A
female
age
22-25,
anonymous
writes:Please help. My friends mum is taking me, her and her 8 year old sister on holiday tomorrow we'll be going swimming in a really cool pool too but I started my period 2 days ago I can't cancel as she already paid. I can't use tampons. I tried but it wouldn't go in. We NEVER discuss periods and I'm too embarrassed to explain HELP
View related questions:
on holiday, period, tampon Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (22 August 2013): Tampons come in different sizes so pick the smallest. Remember you have to really take a deep breath and try to relax before you insert it. I'd recommend wearing one just a couple of hours before swimming so that you get used to it as it feels very weird to start of with. Then get a fresh one before swimming.
Talk to your mum about this and she'll help you out! I know It's awkward but hey, it's life. It's perfectly normal like eating and sleeping. Or if you really can't swim, I'm sure your friend's mum will understand if you tell her.
Ps. Please read the instructions carefully before using tampons. Remember to take it out within the time specified because you could get horrible infections if you keep it in for longer than recommended so keep an eye on the clock and remember to carry a few extra just in case you have to try a few times before you manage to insert one.
Good luck!
A
female
reader, babyzbird  +, writes (22 August 2013):
 I'm sorry hon but using a pad in a pool is not going to work.
I remember feeling embarrassed and upset because I couldn't use tampons either and my siblings would end up swimming without me.
I know it's embarrassing but your friend's Mom has periods too and knows what it is like. It would be better for you if you just explained you were on your period.
If you really feel to shy to explain then you can always say you are not feeling well.
Good Luck!
...............................
A
female
reader, Aunty Babbit  +, writes (22 August 2013):
 This is so unfair isn't it?
Using a tampon is really the only reliable way to be able to swim whilst on a period but I appreciate they can be a bit tricky when you first start.
Did you use the smallest, slimmest tampons available, they have been manufactured for younger ladies and those who are still virgins. Make sure you buy the ones with an applicator because they are really much easier when you're beginning. Use a lubricant, like KY jelly and smear it on the applicator at the rounded end that you'll insert and apply a little to your vagina. This should make insertion easier.
Lying down the first few times can help (if they're is somewhere appropriate of course) and so can using a mirror to help you aim right :)
Tilt the applicator towards your back slightly, not straight up (because we're not made that way). There may be a little resistance but it shouldn't hurt.
Once the applicator is in and your fingers are against your body slowly push the bottom tube so that it slides inside the first one. This will deposit the tampon inside you. Both applicators will come out easily.
Removing the tampon is just a matter of pulling slowly and carefully on the string.
If you're not completely comfortable with them only use them for swimming.
If this doesn't help or you're just not comfortable with it then your only alternative is to mention it privately to either your mum or your friends mum. Your period should only last a few more days so might not be the problem you think it will be.
I hope things work out x
...............................
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (22 August 2013): The thing you have to remember is your friend's mum has a period, you need not feel embarrassed at all. Just ask for a quiet word with her and tell her honestly you started your period. She won't be mad. She will fully understand. We all have had periods at awkward times in our lives, and while you are young they can be unpredictable. Just tell her. She'll understand and you won't have to go into detail. Just a simple, I'm on my period and not sure if i can go swimming. You could tell your parents and get them to tell your friend's mum.
...............................
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (22 August 2013): I can really, really relate to you on this. I'm 17, got my period when I was 10 and couldn't use tampons until I was 16. They terrified me, and I could never get them in. Unfortunately, there's really no way you can go swimming on your period without a tampon- I know from experience! I tried going in once without a pad on and ended up just with red streaks running down my leg and it was so embarrassing; I've also tried wearing a pad in the pool with shorts on and it absorbed so much water and felt SO nasty, it was actually disgusting. If you've tried to put in a tampon and it hurts or just simply wont go in, you just have to "explore" so to say. It's your own body, don't be embarrassed to feel around or look in a mirror down there to help you out. I suggest don't wipe yourself after you pee, just put the tampon in and then wash your hands super good after. Don't be afraid to try a few times, and I KNOW it's hard but try your best to relax- put on music maybe? You can also literally google or YouTube "how to put in a tampon". I really hope this helped, I know how hard it is and I was so incredibly scared to put in a tampon for six years. I missed out on beaches, lakes, pools, all of it. Now that I was forced to learn how to use one this summer (I'm a lifeguard) I can genuinely say its not so awful. I wish you the best of luck!! If you ultimately can't get it, it's not the end of the world. Just keep trying :)
...............................
|
