Females: Your Period / Question
Published: June 29, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Im a 13 year old girl and i have been getting my period for 6 months now. They have been really regular about 27 days apart. But the summer is comming up and i want to know if i should wear a larger tampon because i usually wear regulars but lately its been leaking trought the tampon onto the pad. But i am afraid that the larger size tampon will affect me. Will it? From: worred about larger tampon in summer
Signed: Larger Tampons In The Summer?
Dear Larger Tampons In The Summer?,
Most tampon brands are available in different sizes, such as light, regular or super absorbency. The volume of blood expelled during a woman’s period will often change from day-to-day. For example, a woman may find that she bleeds heavier in the first two days that she does in the last two days. That said, it can be very helpful to use different sized tampons depending on how heavily you seem to be bleeding that day. You may use super absorbency for the first few days and then use regular or light for the end of your period. That way you will reduce the chance of bleeding through, but you will also ensure that you are not using a high level of absorbency tampon when it is really not needed. In addition, be sure to change your tampon regularly (at least every 4-8 hours) – this will also decrease the chances of your bleeding through.
Since you are looking for information regarding periods, tampon use and summer activities, you might also read our answer to Can I Go Swimming With My Period? And for more information on using tampons you can read Planned Parenthood’s webpage Getting Comfy With Tampons.
If you have any more questions about your period and choosing the best tampons for you, speak to your mother, another trusted female adult, your primary care physician, or an adolescent medicine specialist. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment. You can also contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood, or call your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Adolescents are more likely than young adults to become dependent on prescription medications.
