11 yr old started period, when to discuss tampons?

Annabel - posted on 01/29/2013

my daughter started with pads but I know she is taking my tampons ... they are going down fast (she won't admit it but then she is shy). If you have a daughter who starts very young, under 11 or so, they may not be appropriate but for most girls, let them use a combination thats right for them, here at least they are taught in school about the risks and how they are used so I have no worries from that front.

Jen - posted on 01/26/2013

I would tell her about tampons, and then wait until she asks to use them. My daughter is 15 and doesn't want to use them yet. She even has swimming at school, but the school allows/expects the girls to miss swimming occasionally for that reason. All other sports can be played with a pad if the girl prefers it, so I wouldn't push.

Rein - I think you have bigger issues to worry about than whether your daughter has her period yet or not. She's only 12, and she doesn't talk to you and spends all her time in her bedroom with her boyfriend or at his house? I think you need to get control over the boyfriend situation or you're going to have to worry about whether she's pregnant or not, instead of whether she has her period.

Barbara - posted on 01/22/2013

Rein, has she been seen by a physician lately? Her doctor would be able to identify if she has started her period yet based on hormone levels and other medical factors.
Just out of curiosity, why are you permitting her boyfriend to go into her room? I would never permit this in our home. I realize that every parent has different parenting styles, but I think this may be risky behavior for both her and her boyfriend.

Barbara - posted on 01/22/2013

My daughter is now 15, she started her period about 2 1/2 years ago and we visited both he pediatrician and my gynecologist when her first cycle was finished. Both doctors were opposed to the use of tampons for teens under 18, regardless of brand. Their cycles may appear to regulate after a year or so, but their bodies, internally and externally, are not fully grown and mature. Teens can be dismissive about the hazards that tampons pose such as Toxic Shock Syndrome. My daughter is active in sports, plays both soft ball and volleyball. also takes dance classes at her high school. I haven't purchased tampons, she doesn't feel comfortable with the idea of the tampon in view of the doctors statements, and uses a specific brand of pads that protect her from leakage. Had she had a different opinion, we might have considered trying a light sample tampon, but I believe she knows her body best and will rely on her and our doctors advise on this one. As far as swimming is concerned, if she has a woman coach, she might be a good resource for advise on this issue as well.

Rein Paige - posted on 01/17/2013

My daughter is 12 and she has a boyfriend and I think my daughter has her period but she doesn't talk to me any more she is always with him in her room or over his house and I am worried I have seen pads before in her room bin please help me.

Beatrice - posted on 10/11/2011

They grow up fast! Sooner rather than later... I'd say age 12/13

Lisa - posted on 10/11/2011

when my daughter was 9, "her periods started at 8"
we set down with her and her brother adn talk about it .
she all like to talk about thing with him with us.

Darnell - posted on 01/03/2011

Personnally, I think using a tampon at 11 years old is to young. I have an 11 year old and have already prepared her for having her period and spcifically told her not to use a tampon. I think her body and mind needs to mature more before using one, if at all. I think 13 or 14 years of age is better, but do not forget to inform them of TSS (toxic shock syndrome), this is a dangerous disease and should not be swept under the rug. Hope this helps!!

Allison - posted on 01/03/2011

I'm a little grossed out by those wearing pads in the pool too. Yuck. Anyway with that being said I didn't start wearing tampons for a couple of years because my mom never really told me about them and I was scared. But as active as I was I really wish I would have had the option. My 13 year old daughter started last week and she knows all her options. I took her to the store and explained the different pads and told her she was welcome to use my tampons if she wanted to try and wear them. She went through like 3 before she got it right. She is using the light ones. But says she prefers tampons. Give them the choice, as long as you tell them about the risks and when to use each size and for how long. Like I said I wish I had had the option. So I am giving it to my child.

Ramona - posted on 12/20/2010

My dd is older now, but has worn tampons since her first periods. SHe is active in hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, tennis and more.

Denise - posted on 12/20/2010

My daughter started her period when she was 11. I was very upfront with her about all of her options. Wearing a pad can be very embarrassing for a young girl because boys are looking at their butts all of the time. My daughter wanted to use tampons right from the start. They do make teen size tampons. I walked through the whole process of putting it in while standing next to her in the bathroom. Incidently I also showed her how to shave and helped her the first time with it as well. You have to be there for her and be totally honest with her so that she can feel confortable about going to you with any questions pertaining to her changing body. If they feel they can approach you with any questions about any topic and know that you will always answer them honestly no matter what the bond between you and her will continue to grow. You will not only be her mom but her best friend as well. Me and my daughters are very close. I feel honored that there are no secrets between us. That's how it should be.

Julie - posted on 12/18/2010

The water pressure while you are swimming will hold back the menstrual flow. As soon as you exit the water, however, you will notice the flow beginning again,so you beter have a towel ready to wrap around you prettyquick so it is better to wear a tampon/cup during swimming. So your period doesn't stop in the water it just is not flowing from the vagina while you are in the water.

Linda - posted on 12/15/2010

My daughter's are also sporty so what i did was to supply them with a variety of sanitary wear. Then they could choose when the time was right for themselves, we had a few laughs at how tricky it was to insert a tampon!

Sherri - posted on 12/10/2010

Not to mention blood is considered bio waste. I never knew woman swam without tampons or even worse nothing at all. I am now horrified and may boycott ever public pool for the rest of my life.

Rebecca - posted on 12/10/2010

I'm sorry but its really a health issue for the kids sharing the pool if u have ur girls wear pads while swimming...their blood/ body fluids are getting into the water, and despite popular belief...chlorine, no matter how strong does not kill all that bacteria....think of it like this...if u wouldn't tell them its ok to urinate in a public pool, then its not ok to wear a pad.

ANJU - posted on 12/08/2010

hi Patty, how can one be in water while having periods...if yes could you please guide me how ?

Cindy - posted on 12/07/2010

Good point, Tammi. I did not start using tampons until I was 15 or 16. I used pads when I first started, though, at 10. I was the only one of my friends that had started, so it was a litle rough at first.

Tammie - posted on 12/07/2010

In my opinion I would wait on the tampons because her body is still developing. My little girl has started hers at age 10, and I am not in no rush to make a change. I recommend the pads because they are more comfortable.

Cindy - posted on 12/07/2010

Hm. I started early...10, myself and my mom had not talked about tampons or pads or even periods. That was alot of years ago, true. But I am with the ladies above who talk about waiting for her body to mature some. Go ahead and talk about her options, but only allow her to wear tampons if she is swimming. By the way, that's when I first started using them...when I went swimming.

April - posted on 12/07/2010

You might want to talk to her doctor. some recommend not using tampons for one to two years after their first cycle.

Rachel - posted on 12/07/2010

My daughter started her period when she was 10 years and 10 months old (YOUNG!) and they had swimming class as part of their gym class. For the first year she sat out for a week at a time because I wasn't comfortable with her wearing tampons... BUT she is also very active in sports, she plays basketball volleyball, softball... and pads were very difficult to keep in place. I finally gave in and realized it is much easier for an active girl to use tampons. She started using them the summer before she turned 12 (her bday is in November) and has been using them without a problem for about a year and a half. I told her to use pads at night to give her body a rest from the tampons. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Sharon - posted on 12/07/2010

As said before my daughter started using tampons when 10 years old. Physically speaking though she was very well developed and was already 5ft 6" in height and looked 14 years old. So for her to start using them she was to a larger degree already quite a woman....
If your child is quite physically & emotionally immature then pads would probably suit them better for a longer period of time...

Sharon - posted on 12/07/2010

Hi, my daughter started her monthlies when she was 10 years old in year 5. She started to use lilets after about her fifth period and has never looked back. The concept of using them wasnt foreign to her as she has a sister 6 years older than her.... I would say so long as she is willing them give them ago then why not offer them - She will feel so much fresher & free to enjoy sports :)

Tracy - posted on 12/07/2010

I started using tampons at age 11 - about 3 months after my periods started - and I've never looked back. My sister, cousin and I all started around the same time so we all discussed it with our mums and each other and decided it was the best course for us!! Even now I still prefer them (after 31 years!!) My daughter is 7 but has already started asking about periods etc - we've had a short talk but i've told her that when she's a bit bigger i'll tell her more about things then. She's very active too and I'll definitely be telling her about the pros and cons of tampons as early as I can. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Julie - posted on 12/06/2010

Not to shock anyone but there is a device that is a 'natural' tampon that can be used safely with very little risk of toxic shock.. it is a menstral cup that is ineserted like a tampon and catches the fluids.. without swelling and forcing it back inside .. it is then removed and washed and sterlized... enviormentally freindly and more healthy than tampons...

Debora - posted on 12/06/2010

just remember about sudden shock as the flyer warns that comes in the packages si the lightest one is best or just using pads when not in water .

Hillary - posted on 12/05/2010

My daughter has had her cycle since 8 &1/2 yrs..we started her with pads, we have talked about tampons but she's not comfortable with them so pads it is she is 11yrs now and she went on camp, I went as a helper & while there got her period so she did other activies instead of swimming like more absailing ect..as for sports it's never held her back wearing a pad,,,.we tried many differant brands & types till we found the best for her, I'm happy with her not using tampons as I feel her body has many years ahead to use them and to mature yet, hope this helps you a little & best wishes to you both.

Dee - posted on 12/03/2010

I personally would not let my 11 year old wear tampons I feel she is not older enough check with your doctor see what they say

S Detray - posted on 12/03/2010

I was one that grabbed my mom's tampons and read the instructions. She had bought me pads and I really hated them. Of course today's are a lot nicer but they are still noticeable.. both in feel and if she has a fairly heavy flow.. I always felt i could see them.. So I swiped tampons! Granted I was not 11 I was 13 but give her the option. She has seen commercials. Just let her know the risks.

Jennifer - posted on 12/03/2010

wow, I'm in the dark ages. I was always told not to use tampons until I was sexually active..times have changed

Michelle - posted on 12/02/2010

Actually, Pam, I said "until she becomes familiar w/ her cycle." I know I mentioned further examples of what I meant by that statement, but I did not intend to imply that anyone's cycle is "regular" by any means. However, realizing that her's is irregular is, in effect, becoming familiar w/ her cycle, correct? That is the message I was trying to convey.
Another note regarding Susie's comments...I've worn tampons for years & NEVER had nor even heard of many of the problems she mentioned (of course TSS, but the other things?...not so much). I've been going to the same Ob/Gyn since I was 16. I've had a number of female "issues" (e.g., at age 16 I had to have a biopsy done in an area I wasn't comfortable w/ my pediatrician doing one) & my doctor has been AMAZING in helping me address them. Therefore, I am more than confident if my tampon usage were an issue she &/or one or more of the nurses in her office would have made, at the very least, a passing comment! I am not saying the problems Susie mentioned do not exist but what I am saying is that everyone is different. I would advise discussing things w/ your daughter's health care provider.

Wendy - posted on 12/02/2010

my second daughter got her period at 11 big sister and i discussed tampon use with her and after about a year she uses tampons through the day and at night a pad. i believe in this and practise it myself just makes sence to me tampons all the time i would not recommend.... doctor recommended ob tampons as they only go in so far as comfy for her. we only buy non deodorant and she changes them after a cpl hrs ...no problems good luck :)

Sarah - posted on 12/02/2010

My daughter is 9, and hasn't started her cycle yet. However, when we discussed that it may start, I showed her all the options. I also showed her the paperwork from the tampons box to illustrate how to put it in, etc. I think it's a good idea to be open and common place about things. No secrets or bad feelings. :)
Good luck! :)
Sarah

Denise - posted on 11/27/2010

I discussed both with my daughters. I purchased both pads and tampons and let my daughters decide what was most comfortable for them. I also found this wonderful website and book that helps starts the dialogue on everthing about puberty at www.gurl.com, Hope this helps.

Susie - posted on 11/27/2010

Hold on there. First lets consider whast tampons are made from and the risk for toxic shock syndrome, especially the possibilities with a young, undeveloped immune system! Most tampons are made from viscose rayon, a highly aggressively absorbent fibre that not only is produced using toxic chlorine bleaches, but also the fibres the tampons are made from keep on absorbing even if the flow is not so much and that mean that the mucus membrane lining also can get dried out and cause fissures and cracks in the cell walls. Viscose fibfres also shed in the vagina and this means that fibres get dislodged and remain high in the cervix. Nurses doing smear tests often need to scrape away the remnant fibres before getting a clerar smear test. Also, when those fibres remain in the vagina, they are ripe for colonisation by bacteria. Tampons should not be used continually. May think about using organic cotton tampons and only when she really needs them. During the game or during swimming and then best to remove the tampon and switch to a sanitary pad for the rest of the time. Thereare ultra thin pads that are almost undetectable in the underwear, so perhaps get some samples and let her try them too. Some great information for you and your daughter here http://natracare.com/p88/en-GB/For-Paren...

Sherri - posted on 11/27/2010

Now there is no reason she can not use them the day she starts her period.

Angie - posted on 11/26/2010

I agree with Laura, also, make sure to discuss Toxic Shock Syndrome and the importance of changing her tampon every eight hours, even if it's not full.

Pam - posted on 11/26/2010

Only thing is waiting for them to get regular and such as you mention, Michelle, some kids never get regulated until they have kids sometimes.Depends on their system and what they are expereincing. I should know because mine was never regulated till after I had my son then it was regular times but after my daughter it went screwy. I would say talk to her now and explain it.With sports involved in her life now I would say tampons would be best.Pads has the bad habit of coming lose and move.

Kelly - posted on 11/24/2010

From a medical standpoint I would say that it would be okay to let her know they are an option but she should know the risks involved as well, like TSS and what it is and what could happen. I think 11 is a bit young. Maybe 14+ would be a more appropriate age.

Patty - posted on 11/24/2010

They wore a pad while swimming??? I wonder how her twin sister will manage with a pad since she is in competitive gymnastics and has to wear a bodysuit. They cannot wear shorts or track pants. Mind you, she won't start for at least a year or two as she is much smaller, even though she is also 11.

Mattie - posted on 11/24/2010

ummm...they*...sorry lol

Mattie - posted on 11/24/2010

I discussed tampons before then even started their periods so now is just fine to talk to her about it. The more open you are the better for her. I don't know of any 11 yr old that uses them though. None of their friends do ( mine are 15 and 11 now) and my oldest refuses to use them. So both used pads during swimming and just changed before and after. They didn't have issues with it all. My oldest played floor hockey and handball and my youngest played handball and they still used pads

Most girls at this age may have issues wearing tampons anyway. Their bodies are smaller and it may be uncomfortable. Most tampons are designed with teens in mind, remember, not preteens. I told my own kids to use pads until they were about 16, when the body was developed a bit more and growing may have stopped for both comfort and ease of learning how to use them.

Patty - posted on 11/24/2010

I have discussed tampons with her, she knows what they are. But not sure when most young girls start wearing them. Unfortunately none of her friends have their period yet, and her twin sister is not likely to get her period for about 2 years.

Michelle - posted on 11/24/2010

I have an 11-yr-old, too & suspect she will start hers any day now. So, I've pondered this same question myself. The answer I finally came up w/ is this: I'm going to explain to her what tampons are & how they differ from pads, but will encourage her to wait to wear tampons until she is more familiar w/ her cycle. It's important that she have a good grasp on when she starts each month, how many days her cycle tends to be, how light/heavy it is, does it begin w/ a light flow, increase, then decrease or is it light or heavy the entire time, etc., & so on. With that said, I would think that it would be something which a girl of any age would be open to using if she wanted to be able to swim while on her period. I mean, if she's uncomfortable talking about &/or considering wearing tampons, then certainly she would be uncomfortable swimming & doing other such activities w/ others while on her period, right? Just my thoughts. Good luck...and wish me some, too please! They grow up SO fast! ;-D

Laura - posted on 11/24/2010

There is nothing wrong with discussing tampons as an option with her now. My daughter hasn't started her period yet, but she knows they are an option. I have told her that for the first few months, pads would probably be more comfortable but that if she wants to she may try tampons. They can be uncomfortable when first learning how to use them so I recommend keeping the hygiene as simple and comfortable as possible.

Since she doesn't go to camp until next year, this will give you and her time to get used to useing tampons by then. The sports shouldn't matter--pads can be worn just as easily as tampons. Again, pads will be more comfortable to start with until she gets comfortable with using tampons. Hope this helps and good luck!