Swimming and periods...ugh. What should I do?!


Question: I just joined a swim team, and I'm having lots of fun. I got my period about a year ago, but I still don't know how to use a tampon. I've tried before but it got stuck, so I'm scared of using one. Whenever I would get my period, I would just skip swim practice for a few days. This was working fine until just recently. I'm missing a lot of practices and my coach is starting to get mad. I'm the only one on my team who doesn't know how to use a tampon (nobody else misses practice ever) and I don't know what to do! I'd rather not use one if at all possible. Or atleast get over my fear of tampons. What should I do!?


Answers: I just joined a swim team, and I'm having lots of fun. I got my period about a year ago, but I still don't know how to use a tampon. I've tried before but it got stuck, so I'm scared of using one. Whenever I would get my period, I would just skip swim practice for a few days. This was working fine until just recently. I'm missing a lot of practices and my coach is starting to get mad. I'm the only one on my team who doesn't know how to use a tampon (nobody else misses practice ever) and I don't know what to do! I'd rather not use one if at all possible. Or atleast get over my fear of tampons. What should I do!?

I really don't know of anything besides wearing a tampon. You can't really wear a pad in the water, and you can't exactly go without anything... I was terrified the first time I used one, but I promise it's not bad. Once it's in, you forget it's there. I would ask a girlfriend, or my mom or sister, if they should just show me what to do. They don't need to put one in-- you know where it goes. Just buy the thinnest tampons you can find (they can be REALLY thin) and start there. You just unwrap it, insert it into you, push the bottom up, and pull the applicator out. I promise promise promise it won't be bad! And you'll find that using tampons is SO much easier and cleaner than using pads. Don't let this get in the way of swimming!

Is your coach a woman or a man?
If she's a woman, explain to her your situation.
Don't feel bad, I have the same situation, I don't like tampons...
>:[

Unfortunately, if you're on a swim team, you're going to have to use a tampon. If you're unsure of how to use them, there are directions that come in the box. When you do insert one, make sure that the string is hanging out, that way it won't get stuck and you wont have to worry about that so much anymore. Good luck.

just put in a tampon and do what you have to do.

Just read the directions on the package and try it again. Maybe you didn't do it right the first time. If your still having problems maybe you should try asking your Mom for her advice or maybe a girlfriend. Every woman goes through this so you shouldn't be embarrassed about it.

i had that problem too but i actually ended up quitting bc i was so scared!!! start with like lite ones...they are tiny like thinner than your pinky. and get one with a plastic applicator.

if u are still having trouble (with inserting it) use some kind of lubrication, it will help it slide in. sorry that sounds so ackward.

just be really relaxed, keep thinking that it isnt going to hurt. it will feel uncomfy but you will get used to it soon.


if this doesnt work ask ur dr.

Ask someone for advice on how to put one in, like someone on the swim team. They could give you good advice, and they wouldn't be mean about it, because they have to use one for practice too. There was a time when they couldn't put one in either.

getting over your fear would be best. everyone is scared of new things. when I first though about shaving my boys I couldn't believe how guy could get a razor that close to their family jewels. then I just bit the bullet, threw on some shaving cream and went at it. then I found it's super easy and nearly impossible to cut yourself, not to mention way more comfortable, dry and clean.

so the moral of the story is, don't be a chicken, just do it!

Use some lubricating jelly you get at the drug store that's specifically made for intimate use. It's difficult to use tampons when you're young, I was the same, look at the diagram included with your tampons, the vagina actually tilts backwards so try to imagine it like that when you insert. Also try the ones that come with an applicator so that it's kind of a telescoping action and makes it a bit easier to insert.

Be honest with your coach- is she a women? If she is, explain to her the only reason you missed practices is because you have your period and your not comfortable using a tampon. At least sit for the practices to show team support. Using a tampon at first is a bit scary. But you get use to it very fast. They make new ones for athletics, their slim and fit for active bodies. Try at home one day, they show you diagrams in the directions.

the best way to put on a tampon is while you are sittin gon the toilet.

In the sitting down position just slowly put it up till its as far as it goes and then pull out the tube (buy the ones with the tube as these are easier to use). It is then safely secured.

Most people take them out every time you go for a wee but if you arnt a heavy bleeder just hold the sting out of the way when you pee and you can get away with not having to pull that one out and put anohter one in (advise only to do this if you have a light period)

Tell you coch and mum about this prob as they can help you,

There is not way you can enter a public pool without using them as its hygene but you will be ok

You dont flow in thw water and well if do then you ask your swim coach if you can go into the locker room early well yah if its a girl its easy but if hes a guy then its a little harder but trust me they learn this stuff too so yah and if you have some wear swimming shorts it makes you feel better

Explain to your coach (depending on the gender!) that you're not comfortable using tampons yet but you are working on it.

Try the smallest ones you can find. You need to remove the tampon just after you get out the pool anyway so the smaller the better. Like everyone else has suggested, use lube. You can ask your mom to get this if you like, just explain what it's for. KY actually lists it on their uses bit!

Try lying down on your bed with a towel underneath you. This will relax you and you'll find it easier to find your way. Once you've got the hang of it you can do it properly.

Remember to go as slow as you can, and it really doesn't hurt at all :)!





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