Dear DOLLY, I am 13 and I got my periods at the end of last year. I have tried using a tampon, but when I insert it, it feels like all my organs disappear! I then feel sick in the stomach and makes me want to throw up, so then i take it out after 5 minutes. Is the any other sanitary item that can let me swim without the pain of a tampon? Grace
You poor thing. Discomfort or pain from a tampon usually means it's not inserted properly. This is a common experience when first starting to use tampons. It sounds as though you have a sensitive cervix - when the tampon touches your cervix you are getting pain and nausea, this could be worse at the time of your period because of the hormones that are released, so some period pain tablets might also help.
There isn't any other sanitary item that you can use during a period and swim. Getting your symptoms will also make you anxious about using tampons during a period, so it can be helpful to practise in between periods. Get some mini tampons and some lubricant such as Vaseline and put a bit on the tampon.
Practice inserting the tampon up and back towards your spine - it should go all the way up until it can't go any further. Once it's in properly you shouldn't feel it at all. Make sure you hold the string and leave it dangling down so you can pull the tampon out easily. When you feel comfortable with mini tampons, try with regular tampons. When you are using the tampon during your period, you can't use lubricant as it will affect the absorbency, but it's fine to use it for practising. Talking to your mum might also help as she probably went through the same difficulties when she was your age!
