you probably see this a lot but..

[alleycaat.livejournal.com]

i'm 18 and i've never used a tampon. i've been fingered before so i don't think i'll have too much of a problem, but i've always been kinda 'scared' to use one.

basically what tampon would you suggest (that has a plastic applicator)? and i don't know if this makes a difference or not but i'm a petite girl.... sorry if you think i'm naive, but i don't know much about tampons or if that would make a difference.

Comments

[erinmdmd.livejournal.com]

Something not processed with bleach and chemicals. If you have a local health food store, they may carry things like that.

[alleycaat.livejournal.com]

there are only chain stores around here, like meijer, walmart and walgreens :/

[sagesseabiona.livejournal.com]

They carry a organic tampon at Fortino's called Natura in the Organic section if you have a Fortino's grocery store where you live.

[hexeengel.livejournal.com]

Also, many chain grocery stores now have organic/natural foods sections, and those often include personal care products as well.

[stripling.livejournal.com]

i'm in canada, so it might be different where you're at, but our drugstores carry a line of unbleached/no plastic tampons and pads. can't remember the name of it though....

if you're really just looking for plastic/bleached/typical stuff, tampax compact or whatever its called it the easiest to insert. just start out with "regular" or "teen" type ones as they are slimmest, and then if you need more absorption, work up from there.

good luck! i think you'll find that with a little practice, tampons really aren't that tricky.

[darlahood.livejournal.com]

I'm 27 and have never used a tampon!

[lady-amorika.livejournal.com]

Tampons are nothing to worry about, but I was worried my first time anyway, too.
Just relax, and use slim ones to begin with, with a rounded applicator head.

Also, you might want to try a menstrual cup, like DivaCup of the Keeper. They fit inside, too, but are healthier because they don't have chemicals or absorb the blood. If you would like more info, there are some great LJ communities about them.

[raindropsie.livejournal.com]

Yes, menstrual cups are the best! Cheaper (in the long run), Better for the environment, No risk of TSS, More convient IMO, More comfortable then pads IMO. Go to menstrual_cups its really good tere are there is so much information in the memories there, and so many people to answer your questions!

I really do hope you consider the cup, even just learning about it. I'm 16, had never used tampons, and hadn't been fingrered or and virgin, and was able to use it.

[darkenedminds.livejournal.com]

Chemical blahblah aside, I used to prefer OB before I got my cup and cloth pads. I hated applicator tampons, since when I started to use tampons, I'd only fingered as well. Its just like fingering, with a cap on your finger. Ob "silky" has a cover on it that slides right in.

[sagesseabiona.livejournal.com]

Oh, also to add...you should maybe look into a Diva cup. I just got one and love it! www.divacup.com

[maidenmorticia.livejournal.com]

I've used 'em all... and these days I'm back to pads (albeit the organic plastic-free kind). You won't be able to find any organic cotton tampons with a plastic applicator, so if you really want to start with plastic apps, then stop thinking about organic cotton tampons. Hey, millions of women use them without getting cancer, it's a personal choice. However, DON'T get scented ones or scented anything for that matter as you'll wind up with yeast infections & they are just added chemicals that you don't need.

If you've got your heart set on plastic applicators, then I recommend Tampax brand compacts like someone else above. They fit into your purse relatively nicely. Also they come in various sizes, so if you're worried about first time use you can start with the smallest sixze (slender) and work your way up. I really hated playtex brand; they gave me headaches and made me sick.

I later developed a taste for OB, like someone else above. they don't have an applicator, but they don't leak either. OB also come in different sizes.

For first time insertion, my mother taught me to put a little vaseline on the tip when I was a nervous teen. Nowadays, people will tell you to use a water based lube like KY jelly. You might not get it right at first, but keep practicing.

If you can, though, you should consider organic/plastic free products -- be it tampons/pads/menstrual cups.

I started wearing tampons during the first year of my period for swimming. I was 12. No one had ever "fingered" me. They didn't hurt; it just took a while for me to get ussed to the right angle for insertion & to learn to relax my vaginal muscles.

Good Luck!

xo M.

[moo13.livejournal.com]

I didn't start using tampons until I was about 16. I wish I had started sooner! My first time putting one in didn't hurt nearly as bad as I was expecting, just a little pinch. This is coming from someone with a really low tolerance for pain. I was a little nervous so I didn't stick it as far up as I was supposed to and it was hurting as I was walking away from the bathroom. I went back in, took that one out, and started again. That time I was successful because I was more calm and determined. Just be patient and you'll find the right angle to put it in. Looking back, I think I should have used some lubrication on the tip of it to help me out. It still occasionally hurts to insert a tampon, but usually its because I'm too dry or I tried to insert it in the wrong direction. But the pain is really minor and it's worth it! Now, I can't stand using pads.

I would recommend starting with Playtex Beyond or Tampax Pearl tampons. These are the smoothest kind of tampon. The regular Playtex types have plastic applicators and I find the edges of the plastic can sometimes scrape me when I'm inserting it. Same thing with the regular cardboard Tampax kinds. My current preferred brand is the Playtex beyond, because the two types I liked before have both stopped being produced (Tampax Satin and OB with applicators). I find that I bleed through the Tampax Pearl faster than I should. However, for a first time use, the Tampax Pearl's applicator is probably the nicest.

[alleycaat.livejournal.com]

thank you much!

[sweetdreams-327.livejournal.com]

For some reason, none of the major brands listed above have worked for me - I could never get them to fit comfortably. I use Kotex Security now, and they're great. However, I don't think they make a "slim" or "teen" size, so it might be better for you to start with a smaller one and then switch to Kotex Security if the other kinds don't work for you. Oddly enough, despite their size, I never had a problem putting them in even though I was a virgin the first time I tried them.

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

I started with those Playtex "Slimfit" ones because they're about as smooth and as small as it gets.

However I eventually switched to a cardboard applicator since it's biodegradable and the slimfit didn't provide enough protection. However that was a good place to start just to get comfy with the process.

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

Also, just a little weird tidbit, a tiny girl can have a big ol' vagina and a large woman can have a real narrow one. But really all of that is neither here nor there. What you need to be aware of is the position rather than the "size" which actually changes all of the time with your cycle and level of arousal (in other words some vaginas are "tilted" which makes things a little more uncomfortable... doesn't mean they're too small, but just on a weird angle).