When my DD first started using tampons, she had good luck with U by Kotex Sleek. They weren't easy to find, though, so she switched to compact sport tampons (Kotex and Tampax brands both seem to work for her).

tampax lite plastic applicator. GET THESE

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:O.B. makes really small ones.

They don’t have an applicator though, and the actually cotton part isn’t any smaller. Sticking it in with a finger might be hard for a teen

I actually think it's much easier but obviously up to her.

I think it is definitely initially awkward for anyone, but I find it much less painful than, for exaple, the old school cardboard tampax applicators we have in our office. The smallest OB are pretty tiny.

Really? I find sticking dry cotton up there not at all comfortable, especially if you are not on a heavy flow day. The plastic applicator glides in smoothly no matter the flow, but you can always put a little vaseline or lube on the applicator it to help it along if she says there is resistance

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:O.B. makes really small ones.

They don’t have an applicator though, and the actually cotton part isn’t any smaller. Sticking it in with a finger might be hard for a teen

I actually think it's much easier but obviously up to her.

I think it is definitely initially awkward for anyone, but I find it much less painful than, for exaple, the old school cardboard tampax applicators we have in our office. The smallest OB are pretty tiny.

Anonymous wrote:What about the period swimwear if she is unable to get the tampon in? Just something to consider.

For my own daughter, she also complained about it hurting but really wanted it in so was willing to persevere. After forcing it a couple of times, it became a lot easier. make sure you are having her use the plastic applicators.

This.

What about the period swimwear if she is unable to get the tampon in? Just something to consider.

For my own daughter, she also complained about it hurting but really wanted it in so was willing to persevere. After forcing it a couple of times, it became a lot easier. make sure you are having her use the plastic applicators.

Could it be the applicator that is hurting her? We have success with these:
https://www.seventhgeneration.com/organic-cotton-tampons-comfort-applicator-light

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:O.B. makes really small ones.

They don’t have an applicator though, and the actually cotton part isn’t any smaller. Sticking it in with a finger might be hard for a teen

I actually think it's much easier but obviously up to her.

Also maybe try a little lube on the applicator?

Anonymous wrote:O.B. makes really small ones.

They don’t have an applicator though, and the actually cotton part isn’t any smaller. Sticking it in with a finger might be hard for a teen

Tampax lights are the smallest I know of. Sometimes Target and Walgreen have them, but not often, or they are in a multi-absorbency pack. You can buy on Amazon a box of just the lights

Have you seen an obgyn for your daughter? Do you think this is a size thing or possibly another vaginal issue? I am only mentioning because someone I went to school couldn’t use tampons without extreme pain and as it turned out she had an issue with blockage that was easily remedied with a minor procedure.

diva cup?

O.B. makes really small ones.

My tiny 12YO recently started menstruating. She wants desperately to be able to swim this summer. The few times we have tried tampons, she cries and says it really hurts. There doesn’t seem to anything wrong insertion-wise as far as I can tell, so I think it’s just a matter of adjusting. We are using tampax pearl (smallest version), and I’d like to try to find an even smaller tampon, but can’t seem to find any specifically made for tweens. What is the smallest tampon out there? Thanks.