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Results for 02/20/2006 to 03/06/2006

Last week, Roller Coaster 2 said:

"Pad Problems

A few years ago I found out about my period and I've been dying to have it. Then I had my period when I was 11. If only I had know what it was like I wouldn't have wanted it so badly. My mom has just been giving me pads. The problem is, whenever I wear pads my underwear always gets stained, and I get blood all over my pants. I feel as though I want to purposely not wear a pad all day and let her notice that the pads aren't working out for me. I want to ask her if I can wear tampons, but she won't let me. I need some help, and fast. "

 

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589 SmartGirls replied:

12% If your mom won't let you wear tampons, try talking to your doctor or school nurse about your situation. Maybe they could talk to your mom for you and address her concerns about tampon use. She might feel better letting you use tampons once she hears from a medical professional that they are okay for you to use.
11% Don't wait for your mom to notice the pads aren't working - that might set you up for an embarrassing situation. Instead, ask a friend or a friend's mom to get tampons for you. Before you start using them, make sure you read the instruction guide carefully so that you can use the tampons safely.
29% Talk to your mom about trying tampons, but before you do, spend some time doing research about them so that you are prepared to have a good discussion with her. Look up the myths that exist about tampon use and be ready to show her why those myths aren't true. Being ready for your talk will show her how mature you are and might convince her to reconsider letting you use tampons.
38% If you don't want to talk to your mom about using tampons, you can at least ask her to buy you some pads that will provide better period protection. Pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so ask her if she'll let you experiment to find a pad type that suits you.

10% gave other responses. Some SmartGirls said:

  • Go to the store and buy some tampons. After you use them tell your mom that you used them and they worked! Then she has to let you use them from now on. Good luck! ~girl power12

  • You should listen to your mom. She probably knows more than you. If she says don't use tampons then don't! ~Girly Girl

  • Ask your friends what they do. I had the same problem. I talked to my friends and found out what kind of pads they used. It really helped me and I hope that it works for you too. ~boys suck83

  • Stop whining. I wish I had my period. You're really lucky you're grown up so enjoy it. ~young one

  • I think it would be good to talk to a big sister or one of your aunts because they've been through the same thing you're going through! Maybe they can talk to your mom about your problems and convince her to let you use tampons. Or, you can talk with your mom and aunt/sister at the same time. I hope it all works out and just let me know if you need anything at all because I want to help! ~pink321

  • I think it would be embaressing to talk to a school nurse so don't do that. Try buying a different type of pad and see if that works. It's mortifying to bleed on your clothes so try not to let that happen! I use the ones with wings, maybe that will help. ~drama queen

  • It's your body so do what you want to do. If you want to use tampons, do it. If you want to use different pads, do it. Just don't tell your mom because she'll never know. After something works, then tell your mom. Act mature! ~Grown Up Girl

  • I wish I had your problem. I'm 12 and still don't have my period! It's so embaressing. I know that all the other girls know and make fun of me for it. Be thankful that you have this problem to begin with. ~Punkrock Chick 00

  • Tampons are scary. I tried them once and they're really scary to put in. I think that you should stick with pads until you're older. If the ones that you are using now don't work well then go to the store and get a different brand or a different kind. But I think you should save tampons till your a teenager. ~Dreamer32

  • I think that you should talk to another adult that you trust. Maybe they can convince your mom to let you switch to tampons or maybe they can just give you advice. When I have problems I talk to my counselor at school and she really helps me out with everything. I hope that this helps you solve your problem! ~Control freak

  • I love pads! They help me feel covered up so I think you should learn to love them too! Tampons are scary unless you know how to put them in right and pads are so easy. Maybe if you get bigger ones they would cover you up more. You should stick with pads because they rock! ~Zach's girl

  • Ok, this is what I think you should do. Beg your mom to try something new. Tell her that you're bleeding through your clothes and show her your clothes with blood on them. She has to feel sorry for you then! Then give her the puppydog eyes (that always works on my parents) and ask her to get you tampons. She won't be able to say no. It has to work! Good luck and let me know if it works! ~Funny Chica

  • Suck it up and switch your pad more . You're probably wearing it for too long and bleeding through it. ~cooky100%

  • Don't not wear a pad all day because that's gross. You'll only get embaressed. Instead, show your mom your bloody clothes. Hopefully she'll feel sorry for you and do something about it. If she doesn't then talk to your dad. When I want something and my mom says no I always ask my dad. He'll probably say yes to you or get your mom to say yes. Best of luck Roller Coaster 2! ~Rain Star 4

  • Talk to your friends. Tell them your problem. Some of them have probably had the same problem. Then, they can help you find an answer or tell you what you should say to your mom. My friends always know what's best and yours probably do too. ~Your Friend

  • I don't think you wanna keep bleeding through your clothes so do something about it! Talk to your mom, the nurse, a teacher or a friend. Talk to anyone who can help you solve this right now. They might say use tampons or keep using pads but just fix it because your probably really embaressed and I'd hate to be you! ~ hiphop lova

Thanks to all of you that gave your advice! Please give your advice for this week's issue.

The advice represented on this page is the opinion of SmartGirl users who have responded to last week's Issue of the Week. It is not the opinion of SmartGirl.org or the University of Michigan.

 
   
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