Tampon????!

Tampon????

I've never used a tampon before, and I'm really nervous. I've been trying for three days now, and I really want to go in the pool, but I'm just too nervous to do it! There are a couple specific things that I want to know. Does it hurt? Where do I put it? And do I really need it if the flow isn't really heavy?

2 weeks ago
I've talked to my mom and my cousin about it, but I get the feeling that they're not telling me the whole truth to make me feel better so I want the opinion of someone who wouldn't really care all that much about making me feel worse.

Liv,
1. Start with a box of "juniors" or "for lite flow." They are smaller than the Regulars. There are many brands out there; I would suggest a brand that has an applicator (like tampax with the cardboard applicator).
2. **Relax.** Breathe deep breaths & reeeeeeelaxxxxxxx.

Here is some info from a very helpful website (they even have pictures):
=Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Some women prefer to place one leg on the toilet seat or tub, while others prefer to squat down. After you find a position that is most comfortable for you, hold the tampon with the fingers that you write with. Hold the middle of the tampon, at the spot where the smaller, inner tube inserts into the larger, outer tube. Make sure the string is visible and pointing away from your body.
=With your other hand, open the labia (the folds of skin around the vaginal opening) and position the tampon in the vaginal opening. (See picture 1 below).
=Gently push the tampon into the opening, aiming for the small of your back. Stop when your fingers touch your body and the applicator, or outer tube, is completely inside the vagina. (See picture 2 below).
=Once the applicator or outer tube is inside of you, use your index finger to push the inner tube (the tube where the removal string is visible) through the outer tube. This pushes the tampon into the vagina.
=Once the inner tube is all the way in, use your thumb and middle finger to remove the applicator or outer tube. (See picture 3 below). Make sure that the string hangs outside of the vaginal opening. Later, when you are ready to remove the tampon, hold the string and gently pull it downward until the entire tampon is out.
=If the tampon is inserted correctly, you should not feel it. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, you may have inserted the tampon incorrectly or the tampon may not be placed far enough into the vagina. If this happens, just remove the tampon and start again with a new tampon. Remember that practice makes perfect. If you don't get it on the first try, your second try will most likely be successful. *** Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, relax and try again! ***

3. Yes, you need it (tampon or a pad) even if the flow isn't heavy ... keep your undies from getting stained.