What's in this article
What's in this article
What is the best tampon for first timers?
Many girls prefer to use pads when they first get their period, but you can choose pads or tampons. Tampons are great for sport or swimming, and generally become more popular once girls get the hang of having their periods. If you’re new to tampons you could try a U By Kotex® mini tampon which is smaller than the others.
Which is best - Tampons or Pads?
Tampons, pads and liners: what’s the best option to keep you feeling comfortable during that time of the month? Well, it’s totally up to you. You can try using tampons, pads or liners on their own, or a mixture of all three for the ultimate protection. Tampons are worn on the inside of your body, while pads and liners are worn on the outside of your body. Your choice is all about what will make you feel most comfortable and how heavy your flow is during that time of the month.
How often should I change my tampon?
To make sure you stay fresh, it’s best to change your tampon roughly every four hours. You might need to change more often if you have a heavy flow, and never leave your tampon in for more than eight hours.
How often should I change my pad?
Once menstrual fluid comes in contact with air, it can start to smell a bit icky – definitely not something you want! The aim of the game is to feel fresh all day long, so changing your pad every four hours or so is ideal. If you’ve got a heavier flow, then it may need to be changed more often. Every girl is different.
What is the difference between a pad and a liner?
Pads are designed for use during your period; they are made of absorbent material which soak up the menstrual fluid to ensure you feel fresh and clean. They are available in different thicknesses and absorbencies for each stage of your period. Liners are similar to pads except much thinner and smaller, these are designed for use in between your period, or when your period is light. A slight vaginal discharge in between periods is perfectly normal and something U by Kotex® Everyday Freshness Liners can protect your favourite undies from.
Why are Ultrathin Pads individually wrapped?
This is so that the pads stay clean and sanitary. Also, you don’t have to carry around a whole pack of ultra thin pads in your bag.
How will I know when to change my tampon or pad?
The aim of the game is to feel fresh all day long, so changing your pad every four hours or so is ideal. If you’ve got a heavier flow, then it may need to be changed more often. Every girl is different. Check regularly when you go to the bathroom. You might notice a feeling of wetness or dampness, occurrence of stains or the pad may feel heavy in your undies. These are all signs that the pad may be full. In this case, switch to a clean pad. The best way to know if your tampon needs changing is to give a light tug on the tampon string, if it starts to pull out easily then it's time to change, if not, it usually means you can leave it a bit longer. Just remember with tampons, 4 hours is about right, and don't leave one in for more than 8 hours.
How often should I change my liner?
Liners are perfect for keeping you fresh throughout the day, so every four hours or so is best.
How do I remove a tampon?
Removing tampons is easy. Just pull the string at the same angle in which you inserted the tampon. If you ever lose the string, it’s not the end of the world, get into a squatting position and gently remove the tampon with your fingers.
How do I get rid of a tampon?
Used tampons make for terrible fish food, so never flush them down the loo. You should wrap your used tampon in toilet paper and place it in the bin. Public toilets should provide special sanitary bins in each cubicle which are there especially for this reason.
How do I dispose of a used pad?
Pads should not be flushed down the toilet as they have a plastic backing on them (which is not biodegradable) and they may also block the plumbing system. Schools and public toilets will usually provide special sanitary bins, so place your used pads in there (wrap it in toilet paper first, as the sticky side may get stuck to the bin door). If you can’t find one of these special bins (you probably won’t have one at home), don’t fret, just wrap the pad in toilet paper (or put it in a bag) and then pop it in the bin.
What happens if the tampon string breaks?
If you hold a tampon and pull really hard on the string, you’ll find that it’s nearly impossible to break. If you can’t find the string whilst the tampon is inside you, the tampon can be easily removed by inserting a finger and thumb into the vagina and pulling it out. Remember to relax and stand in the same position that you used to insert it and it should be easy. If you still can’t remove the tampon, see your doctor the same day.
How will I know when my pad is full?
Check regularly when you go to the bathroom. You might notice a feeling of wetness or dampness, occurrence of stains or the pad may feel heavy in your undies. These are all signs that the pad may be full. In this case, switch to a clean pad.
Can I go swimming with a tampon or pad?
Yes, you’ll need to use a tampon if you want to go swimming rather than a pad. So if you wanted to use your period as an excuse to get out of PE, bad luck. In fact, staying active can actually help reduce cramps! It’s best to insert a fresh tampon just before you go swimming and then change it once you’re out of the water.
Can I insert a tampon too far?
Not a chance. The cervix (the opening to your uterus) is too small for a tampon to fit through so there’s no need to stress.
How do I dispose of a used liner?
Liners should not be flushed down the toilet as they have a plastic backing on them (which is not biodegradable) and they may also block the plumbing system. Schools and public toilets usually provide special sanitary bins, so place your used liners in there (wrap it in toilet paper first, as the sticky side may get stuck to the bin door). If you can’t find one of these special bins (you probably won’t have one at home), don’t fret, just wrap the liner in toilet paper (or put it in a bag) and then pop it in the bin.
Can I leave a tampon in overnight?
Like all tampons in Australia, our U by Kotex® tampons can be used for up to 8 hours, but not any longer. So, while it IS possible to wear a tampon overnight, we know that everyone has different absorbency needs, as well as different sleep patterns (let’s face it, we all like a sleep in sometimes!) so we do not recommend using a tampon overnight. Because of this, we have specifically designed our U by Kotex Overnight Ultrathins for you to use overnight without having to worry, so you can get your beauty sleep without disruption.
Can I still take a bath or shower during my period?
Most certainly, continuing your daily hygiene routine is important during your period to help keep you feeling fresh and comfortable. You may want to wear a tampon in the bath but it’s perfectly fine not to as most of the time you won’t leak. Having a bath actually helps with period cramps, as well as making you feel nice and relaxed!
Can I use a liner when I have my period?
Yes, you can use a liner when you have your period, but only if your flow is really, really light. It’s best to use a U by Kotex® Ultrathin pad (they’re really thin), or a tampon as they provide the best protection while you have your period. Liners can be used as a back up in your undies if you’re using a tampon. Everyday Freshness Liners are best for keeping you fresh, confident and protected in-between periods.