Do your teenage daughter's activities come to a halt when she gets her period? Have you ever thought about getting her started on tampons? Tampons can be a great convenience during those cumbersome days, but only if they are used carefully. There are certain precautions one needs to keep in mind, and certain risks involved if tampons are worn carelessly. Read on for answered to some important questions, so you can make an informed choice about whether you should encourage your daughter to start wearing tampons.

Will my daughter lose her virginity if she starts wearing tampons?

For most mothers and daughters, this is the primary concern regarding tampon use. It is important to know that your daughter will NOT lose her virginity by wearing tampons made by reputed companies like Tampax and OB. The hymen is a thin, flexible layer that partially covers the opening of the vagina. It does not completely cover the opening, as there is a small gap to let menstrual fluid out. The tampon can easily slip through this gap without breaking the hymen.

Can my daughter swim when wearing the tampon?

Yes, your daughter can go for a swim when wearing a tampon, which is why tampons are such a blessing if she is a regular swimmer or if you are on a holiday where you have access to the beach or a swimming pool. Your daughter will not need to miss out on the fun just because she has her period. In fact she can shower, bathe and urinate without having to remove the tampon.

When should she wear a tampon?

She should wear a tampon only after she has started her cycle, and not before. Tampons should never be worn if there is only slight spotting or little to no bleeding. They should only be worn when the flow has properly started. Similarly, they should not be worn on those days of her cycle when there is very little bleeding.

How will she know if she has inserted it properly?

If it has been completely inserted, she will not be able to feel anything. If she feels that she has something between her legs when she walks or sits, she has not inserted it completely. She will need to push an  deep in. A good way to gauge how far she should push it would be that the entire tampon, as well as her entire finger, should have been inserted into the vagina. Instructions on inserting it will be on the packet. She should know that it may take around half an hour to forty-five minutes the first time she tries inserting it, but after a couple of times it will not take her more than a few seconds.

How long can she wear the tampon?

The tampon should never be worn for more than eight hours at a stretch. In any case, it is likely that the tampon gets full before then. If it is still not full even after eight hours, she should definitely switch to a lighter tampon. It is best if she starts with the regular size tampon. After around five or six hours your daughter may spot her underwear or panty liner. This means it is time for her to change the tampon. If there is no spotting, your daughter should give the thread of her tampon a slight tug. If it feels as though it can easily slide out, it means that it is full. If the tampon stays on firm, it means that she can wear it for some more time. If the tampon is full within three and a half to four hours, she may need to switch to a more absorbent one.

Read about TSS or Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare disease associated with tampon usage, tomorrow.