You don’t have to use a tampon while on your period. In fact, many people prefer to use pads or menstrual cups. Tampons provide more freedom in motion and are superior when playing sports, especially those involving water. However, tampons can require some effort with handling or insertion.  Sanitary pads are worn within your underwear and catch the blood flow. They come in a variety of sizes from slim liners, designed for short term use, to overnight styles. Many women find pads to be bulky and cumbersome; however, they are easy to use and a safe option if you are concerned about forgetting to switch out tampons regularly. A menstrual cup is a flexible, small rubber cup that fits inside your vaginal canal. You insert it by hand and it then collects the blood. You have to remove it at intervals in order to rinse out the collected blood before repeating the process. Women who are worried about a tampon's materials may be more comfortable with this option. However, you do have to learn how to properly remove and insert the cup. After you open the plastic package of the tampon, you will see the tampon itself and the attached string. The applicator is the harder plastic cover that includes a barrel covering the absorbent interior, a grip area for your fingers to hold onto, and a plunger to help push the tampon inside of you. Go ahead and turn a tampon over in your hand and take a close look.  If you are worried about the string for removal, go ahead and give it a tug or two. You will see that it is very snug and not likely to break off. If it makes you more comfortable, you can plan on testing the string of each tampon before using it. Also, get into the habit of taking a good look at the outside packaging. Never use a tampon that comes from a ripped or torn package. Not all tampons are the same. Before you head to the store to buy anything, go online to the websites of the various big brands, such as Playtex, and look at the different types of tampons available. As a first time user, it is best to select a light-flow, slim brand with a built-in applicator.  You can also buy a mixed box with larger tampons intended for heavier flow days as well. Only use these after you’re comfortable with the entire process. You can also buy just tampons without the applicators. These will require that you use your finger to insert the tampon. The applicator included style tampons are generally the best ones to use at first as they are easier to handle. Go to a private place, such as the bathroom, sit on the toilet and use a hand mirror to examine your vulva, or outside genitalia. Don’t be afraid as you really can’t hurt yourself. You will notice that your vaginal opening is the middle area and a smaller hole, your urethra (for urination) is in the area as well, but is smaller. You will insert the tampon within your vaginal opening. Getting to know your body will make you feel more confident about using a tampon properly.  Make sure to always wash your hands before and after touching your vagina. This will ensure that you do not pass germs along. It may appear as if your vaginal opening is not large enough to accommodate a tampon, but this is generally not the case. With a bit of lubrication, often period blood, this opening will stretch wide enough. If you do a bit of research online regarding female anatomy, you will see that it is also not possible to lose your virginity by using a tampon. It is unlikely that a tampon will tear your hymen (the tissue that covers your vaginal opening deep in the interior). And, the loss of virginity requires sexual intercourse. There are many reputable websites, including The Period Blog, which provide step-by-step images showing how to insert and remove a tampon. Some sites will even let you ask a question in the comments area, to be later answered by the moderator.  It is also a good idea to read the instruction sheet that came with your package of tampons. This sheet often shows a usage diagram, as well and lists safety information as well. Studying your anatomy and usage charts will also show you that your vagina is essentially a canal with the cervix as its end point. This means that it is not possible to permanently “lose” a tampon within you. This is a myth. If you have an older female friend who has started her period and is familiar with using tampons, you might talk with her about how to use them. She might be able to provide you with some tips or suggestions. Your mom or another female relative might also be helpful. Just make sure that whoever you talk to will keep questions and concerns private. For example, you might say, "I'm about to try using a tampon for the first time. Do you have a particular brand that you'd suggest I buy?" Or, "Do you have anything that you suggest I should do to make the first time easier?" Ask your parents to make an appointment for you to meet with your pediatrician or general doctor. Or, if you trust them, go to the school nurse and ask to have a private conversation with them. Explain your situation and ask any questions that you have.  You might say, "I'm thinking about starting to use tampons. What are some of the possible risks? What are the benefits of tampons versus pads?" This is a good time to consider whether or not you trust and are comfortable talking with your main doctor. If not, you may want to talk to your parents about switching to another one.
احصلي على معلومات بشأن التامبون وبدائله المقترحة. تعرفي على الأجزاء المكونة للتامبون. ابحثي عن ماركات التامبون المختلفة. اعرفي المزيد عن جسمك وعن جهازك التناسلي. ابحثي عبر الإنترنت عن الرسوم التخطيطية أو مقاطع الفيديو التي توضح كيفية إدخال التامبون. اطلبي النصيحة من إحدى صديقاتك أو قريباتك. تحدثي مع طبيبك أو مع ممرضة المدرسة.