There are certain things your daughter must learn in life on her own. Menstrual health is one such task; specifically, teaching your daughter how to use a tampon is a personal endeavor that can make the experience more comfortable for her. When a parent buys their daughter her first box of tampons, it can feel a bit awkward, but it’s the right thing to do.
Teaching your daughter how to use a tampon may take time, patience, and a little humor. She will likely be confused and frightened, but by being open, understanding, and patient, you can help her feel at ease. So, how can you teach your daughter to use a tampon?
How to Teach Your Daughter to Use a Tampon
1. Start With The Conversation
Tampons are designed for personal hygiene, and if you haven’t already had the menstruation talk with your daughter, you should start there. As you talk to your daughter about menstruation, explain to her why it happens and how it can be managed. You can also discuss the menstrual cycle, fertility, and the biological processes that make menstruation possible.
Approach the conversation gently, and make sure to keep it age-appropriate. You want to ensure she feels comfortable asking questions, but since this is a topic she may feel a bit embarrassed about, you need to make sure the conversation is as open and non-judgmental as possible.
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2. Explain Why Tampons Are Useful
After discussing menstruation in general, you can then introduce tampons to the conversation. You should explain that tampons are an option for managing menstruation, just like pads or menstrual cups. You might even mention that some girls prefer tampons to other menstrual products, as they are less visible, easier to use during physical activity, and do not need to be changed as frequently as pads.
To help your daughter keep an open mind about the usefulness of tampons, explain that tampons are just one option available to her, and that ultimately, she gets to choose which product she wants to use.
Assure your daughter that there is no pressure to start using tampons, but that they can provide an extra level of comfort and convenience. However, it is important to note that there is no rush to use tampons, as she should only use the menstrual product that she feels most comfortable with.
3. Address Any Pain or Discomfort Concerns
A concern for many young girls is the amount of pain they may experience while inserting a tampon, especially if this is their first time. Reassure her that although it may seem a little intimidating, with the correct insertion technique, it should not be painful at all.
Assure your daughter that once the tampon is inserted correctly, she should not even feel it. However, if your daughter has specific concerns about the pain of inserting a tampon, you can also explain that the action of inserting a tampon is similar to inserting a finger into her vagina—if she is comfortable with that idea.
It’s also important to emphasize to your daughter the importance of relaxing during the process, as stress and anxiety can make it more difficult to insert a tampon. A relaxed state will make the entire experience more enjoyable.
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4. Show Her the Types of Tampons
Tampons come in all shapes and sizes, and they come with different types of applicators or no applicators at all. Show her each one and explain how they differ, along with their potential benefits and drawbacks. Tampons are usually available in four absorbency levels: light, regular, super, and super plus.
If she is new to tampons, it is always best to start with a lighter absorbency tampon and work her way up. Your daughter should also note that tampons with applicators can make the process easier. Applicator tampons have a plastic or cardboard applicator that helps guide the tampon into place. Non-applicator tampons are inserted manually.
5. Teach Her the Insertion Technique
If your daughter is ready to use a tampon, then it is time to teach her the correct tampon insertion technique. Be sure to follow these steps to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience:
Wash Hands: Before inserting the tampon, your daughter should thoroughly wash her hands to reduce the risk of bacteria being transferred to her vaginal area.
Get Comfortable: For most girls, the most common position is sitting on the toilet with legs apart. Other girls might prefer standing with one leg raised on the toilet seat or squatting. Girls can also insert a tampon while lying down, but sitting or standing are the easiest positions for most.
Unwrap the Tampon: Tampons usually come in plastic or paper wrapping. Make sure your daughter unwraps the tampon carefully.
Hold the Tampon: If your daughter is using a tampon with an applicator, she should hold the tampon at the applicator’s end (where the plunger is) and place the rounded end of the applicator at the entrance of her vagina. If she is using a non-applicator tampon, she should hold the tampon in her fingers at the bottom, as this is the part that will be inserted.
Insert the Tampon: Your daughter should now insert the tampon into her vagina, aiming slightly toward her back, as this is the most natural angle. If she is using an applicator, she should push the plunger to release the tampon inside. If she is using a non-applicator tampon, she should use her fingers to push the tampon inside her vagina.
Check the Comfort Level: Once the tampon is inside, your daughter should feel comfortable, and she should not be able to feel the tampon. If she does, it might be because the tampon is not inserted deep enough, and gently pushing it further may help.
Check the String: The string should be clearly visible outside her vagina to help with removal.
Dispose of the Applicator (If Applicable): If your daughter used an applicator, she should throw it away in the trash. You should never flush a tampon applicator, as it will get stuck in the plumbing.
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6. Teach Her When and How to Change It
Tampons should be changed regularly, usually every 4 to 8 hours. It is very important to note that a tampon should not be left in for more than 8 hours, even if it is not fully saturated. A tampon left in for too long can result in Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which can be fatal. Instruct your daughter that if she is ever unsure if her tampon needs to be changed, it is always better to err on the side of caution and change it.
Your daughter may sometimes forget if she has changed her tampon or not, which is why it is always best to develop a regular tampon-changing routine. You should also remind her not to leave a tampon in overnight.
7. Teach Her How to Remove It
As important as learning how to insert a tampon is learning how to remove it. The removal of a tampon is very easy—she should simply gently pull the string, and the tampon should slide right out. If the tampon feels stuck, your daughter should relax and try again with a deep breath. However, if she is still unable to remove the tampon, then she should visit her doctor or a healthcare professional.
Should she feel any discomfort removing a tampon, you should encourage her to slow down and take her time. It is important to wash her hands before and after each tampon change for hygiene purposes.
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8. Discuss Disposal and Hygiene
Tampons must be properly disposed of, and it is important that your daughter knows that tampons should never be flushed down the toilet. This is because tampons can cause blockages and clog the pipes. She should wrap the tampon in toilet paper and dispose of it in the trash.
9. Answer Questions and Provide Support
In all of this, there is a good chance your daughter will have many questions and may feel a little anxious about trying tampons for the first time. You should be as patient as possible and be ready to offer support at all times. Remind your daughter that she may feel awkward and unsure at first, and that it is perfectly normal for many girls to take a few tries before they feel completely comfortable. It is normal to experience a little trial and error during this learning process.
Conclusion
Teaching your daughter how to use a tampon is an important rite of passage that is vital for her independence and confidence. It is important to have an open and honest discussion with her about menstruation, tampons, and how they can be used, as well as provide support as she learns and practices.
With patience and understanding, you can help her to be more empowered and comfortable with her menstrual health and hygiene.
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