Is twelve to young to use a tampon?

Answer 1

If you have started menstruating, it is never too early to try tampons. It can be uncomfortable at first, but many females prefer tampons over pads once they get used to them. If you want to try them, read the box (there are helpful pictures), and don't get discouraged if it doesn't seem to work well right away. It takes some practice.

Answer 2

Ideally 13 year olds would use safer options like pads, menstrual cups, or softcups - at 13 years old a woman is at significantly higher risk of Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) so tampons aren't recommended.

If a 13 year old uses tampons then what tampons they use depends on their needs and personal preference. Ideally they should use cotton tampons such as Emerita or Natracare which are safer than rayon tampons such as Tampax or Playtex, and lowest absorbency for their flow to reduce TSS risks.

Answer 3

A 12 year old would use tampons the same way as any other woman would. Although tampons aren't recommended to pre-teens or teens due to higher risk of TSS, even if responsible enough to use tampons correctly the risks of TSS are still higher due to lowered immunity to TSST-1 toxins. It's best for someone who is 12 years old to use pads at first, then consider a small menstrual cup like a Ladycup or MeLuna which is far safer than tampons.

Answer 4

Ideally a 12 year old shouldn't be using tampons at all - even if they are mature enough to understand the health risks and follow precautions to reduce those risks, pre-teens and teens are at far greater risk of TSS than older women so it's recommended they don't use tampons at all.

Ideally a 12 year old who menstruates should start with pads, and if they want to use internal options they should consider safe options like menstrual cups - small brands like MeLuna or Ladycup are best. If they do still want to use tampons then they should use cotton tampons such as Emerita, Cottons, Maxim, or Natracare which are far safer than rayon tampons like Tampax, Playtex, or Kotex which pose significantly higher risks of TSS.

Answer 5

A 12 year old can use tampons, but it's not recommended.

Pre-teens and teens are at higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) as they're less likely to have antibodies to the TSST-1 toxin responsible for TSS and their vaginal tissues may be more delicate so more likely to tear, this allows TSST-1 toxins direct access to the bloodstream so higher TSS risk. Often younger people are less likely to understand the risks of tampon use and follow precautions to reduce those risks, so whether a 12 year old can use tampons or not depends on how mature they are. It's best to use menstrual pads or menstrual cups, both are safer and cups make periods easier.

Answer 6

Tampons are not recommended to pre-teens or teens.

Tampons can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) - the risks are higher in pre-teens and teens because your vagina is more delicate so more prone to tears that allow TSST-1 toxins responsible into your bloodstream, and you're less likely to have TSST-1 toxins. It's best to use pads to begin with, then if you want to use internal options opt for menstrual cups as they are safer and make periods easier.

Answer 7

Tampons aren't generally recommended to 12 years olds given additional health risks.

If you do use tampons it's a good idea to AVOID rayon brands like Tampax as these pose significantly higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, as well as other risks due to the rayon and chemical treatments used upon the rayon - it's best to use cotton brands like Maxim, Moxie, Natracare, or Cottons.

Always use lowest absorbency for your flow - use light absorbency during heaviest point in your period, if it leaks within 1-2 hours try the next absorbency up, if not saturated after 4-6 hours use lower absorbency or if using lowest absorbency switch to pads as flow is too light for tampons.

Opt for non-applicator - the only purpose of applicators is to limit genital contact, the idea that they make insertion easier is completely false, non-applicator are simpler and allow you to feel for resistance to guide into place easier. All applicators do is add yet most waste to disposable tampons.

Answer 8

Ideally a twelve year old should consider safer options rather than tampons - for example menstrual pads, or if they want to use internal options menstrual cups are not only safer but also improve body-literacy and are more convenient so make menstruation easier for younger girls in school.

Tampons are not recommended to younger women due to the higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome - even if responsible enough to follow precautions, younger women have more delicate vaginal tissues and are also less likely to have TSST-1 antibodies. If a twelve year old does use tampons it's important to opt for cotton brands such as Maxim, Cottons, or Natracare rather than rayon tampons like Tampax, Playtex, or Kotex, they should also always use the lowest possible absorbency.

Answer 9

To wear a tampon is a personal choice, being a nurse I would suggest the young girl talk about her options with her guardian and try it out to see what's the most comfortable for her.

Answer 10

That depends on light or heavy the menstrual period is.