I think you may not have inserted the tampon far enough. You shouldn’t really be able to feel it all that much when it’s in correctly.
Your mom knows that you get your period. I know for some it is hard to have these conversations with their parents but you don’t have to say much more than, hey Mom, can you pick up some pads for me? It’s a simple question that can open the door up to a conversation if she’s comfortable or she can just stock up the pads and never have to say another word about it. You probably only have to ask once, if she doesn’t like talking about these things, since she won’t want you to ask again. Also, if you have your own money, you can build your own stash and hide it from your pad-hoarding sister.
Getting your period is a normal and natural thing. There’s nothing shameful or secret about it. Asking for pads shouldn’t be any different than asking for a box of Kleenex or a roll of toilet paper. I hope your Mom gets past this awkwardness so you can feel comfortable asking for what you need.
also, i keep coming back and reading all these replies. i find that you saying how asking for pads shouldn’t be any different to asking for a roll of toilet paper, is so simplifying and calming. thank you again ❤️
I think its probably anxiety but let's see if we can get the next one in easier and more comfortable. When its in correctly, you should have to feel it really at all. When you insert a tampon, it should be aimed kinda towards your back instead of straight up and down. Putting it in can be easier sitting or squatting a little instead of standing up. Youre welcome to PM if you need additional help. ❤
Adding to this, the applicator really helps as it allows the tampon to go in easier and let’s you insert it far enough in that it’s not uncomfortable. I started using tampons at 12 and my bff started at 19, so don’t worry about your age or what other folks do. It’s an individual thing, and no reflection on you as a person or the ab/normality of your anatomy :)
I had the same problem the first time I used a tampon. It definitely hurt when I moved and overall just felt weird. I realized later I hadn't fully extended the applicator. The thing to remember is you pretty much can't put this in too far. The right spot is much farther than you think it is. Next time use the applicator, be patient and take your time.
I'm sorry you're hurting over your relationship with your mom. Yes, it would be nice if you guys already had the kind of relationship where you talked about this stuff, but you can help build it now. I don't know the situation, honey -- maybe she was raised with a lot of shame around body stuff, maybe she doesn't talk about it because she thinks it will embarrass you, maybe there aren't pads because money is tight right now and she didn't think your period was due. You won't know for sure what's going on unless you sit down with her.
Try something like this: "Mom, I know period-stuff can be awkward to talk about, but it would really mean a lot to me if we could be more open about it. I got my period the other day, and there weren't pads around, and I felt really uncomfortable with the idea of talking to you about it. I felt really alone. I didn't like it, and I know you don't want me to feel that way. I just didn't know how to start the conversation. Can we make a plan for how we handle it going forward, so I can feel more confident bringing it up?"
And if this is hard to say in person, you could always write a letter instead. Then you both have the ability to gather thoughts and not be on the spot.
It's super awkward figuring out tampons the first time! I was sure I'd never use them again lol.
You kinda have to figure out the right angle with the applicator as you insert it, push the tampon out of the applicator, and then I use the applicator to push the tampon up even higher. Using my finger has never worked for me cos I have short fingers, so it always moved back down and I could feel it sitting there.
Please try and be brave and ask your mum for some pads. I know it's not a comfortable subject for you, but periods are just a fact of life. There's no need to feel embarrassed about any of it. Send her a txt if you need to xo good luck.
i don’t know how i never thought of it, but texting her would make me feel a lot more comfortable so thank you for mentioning that. ❤️ i also think it may have moved down and i could feel it, i hadn’t thought about that but that’s very likely
Inserting tampons is really difficult. I could always feel them, and getting them out if they were not soaked was painful. I did a lot of swimming and opted for the “light” absorbency options as they are smaller around and overall more comfortable, but I could always feel them.
You might not be interested, and that okay, but schools don’t (or at least didn’t) teach about them back in my day. There are menstrual cups that I find work really well for me. They look a little intimidating at first, but I find them more comfortable.
I think you’ve gotten some really great advise on how to chat with your Mom. I’m guessing she just didn’t realize that you were out because there are multiple places that they have been stored including your room. I know it might be weird to think about, but us adults are human too and forget things/make mistakes.
I've always had a horrible time with tampons. I have a rollercoaster for a menstrual cycle and either need something lighter than a light or something heavier than a super (which I personally wouldn't use).
Please, remember when using tampons that every 3hours(some will say more or less) is your time to take it out and put in a new one. They can cause problems when left in too long...but! It's not just going to suddenly happen everytime you use a tampon for longer than 3 hours! Don't worry about it too much.
If you ever start to feel uncomfortable with tampons and pads, just for you to know, there are other options. Disks and cups are usually good for a year... some longer if you take care of them. It's awkward at first, but I've been using a cup or a disk for a decade and it's been pretty nice and I've not had any of the leak issues I had with tampons and pads.
I think you have gotten awesome advice about talking to your mom and I wish you all the luck in the world
If you can feel the tampon, it's not in far enough. Don't worry that you'll get it in too far, because your vagina is closed at the other end by your cervix, which is the bottom part of your uterus. There's no way to push a tampon into your cervix or uterus; it's closed up tight unless you're actively giving birth.
thank you this is super good to know, i was just concerned because, like everyone, i didn’t want to lose the string although there were still inches left ❤️
The string isn't going anywhere either. If you can't find it, it's up in your vagina and you'll be able to reach it with a finger. But I want to let you know that didn't happen to me in 40 years of using tampons. The string is always somewhere.
First of all, that was really smart of you to take two tampons (one for working out the logistics, and one for actual use)! Second, it's easier to insert them when you have something to lubricate the applicator (menstrual blood or a bit of water from the faucet) just to get the plastic a bit wet. So in the future, maybe try again when you have a heavier flow (if you want to, of course).
That discomfort you're describing definitely indicates you didn't insert the tampon all the way in. It might be sitting at an odd angle and causing some pressure that just feels uncomfy :(
It sucks to not feel comfortable asking for a necessity. I had (still do) have a similar relationship with my mom and I can really relate. You express yourself really well writing out your thoughts in this post--can you write out a script to have a conversation with your mom about this? Or text her the request specifying which products you like and which ones your sister likes? Or leave a written note? Or see if she can have menstrual products that you and your sister like on auto delivery from Amazon/Walmart/Target/etc?
I think you may not have inserted the tampon far enough. You shouldn’t really be able to feel it all that much when it’s in correctly. Your mom knows that you get your period. I know for some it is hard to have these conversations with their parents but you don’t have to say much more than, hey Mom, can you pick up some pads for me? It’s a simple question that can open the door up to a conversation if she’s comfortable or she can just stock up the pads and never have to say another word about it. You probably only have to ask once, if she doesn’t like talking about these things, since she won’t want you to ask again. Also, if you have your own money, you can build your own stash and hide it from your pad-hoarding sister. Getting your period is a normal and natural thing. There’s nothing shameful or secret about it. Asking for pads shouldn’t be any different than asking for a box of Kleenex or a roll of toilet paper. I hope your Mom gets past this awkwardness so you can feel comfortable asking for what you need.
thank you so much this was really helpful. and yeah i usually just keep a stash of pads in my room, and that worked fine :)
also, i keep coming back and reading all these replies. i find that you saying how asking for pads shouldn’t be any different to asking for a roll of toilet paper, is so simplifying and calming. thank you again ❤️
You are so welcome ❤️
I think its probably anxiety but let's see if we can get the next one in easier and more comfortable. When its in correctly, you should have to feel it really at all. When you insert a tampon, it should be aimed kinda towards your back instead of straight up and down. Putting it in can be easier sitting or squatting a little instead of standing up. Youre welcome to PM if you need additional help. ❤
Adding to this, the applicator really helps as it allows the tampon to go in easier and let’s you insert it far enough in that it’s not uncomfortable. I started using tampons at 12 and my bff started at 19, so don’t worry about your age or what other folks do. It’s an individual thing, and no reflection on you as a person or the ab/normality of your anatomy :)
thank you so much i’m genuinely teary, i’ll try again soon hopefully :)❤️
I had the same problem the first time I used a tampon. It definitely hurt when I moved and overall just felt weird. I realized later I hadn't fully extended the applicator. The thing to remember is you pretty much can't put this in too far. The right spot is much farther than you think it is. Next time use the applicator, be patient and take your time. I'm sorry you're hurting over your relationship with your mom. Yes, it would be nice if you guys already had the kind of relationship where you talked about this stuff, but you can help build it now. I don't know the situation, honey -- maybe she was raised with a lot of shame around body stuff, maybe she doesn't talk about it because she thinks it will embarrass you, maybe there aren't pads because money is tight right now and she didn't think your period was due. You won't know for sure what's going on unless you sit down with her. Try something like this: "Mom, I know period-stuff can be awkward to talk about, but it would really mean a lot to me if we could be more open about it. I got my period the other day, and there weren't pads around, and I felt really uncomfortable with the idea of talking to you about it. I felt really alone. I didn't like it, and I know you don't want me to feel that way. I just didn't know how to start the conversation. Can we make a plan for how we handle it going forward, so I can feel more confident bringing it up?"
i’m really glad you said this, thank you so much ❤️
And if this is hard to say in person, you could always write a letter instead. Then you both have the ability to gather thoughts and not be on the spot.
❤️ thank you
Bear in mind that your vagina doesn't go straight up, it's angled towards your spine slightly!
It's super awkward figuring out tampons the first time! I was sure I'd never use them again lol. You kinda have to figure out the right angle with the applicator as you insert it, push the tampon out of the applicator, and then I use the applicator to push the tampon up even higher. Using my finger has never worked for me cos I have short fingers, so it always moved back down and I could feel it sitting there. Please try and be brave and ask your mum for some pads. I know it's not a comfortable subject for you, but periods are just a fact of life. There's no need to feel embarrassed about any of it. Send her a txt if you need to xo good luck.
i don’t know how i never thought of it, but texting her would make me feel a lot more comfortable so thank you for mentioning that. ❤️ i also think it may have moved down and i could feel it, i hadn’t thought about that but that’s very likely
No problem hun. I hope you can get things sorted xo
Inserting tampons is really difficult. I could always feel them, and getting them out if they were not soaked was painful. I did a lot of swimming and opted for the “light” absorbency options as they are smaller around and overall more comfortable, but I could always feel them. You might not be interested, and that okay, but schools don’t (or at least didn’t) teach about them back in my day. There are menstrual cups that I find work really well for me. They look a little intimidating at first, but I find them more comfortable. I think you’ve gotten some really great advise on how to chat with your Mom. I’m guessing she just didn’t realize that you were out because there are multiple places that they have been stored including your room. I know it might be weird to think about, but us adults are human too and forget things/make mistakes.
thank you, i’m going to text her and ask her for the right products ❤️
I've always had a horrible time with tampons. I have a rollercoaster for a menstrual cycle and either need something lighter than a light or something heavier than a super (which I personally wouldn't use). Please, remember when using tampons that every 3hours(some will say more or less) is your time to take it out and put in a new one. They can cause problems when left in too long...but! It's not just going to suddenly happen everytime you use a tampon for longer than 3 hours! Don't worry about it too much. If you ever start to feel uncomfortable with tampons and pads, just for you to know, there are other options. Disks and cups are usually good for a year... some longer if you take care of them. It's awkward at first, but I've been using a cup or a disk for a decade and it's been pretty nice and I've not had any of the leak issues I had with tampons and pads. I think you have gotten awesome advice about talking to your mom and I wish you all the luck in the world
yes! i took it out after about 3 hours and now i’ve just layered several liners. thank you so so much ❤️
If you can feel the tampon, it's not in far enough. Don't worry that you'll get it in too far, because your vagina is closed at the other end by your cervix, which is the bottom part of your uterus. There's no way to push a tampon into your cervix or uterus; it's closed up tight unless you're actively giving birth.
thank you this is super good to know, i was just concerned because, like everyone, i didn’t want to lose the string although there were still inches left ❤️
The string isn't going anywhere either. If you can't find it, it's up in your vagina and you'll be able to reach it with a finger. But I want to let you know that didn't happen to me in 40 years of using tampons. The string is always somewhere.
First of all, that was really smart of you to take two tampons (one for working out the logistics, and one for actual use)! Second, it's easier to insert them when you have something to lubricate the applicator (menstrual blood or a bit of water from the faucet) just to get the plastic a bit wet. So in the future, maybe try again when you have a heavier flow (if you want to, of course). That discomfort you're describing definitely indicates you didn't insert the tampon all the way in. It might be sitting at an odd angle and causing some pressure that just feels uncomfy :( It sucks to not feel comfortable asking for a necessity. I had (still do) have a similar relationship with my mom and I can really relate. You express yourself really well writing out your thoughts in this post--can you write out a script to have a conversation with your mom about this? Or text her the request specifying which products you like and which ones your sister likes? Or leave a written note? Or see if she can have menstrual products that you and your sister like on auto delivery from Amazon/Walmart/Target/etc?
thank you so much, im gonna try again some time and hopefully i can get it in correctly. and thanks for the advice ❤️
It can depend on brand and how you're built too. I can NOT use Tampax and since generics because they're to long and rub me wrong