Plug it in..

Tampons

So many girls don't and don't want to use tampons because of all the myths out there. Sooo... Why not hear someone's experience? Someone who uses tampons and has been for 4 years now.

The common myths:

1. Tampons take virginities.
2. Tampons can get lost in the vagina.
3. Tampons can be used up to 8 hrs.
4. You can't sleep while using a tampon.

Now let me clear things up a bit. Tampons do not take a girls virginity. Tampons can be used by both Virgins and non virgins. A tampon is really not that big and even when they absorb blood they do not get big. People claim to have lost their virginity to tampons but from my research it's not likely to be true. And in my case nothing happened to me.
Tampons can get lost in the vagina... Okay this is not at all true. There is absolutely no place for the tampon to go. You may even stick your fingers inside to see for yourself. Your cervix holds the tampon in place. The only way you may hurt yourself while using a tampon is if you insert it incorrectly.
Tampons can be used up to 8 hours. Okay this does have some truth to it, on some boxes it says that they can hold up to 8 hours. However, using tampons for a long period of time can result in toxic shock. Toxic shock occurs when when you use a tampon for a long period of time and toxins are released into your body. So because of that fear, during the day, I only use them for up to 3 hours. It really all depends on your flow. Some women have it very heavy while others not so much. Boxes say they hold up to 8 hours due to the absorption of the tampon. Which leads to...
Sleeping with a tampon. So I do not sleep with a tampon on the first couple of days due to my fear of getting toxic shock. I would recommend that if you have a heavy period you use pads. Women obviously have periods because it needs to be released from the body, so why would you want to keep it in? But I would say it is okay to sleep with a tampon when you are on your lighter days and the result of "build up" is less likely to occur.

Now tampons are completely comfortable to use. I prefer them over pads on any given day. When I recommend tampons to my friends I always say: "It feels as if you have no period." Because it's true. The only thing is that you need to be more careful. If you use pads you do not have to worry about toxic shock syndrome because every thing is being let out of your body, but you deal with discomfort.
Now if you are going to start using tampons I would suggest you start with light/regular tampons (small sizes) so you can get comfortable with inserting them.
I would also suggest you get familiar with your lower area. This might sound gross but it's totally normal, feel around where you are putting the tampon in. Don't be afraid to take a mirror and look at yourself. It is your body and you need to take care of it. Also, behind the doors of a secure bathroom no one will know.

Brands I am familiar with are...

Here is a visual of where the tampon goes.