As your daughter becomes more familiar with her periods, she may become curious about using tampons. Here's our guide to help her understand how to use tampons comfortably and confidently.
Most girls use pads to manage their first few periods, however as they become more familiar with their flow and menstrual cycle, they may eventually feel ready to make their own choices and try tampons.
By having an open conversation with your daughter about tampons, you're helping to remove the mystery around internal period protection. This honest dialogue ensures that she feels informed and confident, so she won't resort to using tampons without proper guidance or in an unfamiliar situation, like a friends' sleepover.
There really is no 'right or 'wrong' age for your teen to try tampons, once her period has arrived.
Instead, it depends on individual development, comfort, and an understanding of how to use them safely.
Whilst some may feel ready to use tampon for their first period, we feel that it's a good idea to use pads for the first 5-6 periods, this allows your daughter to get used to her flow and cycle, ensuring she selects the correct absorbency to manage her period.
Most girls start their periods around ages 12-13, some may start earlier. If your daughter has begun menstruating, it could be a good time to introduce tampons, even if she’s not yet ready to use them.
If your daughter is the one to approach the subject of tampons, that’s a sign she might be ready. If she feels comfortable and curious about them, it's a good time to talk about it.
You could ask her why she wants to try tampons, to understand her perspective and address any concerns she might have. She should feel confident about using them, so if she’s still unsure or uncomfortable, there’s no need to rush.
Some girls just like to know all about tampons before they take the next step and it's important that she feels physically and emotionally ready if her first tampon experience is to be a positive one
Be supportive and open: Let her know there’s no rush. You can say something like, “If you feel ready to try tampons, we can give it a go. Some girls find them easier once they’ve used them a few times.”
Address concerns: If she’s anxious about discomfort, reassure her. “It might feel strange at first, but once you get the hang of it, you might find it more comfortable. You can always start by trying a small tampon, which might feel easier.”
Look at products together: Even before your daughter tries tampons, it's a good idea to let her see a tampon, share with her the different absorbencies available and how to open it, and what it feels like to hold.
The key is to maintain an open dialogue and let her know that it’s okay to take things at her own pace.
When You Want More Freedom and Comfort
Tampons are great when your daughter may feel self-conscious about wearing bulky pads and wants to move around freely without worrying about pads shifting.
Once inserted properly, she won’t even feel them, and they let her wear fitted clothes or underwear without bulkiness.
During Sports and Physical Activities
If your teen plays sports, goes swimming, or does activities like dance or gymnastics, tampons can be a really good option. Unlike pads, which can move around or feel uncomfortable when you’re active, tampons stay in place and absorb blood from inside the body.
When She Wants to Swim
One of the first times your teen may consider wearing a tampon is when she has to go swimming. Once of the best things about tampons is that they allow you to swim during your period. Pads don’t work in water because they absorb liquid from the pool or ocean, but tampons stay inside your body and won’t be affected by the water.
For Overnight Protection (If Changed Before Bed)
Some people prefer tampons at night because they stay in place while you sleep. But it's important to remember that you should never wear a tampon for more than 8 hours, so if your daughter sleeps longer than that, it’s better to use a pad instead.
Yes, most girls' anatomy is physically ready to use tampons during their teenage years. By the time girls reach their teens, their bodies have typically developed enough for tampon use, particularly if they have started menstruating.
The vagina naturally expands and can accommodate a tampon, and the hymen (a thin membrane at the entrance of the vagina) is not an obstacle for tampon use, as it can be stretchy or may not fully cover the vaginal opening.
Talking to your daughter about what tampons are made of, what formats they come in and how they work is important if they are to have a positive first experience. Explain that tampons are made from a cotton like material that is compressed into a small shape, that unlike pads are worn inside the vagina to collect menstrual fluid.
There are two different types of tampon formats, known as applicator and non-applicator types. These offer your daughter a choice about how she wishes to insert them.
With a non-applicator tampon you can guide it into place using your fingers. They are generally more compact and environmentally friendly than applicator tampons.
SmartFit™ Non-Applicator Mini Tampons SmartFit™ Non-Applicator Tampons – RegularWith an applicator tampon they come with a plastic or cardboard tube that you use instead of your fingers. The tubes have been designed to push the tampon into place for you.
SmartFit™ Applicator Mini Tampons SmartFit™ Applicator Regular Tampons
This would be a great time to have some examples you can both open and look at.
Explain that once inserted tampons all work in the same way to capture menstrual blood from inside the body.
For those new to tampons, suggest they begin with a smaller size tampon (often labelled "regular" or "mini").
Smaller tampons are generally easier to use, and they can experiment to see what feels best and always use a liner as a back-up until they understand what absorbency works best to manage their flow.
It's important to choose the right absorbency for the amount of blood your daughter releases, so she will feel comfortable and be leak free.
It's helpful for her to understand how to choose the appropriate tampon absorbency for her flow.
Flow Changes Throughout the Day: It's likely that your daughter's flow will change from day to day, for example heavier on days 2 or 3 and getting lighter towards the end of her period, so having a choice of absorbencies is a good idea.
You can explain that using a tampon with the highest absorbency when it’s not necessary can be uncomfortable and unnecessary. If you don’t need a super absorbent tampon, there’s no need to use one. Stick with the one that feels most comfortable."
Let your child know that choosing the right absorbency takes practice. If she’s ever unsure, encourage her to try different absorbencies to see what feels most comfortable, and remind her she can always ask questions.
Your daughter's choice of tampon format is all about what feels right for her, some people like applicators and some prefer non-applicator tampons.
Like anything new using tampons can take a bit of practice so reassure your daughter that it's nothing to worry about if she doesn't get it right first time.
To use a tampon, explain you gently insert it into your vagina, in a slanting direction towards the base of the spine, and the importance of making sure it’s in the right place so that it’s comfortable and she can’t feel it.
When she's ready to remove the tampon, you just pull the string attached to it, and it comes out easily. If the tampon feels tightly held, leave in a little longer, but never longer than 8 hours, and suggest she switches down to a lower absorbency.
Reassure her that if inserted correctly tampons should never hurt. If it feels uncomfortable, it might not be in the right place, and she should try again with a fresh tampon, or insert the tampon a little higher with her finger.
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How To Use A TamponIt’s important to go through the instruction and usage leaflet with your daughter before she uses her first tampon, and this leaflet should be kept as a reminder for future reference.
As you read the leaflet it's very important to emphasise washing your hands before and after using a tampon, practicing tampon hygiene is one of the first things you should discuss.
The leaflet will explain that you need to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours, depending on how heavy your period is and to never leave a tampon in for too long because it can cause an infection called Toxic Shock Syndrome, which is very rare, but serious.
That's why it's really important to change them regularly.
Finally, let your daughter know that it’s totally okay to take her time deciding if she wants to use tampons.
Some people love them right away, while others prefer pads or a mix of both. The most important thing is that she chooses what works best for her and feels comfortable and confident during her period.
Never pressure your daughter to try tampons. It’s important that she feels both physically and emotionally ready. Every girl is different, and she should be able to make her own decision when it comes to choosing the right period product for her, and some girls just like pads!
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No, if your daughter has started her period, she is physically able to use them. The most important thing is whether she feels ready and comfortable. Some girls prefer to start with pads and transition to tampons later, while others may want to try tampons right away.
Yes, tampons are completely safe when used correctly. The key is to follow the instructions, choose the right absorbency, and change the tampon every 4–8 hours. Teaching her proper tampon use will help her feel confident and avoid any risks.
Some girls may feel pressure to use tampons because their friends do. It’s important to remind her that this is a personal choice, and she should only use tampons if she feels comfortable and ready.
No, a tampon cannot get lost inside the body. The entrance to the uterus via the cervix is way too small to allow a tampon to pass through.
No, tampons should not hurt when inserted correctly. If they do, it may mean they are not positioned properly or she is using an absorbency that’s too high for her flow.
Yes, as long as she follows the time guidelines. A tampon should never be worn for more than 8 hours, so if she sleeps longer than that, it’s better to use a pad overnight.
Yes, using tampons does not affect a girl’s virginity. Virginity is a personal and cultural concept that refers to whether someone has engaged in sexual activity—not whether they use tampons. It's important to reassure your daughter that using tampons is simply a way to manage her period—it has nothing to do with virginity.
TSS is extremely rare, but your daughter should understand how to reduce her chances of contracting this disease. Maybe share our blog on this subject so she understands the important of reading the leaflet held inside every pack of tampons - What Is TSS?
