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female
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anonymous
writes: My mum is really great and has told me all about sex and periods and everything, but I still cringe when she talks about it to me. I'm worried that when I start my period, I will be too shy to tell my mum about it, and what if I start at school? If I'm too shy to talk to my mum who's been through it all with me, I'll be WAY too embarassed to talk to a teacher/school nurse. Also, what are pads and tampons, is there a difference? How do you insert them? Can a tampon really get stuck inside you? Do any agony aunts get laughed at when they go out and buy pads? I'm afraid I will. My last question is, which is better for me when I first start, tampons or pads? Can I use a pad forever? I'm really worried about using tampons.
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female
reader, softballcutie  +, writes (11 March 2011):
i got my period a couple months ago. my mom still doesnt know. i am too shy to tell her. I only told my school nurse and she gives me pads and stuff. my bestfriend hasn't got hers and so i am afraid to tell them because they might not get what it is.but go ahead, tell your school nurse. she will understand. my school nurse is the one who talks to us about itjust go ahead tell your school nurse
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (19 November 2006): ok calm down incase you start at school i'd take a pad to school and a tampon is inserted whilst a pad just sticks to your underwear and when you first start you should use a pad and don't worry about telling your mum she won't laugh she went through the same thing as you and its really unlikely ofr a tampon to get stuck inside you and you change them evry 4-8 hours. `its normal to buy pad/tampons so no one will laugh at you or just get your mum to buy you them and you can use pads forever its doesnt make a difference.
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female
reader, Wendyg  +, writes (6 September 2006):
 To the last anon poster.... You need to go to the doctor.. they can remove it (if it definately is inside and you didnt already remove it) It shouldnt cause you any damage, but you need to get it removed as soon as so that you dont get an infection.. Please make an appointment now to get this taken out. Doctors will have come across this before so dont worry, but do go along and get this removed, it cant go to far as it will be stopped right at the top, there is no where else for it to go, so dont worry about that, its easier for a doctor to see and remove.
Take care x x
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (6 September 2006): ive got a worry of my own i think a tampon i stuck inside me i cudnt remember whether id removed it so i checked and it wasnt there but then i thought again and i had sworn i hadnt removed it so i checked far up and i think its really far uo inside me but i cant reach it im really really worried wt shud i do?
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female
reader, kristinp +, writes (2 September 2006):
I used to be scared to but just rember it a natual thing you should be more sacred of not ever having one then having one.It will all be all right
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (2 September 2006): im scared too!
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (2 September 2006): HEY IM GOING THROUGH THE SAME PROBLEM IM SCARED TOO! BUT JUST KNOW YOUR FRIENDS WILL BE THERE FOR YOU
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reader, anonymous, writes (3 August 2006): hii there. ok so im 12 and i got my period a couple months ago, and i first got it at the beach! I didnt notice until i got home and it was all brown in my bathingsuit bottom. I had gone swimming in the ocean and stuff so i just figured maybe sand got in my bathing suit or something. then i just put on a new pare of underwear and forgot about it. they next day, i went out for pizza with my friend and when i went to the bathroom i found out that i still had that thing! and i figured that it must be my period! When I was in the bathroom i just tuffted some tolliet paper in my underwear and told my best friend only. after that i started using pads and I still havent tried to use a tampon, but I know im going to need one because well I'm positive I should get it again by the end of the summer and I will be going swimming because I go almost everyday. I'm a little nervous about that actually but its okay. So back to my story, a week later I told my mom and I told her not to make a big deal so she didnt. I'm sure she told some of my female family members but they havent mensioned it to me so I dont really care. Anyway around a month later I was having a sleepover with some of my friends and one of my friends said she had hers so I admited it too! Turns out that we both had it all along! So far I've been fine with my period but it was a little annoying considering I got it in June and I wanted to go swimming! Anyway I'm sure everything will work out fine with yours! Best of luck.x
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (31 July 2006): i was 9 when i got my first period and it was the most awful thing that happened to me i had a white skirt and white knickers on at the time and if it wasent for my friend i dont kn ow what i would have done .It was in the middle of the cinama and my friend said to me heres some money go into the toilet and put it in the mashine and get a pad so i did and then i had to cover the back of my skirt until i got to my grans house .i cried for most of the remainder of the nigh but u will be fine now i use pads and tampons i prefer pads but i dont have a choice i have to were tampons so it doesent leak during p.e. and so i can go swimming ming u im the only one out of all 8 of my rteally close friends who weres um.Best of luck.milly 13
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (31 July 2006): My very first period i used a pad but then we were going on holiday the next month so my mum said i should try tampons so i did and for about a year i went on whering them but now i prefer pads the only down side is that im heavy so when i do come on i have to change my pad after each lesson which is sometimes less than an hour .
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (3 June 2006): i started mine 2 months ago and im only 13 , i am still embarresed to talk 2 anyone but i did , it wasn't that bad!!!
the only thing i hate about having a period is going 2 school , i try 2 have time off and that but that doesnt always work!
i use pads and there eaiser i think than tampons. you can get pads with a wet wipe thing to "freshen up " on the back and that. there are many type of pads aand you shoujd uas the 1 that is most comfertable.
hope i helped a little bit xox
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (30 March 2006): i have just started my period and i dont know when im gonna come off and how long your suppose to be on so im scared
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (19 March 2006): Hi there.... don't be worried. I am 28 years old now and I can still remember getting my period for the first time. I was at school, it was lunch time and I discovered I'd started in the toilet, I got caught short with nothing, so the school nurse gave me something, so my advice carry something with you. When I got home I just sat down near my mum and said "Well I finally started today", to which she congratulated rang my grandma to tell her I was now grown up, ask me if I was okay with anything then gave me some money to go to the chemist! My first trip to the chemist was awful, I didn't have a clue, very old fashioned choice when I was 13! My advice pop into town and get something now so you don't get caught out.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (26 February 2006): hey ; ) .. first Of all.. theres a difference between pads and tampons; .. pads are a device that are placed in ur ''underwear'' lOl and they catch ur period as it comes out of ur body. Tampons are placed in ur body and catch the blood before it flows out of your bodY. Also, if u tell your mother when u start ur period, it wont be a problem ;).. shes been threw it all and she understands what your going through and she will know what to do : ) .. aLso.. if u insert a tampon correctly, it wont get stuck inside you : ) just make sure the string is hanging out and visible : ).. Just remember that every girl goes thru this at some point in their lives, its perfectly normal, and shows that ur growing healthy and strong : ) k i hoped this helped you hun! xo byeSaraa 3
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (25 February 2006): Thanks everyone who has given me advice on this, you've all really helped, and knowing you've all felt the same way as I did is a huge relief. I feel way more confident about starting now, and hearing about all your first experiences, talking to my mum should be no problem! Thanks again, lots of love, xxxxx.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (24 February 2006): hiya when i was getting close to starting my period i was really scared but when i did i wasnt scared to tell my mom it is always good to tell ur mom because it is signs of u growing up into a young women so be scared it is fine
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female
reader, Kitty_Kat_Angel +, writes (24 February 2006):
I started at school and if u dont have majorly heavy periods its fine becuase you can just use rolled up toilet paper to stop it staining or sumthing till u get home. Dont worry bout it, it'll be fine.I dont like tampons very much cos i dont like the idea of them and ive hurt they can get stuck. i always use pads and they work just aswell and are not a health risk at all.But if u use tampons dont worry, they are 99% safe!
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reader, Sweetie Pie +, writes (24 February 2006):
 Hey.I know how worried u r!I had my first period about 3 months ago.It happened during school and i was wearing white pants!I didn't even know i had my period until i came home and went to the bathroom!I remember seeing the blood and screaming!!!All i can tell u is relax and yes u have to tell ur mom about it or else you will be lost!And to answer ur last question u should use pads for ur first few periods.You'll use the tampons when ur going to play a sport or go swimming.Good Luck and Don't Worry You'll Be Fine!!!
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reader, ladybaby +, writes (23 February 2006):
This is me 13 years ago! Bless you! Firstly, who to tell. I was exactly the same as you - the thought of telling my mother horrified me, but telling a stranger (like the school nurse) was for some reason, so much easier (maybe because I knew I wouldn't have to sit down for tea with her that evening). I asked her if she'd ring Mum and tell her, which she did - thankfully! Just make sure you have a pad in your bag.As for pads and tampons - if you feel too embarrassed to go out and buy them by themselves, get them the same time you'll get your deoderant, shampoo or whatever, and go to a till with a woman on it - we've all been there! Or just ask your mother if she'd mind getting them (by this the nurse may have told her and will be thinking of picking some up for you anyway)As for tampons or pads... start off with pads, and when you feel ready, move onto tampons slowly, starting with the lowest flow first, carry on using a pad if you feel more comfy, but follow the instructions carefully, and before long it'll be second nature!
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female
reader, Jadzia1127 +, writes (22 February 2006):
 Everyone here is right, talk to your mother. All of us women have been right where you are, and your mother wants to help you. The only thing I want to add is the medical evidence, research and warnings of pads or the tampon. Both pads and tampons are a playground for bacterial growth so change them often. If it starts to noticably smell, bacteria is growing. A pad will alert you quicker to bacterial growth by developing an unpleasant smell faster. The tampon isn't exposed to as much air but will grow bacteria just as fast. The bacteria growth of a tampon can cause infertility, bladder infection, yeast infections and other nasty things. The bacteria of a pad can cause a yeast infection, or bladder infection but not infertility. There are documented cases of tampons getting lost and the build up of bacteria causing really bad and even fatal side effects, but it is rare. The only cases are of woman using more then one tampon at a time for a heavy flow day and not removing all of them. It is safer to use a tampon with a pad on heavy flow days. This is the nitty gritty of feminine products. Your mother or doctor needs to help you determine your needs.
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female
reader, sam12344321 +, writes (22 February 2006):
 there's no need to be afraid of starting your periods, every woman has them and it just shows you have become a woman, i've known a few girls who are afarid to tell thier parents infact i was too at the time.Pads are towels that you place in your knickers to prevent leaking, and tampons are inserted, these are ideal for girls who have started thier periods more than 6 months, a tampon cannot get stuck as it has no where else to go.I hope this has been a little help for you.
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female
reader, beenthere +, writes (22 February 2006):
yes you can use a pad forever. yes tampons can get stuck. whichever is most comfortable for you is the best. i personally have always used pads and don't like the idea of tampons but some people prefer them for several reasons. i think if you have heavy periods, you will probably be better of with pads. nobody gets laughed at when they buy them. if you start heavy, it might be obvious! ask your mum to get an extra pack when she gets hers(assuming she still needs them)and keep one or two in a bag or pocket wherever you go. you'll get used to carrying them around and there'll be there as soon as you need them. a friend of mine is still embarrassed about periods now(she's 25)but, ofcourse, she has had to get used to buying and wearing pads as you will.
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reader, Bev Conolly  +, writes (22 February 2006):
 First of all, you shouldn't worry that anyone will laugh at you for anything as mundane as menstruation. It's not a personal failing to have periods and if anyone else wanted to make an issue of something that normal, I'd think they were a few sandwiches short of a picnic, personally.
And no, no one will laugh when you buy tampons or pads. That'd be as bizarre as someone laughing because you had to buy toothpaste -- Can you imagine a checkout lady saying, "Ha! You brush your teeth, don't you, loser?" -- or toilet paper ("No one else ever has to pee. You must be weird!") Since ALL women have to buy feminine hygiene products, it's honestly not the least bit notable to shop staff.
If you think that you might get your period at school, then take the precaution of packing a pad into a pocket of your school bag, or putting one in your locker. I'm sure that your mum will understand if you ask her to let you have a couple, so you don't get caught out when it happens. As you get older, it gets to be a reflex to have tampons or pads in your handbag, in your desk, in your locker... because you just never know when it might surprise you. You'll find lots of other girls do the same thing.
As to the difference, pads are worn on the outside. They usually have adhesive that sticks to your underwear. Tampons are inserted a little ways into your vagina. Pads are usually easier when you're young, but the disadvantage is that they can shift around and leak, and you have to remove them to shower or swim. Tampons can be a bit fiddly to learn to insert (no, they can't get "lost". If you squat down, you can always feel the tip of it and find the string.) but have the advantage of being a bit more discreet. You'll probably try both and decide that each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
You can use a pad forever if you want to. In fact, as a matter of historical interest, tampons were only invented around 60 years ago, so women have, for tens of thousands of years, only had the option of pads.
Hope this helps a little, but don't forget that your mum can give you lots of help. You don't always have to have a Big Talk about it. Sometimes, it might just be a quick question she can answer for you.
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reader, anonymous, writes (22 February 2006): First of all, you're going to have to tell your mum when you get your period because she will go out and buy you what you need (pads etc.)Secondly, don't worry about it happening at school. even if it does happen your flow won't be noticably heavy so people won't notice it through your clothes or anything. you don't see people your age with blood stains on their clothes do you? It is most likely to happen when yu wake up in the morning, so it can all be dealt with before school.Finally, pads and tampons are very different. You stick a pad onto the inside of your underwear to catch the blood. Tampons go up inside the vagina, but there's no need to start using them until you're ready, if at all. Pads are better when your period first starts.hope i helped xx
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female
reader, moonkitten83 +, writes (22 February 2006):
 hey, u remind me of how i felt when i was younger... Starting your period is a really daunting thing! I was only 10 when i got my first period! It was one of the scariest moments of my life and I cried my eyes out! And guess who the best person was to talk about it with... my mum! She was great about the whole thing, and even took me shopping to buy what i needed! Trust me don't be embarrased to talk to ur mum about this or anyone at school if it starts there, periods are a perfectly normal, natural thing and you should never be embarrased by them! As far as pads/tampons are concerned... yes there is a difference: pads u simply attach to your underwear and tampons can be inserted either by applicators or simply on their own (all of these come with really useful leaflets on insertion and have questions and answers on the leaflet to help if you're a bit confused!) It's very rare that tampons ever get stuck inside you - I've been using them for about 10 years now and i've had no problems! Don't worry at all about buying pads or tampons, you don't need to be embarrased at all and no you won't be laughed at - it's perfectly normal...! Finally it's completely your choice which you use first, I personally started using pads at first and then progressed onto applicator tampons. you can use pads or tampons for ever if you want to until/if ever you feel ready to try tampons.I hope this has helped, and really you have nothing to feel worried or embarrased about at all! And listen to your mum, despite it being a little embarrasing she knows alot about this stuff (as did mine) and can really be there for you - because no matter how prepared you are it can come as a bit of a shock and it's nice to have someone there to support you when it does!good luck babe x
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