5. Continue to hold the tampon's larger tube. With the opposite hand, push the smaller tube inside the larger one. Stop when both tubes are flush, and remove the tubes from your body. The string should be hanging out, and you should not be able to feel the tampon inside your body. If you feel the tampon, it is not fully inserted. Use the inner tube or a forefinger to carefully push the tampon further into the vaginal canal.

6. Wrap the tubes in toilet paper as a courtesy to others and dispose of them in the trashcan. Tampons must be disposed of in the same manner.

Provide Health Information

1. Change tampons every four to six hours. Do not wear Tampons overnight. Complications can result when tampons are left in too long.

2. Use tampons sparingly. Tampons promote bacterial development. They must be worn only during an active period.

3. Wear the correct size. For a light flow, wear a small size. Super and plus sizes should be worn for an extremely heavy flow only. Wearing too large of a size encourages less frequent changes. This advances bacterial growth.

4. Discuss toxic shock syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, light-headedness, high fever and a rash with a sunburn-like appearance. Report any symptoms that appear during tampon use to a parent as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• To demonstrate the mechanics of tampon insertion, curl your hand into a loose 'O' shape and insert a tampon into your hand.

• Be certain your preteen knows that tampons should never be flushed down the toilet.

• Do not assume personal care is self-explanatory. Take the time to ensure she has all the correct information.

Resources

• More information about menstruation to share with your preteen.
• An in-depth look at Toxic Shock Syndrome.