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Afraid of using tampons because of all the TSS stories.HELP!
68% Normal
14 Comments

So I'm 18 now and I've never used tampons, because I've always been SO afraid. I know that a lot of people are afraid to use them because they could get stuck or would hurt or whatever..but my main concern is the toxic shock syndrome. Ever since I read about it from the tampon box, I've been extremely afraid of it..
What should I do, I really want to start using them, but can't build up the courage :S
Do you think it's normal?
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Comments (14)
Summerlove87 (24512)
2009-07-05 21:27:19
It is not scary and does not hurt. I started at 14 and the chance of getting TSS is soooo low, I would do it because pads are nasty.
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leelee2012 (25124)
2009-07-06 08:01:09
just try it and see if u like it but it doesnt hurt
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hotchickie81 (24721)
2009-07-06 08:27:06
At first I was sacred to use them too, but you get used to them, and it's so much better. I've never experienced TSS.
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Galaxy500 (24989)
2009-07-06 14:01:01
uh...did you also read the whole thing about not leaving the tampon in for more than 12 hours?! TSS happens but is SOOO uncommon. Like, rare.
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Chill_Pill (25078)
2009-07-06 19:22:07
These two parts of the playtex site should help you out a bit. The first is myths about tampons and the second is further information about your period. I hope this helps some. Good Luck!

http://www.playtexproductsinc.com/femcare/Myths.asp

http://www.playtexproductsinc.com/femcare/periodFacts.asp


~Peace~
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Chill_Pill (25078)
2009-07-06 19:28:57
@: Chill_Pill
You can also try a menstrual cup. These have no risk whatsoever of TSS and I hear that they are much more comfortable for some and have less leak problems.

They come in re-useable:

http://www.divacup.com/

http://www.mooncup.co.uk/


And Disposable:
http://www.softcup.com


Good Luck again!!!
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sandmansgirl (24120)
2009-07-07 19:40:04
The chance of you developing TSS is very rare. The main reason one would develop TSS is if she doesn't change the tampon often enough. Even if your periods are very light, you must change the tampons regularly! Try to to wear it for more than 4 hours just because you feel like you are "wasting" them....this is where the TSS comes into play. It is quite okay to leave one in overnight (8 hours or so), but other than that, be sure to change often. If you follow this, you should have no problems and not worry about TSS. Hope this helps.
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glasswilderness (5971)
2009-07-12 09:45:24
I'm 18 and I've never used tampons either. I tried to put one in when I was like 13 and it hurt so I never tried again. I heard about TSS and that further gave me reason not to try again. I think I would honestly forget the tampon was in there. I don't mind using pads.
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xXLinnieXx (25994)
2009-07-30 04:36:25
your supposed to remove the tampon after 8 hours, dont walk around with it for more than that it's disgusting and unsanitary, if you can adhere to that one rule you shouldn't have a problem using a tampon. ;)
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arizonaicedtea (27115)
2009-08-29 17:23:33
ive never used one and im 18 im scared too and think its gross but u dont have to use one :)
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moineau30 (28726)
2009-09-20 08:38:09
The chance on TSS is extremely low. You get TSS if you leave it in for more than 8 hours or use the wrong size of tampon (you're using a Super when you should be using a Light). Other than that tampons are relatively safe. It is recommended you switch off between pads and tampons to lower your chances even further.

What I recommend is use a tampon for 6-8 hours, then switch to a pad. Just try it, read the instructions. Trust me, it is a lot easier.
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kanachan (29928)
2009-10-18 09:09:50
I am afraid too. I've never used tampons all my life because of fear that it would rip me apart. People say it wouldn't though, and TSS is so rare. So, go ahead and use tampons if you aren't comfy with pads.
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scatterlaughter11 (34592)
2010-01-13 08:34:09
I used to be scared of TSS too. Then I took up SCUBA diving, and pads are pretty much useless when you're underwater. Been using tampons ever since with no problem.
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Kat444 (27378)
2010-01-25 23:42:04
Tampons can be scary at first, but a lot of women end up preferring them to pads. They're not uncomfortable, you won't even feel them once they're in. And you're not going to get TSS unless you leave one in for a really long time.
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