Hi ❤️

Most large supermarkets and chemists stock our ranges, and you can also purchase them through Amazon and various retailer websites.

To find out exactly which shops stock a specific product, simply click on the links on the relevant product page, where you'll find details of current stockists.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

No, you do not have to be over 16 to use tampons. If you've been having periods for three years and feel ready to try them, that's absolutely fine.

There is no minimum age for using tampons. What matters is that you choose the right absorbency for your flow and follow the instructions on the packet. Many people start using tampons in their early teens because they find them more comfortable for school, sports, swimming, or just everyday life.

You may find it easiest to start with the lowest absorbency available, as these can be a little easier to insert when you're new to tampons. It can take a few attempts to get the hang of them, so don't worry if it doesn't feel perfect the first time. Most people need a bit of practice.

If you're nervous, you could try using one at home on a day when your period is a bit heavier, as tampons are often easier to insert when there is more menstrual flow.

And don't worry about any myths you may have heard. Using a tampon does not mean you're too young, and it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Tampons are simply another type of period product, just like period pads, pantyliners, or period pants.

If you decide to try them, read the instructions carefully and remember to change them regularly.

Check out my blogs below for more advice.

Tampons do's and don'ts

How To Put In A Tampon

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It sounds like you're being a really kind friend, and there's nothing wrong with helping someone out occasionally. But when it's happening all the time, it's understandable that you're starting to worry about running out yourself.

One thing to remember is that your friend's period may be very different from yours, so the tampons that work for you might not actually be the best absorbency for her. It's generally better for people to choose period products that suit their own flow rather than relying on someone else's supplies.

It's also important that you have the products you need. If you're regularly giving away your tampons, you could end up without enough protection for your own period, which isn't fair on you.

I know you don't want your friend to think you're being mean, but a good friend should understand if you say, "Sorry, I need to keep these for myself." That doesn't make you a bad friend at all. In fact, you've already been very generous.

If you feel comfortable doing so, you could also have a chat with your mum about what's been happening. She may be more understanding than you expect. Your friend is also using tampons without her parents knowing, which could make things more complicated, and an adult may be able to help find a better solution.

In the meantime, if you have spare period pads, you could offer one of those instead and explain that you need to keep your tampons for yourself.

Remember, being a good friend doesn't mean giving away everything you need. It's okay to have boundaries too.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It's completely understandable to feel worried about swimming at school when you have your period, especially when you're still quite new to having periods.

If you're not quite ready to use tampons or a menstrual cup, then period swimwear could be a really good option. Period swimwear is specially designed to absorb menstrual flow while you're in the water and can be great for a light to medium period. Many people your age find it helps them feel much more confident during swimming lessons.

Your black Adidas swimsuit is already a good choice because darker colours can help you feel less self-conscious. If you use period swimwear bottoms underneath or choose a period swimsuit, you'll have extra protection and peace of mind.

If you do decide to try tampons in the future, it's best to practise using them before swimming so you feel comfortable, but there's absolutely no rush. Choose the option that feels right for you.

Remember, lots of girls at school will have the same worry, and swimming teachers are very used to students having periods. Having your period doesn't mean you can't enjoy swimming. 

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

For heavy discharge days, it's a really good idea to keep more than one pantyliner in your school bag or period kit so you can change it during the day, especially at lunchtime. A fresh pantyliner will feel much more comfortable and help you stay confident if you're getting a lot of discharge.

When it comes to your first period, a regular or long pantyliner is often enough to catch the very start of a period and protect your underwear until you can get to the toilet and put on a period pad. However, I wouldn't rely on a pantyliner alone for a whole school day if you think your period has started, as periods are usually heavier than discharge and can quickly soak through a pantyliner.

The very thin pantyliners are great for light discharge, but they aren't always as absorbent as you might need for the start of a period.

My top tip would be to carry a small period kit with:

• A few pantyliners
• A couple of period pads
• Spare underwear
• A small bag for storage

That way, you're covered whether it's discharge or your first period arriving.

And remember, discharge is a sign that your body is developing normally, so there's no need to worry if you're getting quite a bit of it. Many girls find they need to change their pantyliner during the day.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

No, I would not recommend wearing a tampon just for discharge. Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual flow, and if there isn't enough fluid present, they can feel uncomfortable and may be difficult to remove.

I completely understand how frustrating heavy vaginal discharge can be, especially if it feels like your underwear is getting wet during the day. Many girls find that wearing a pantyliner helps them feel fresher and more comfortable. You may also find it helpful to change your pantyliner during the day, particularly at school.

It's also worth knowing that discharge is very common during puberty and can sometimes be heavy. In fact, it is often a sign that your body is producing hormones and developing normally.

From what you've said, a pantyliner would be a much better choice than a tampon for managing discharge.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

This is an interesting question, and you're definitely not the only person to wonder about it!

The simple answer is no, your vagina does not think you're having sex when you use a tampon.

A tampon has a very practical job, which is simply to absorb period blood. Sexual arousal is much more complex than just having something inside the vagina. It involves emotions, thoughts, hormones, and physical responses from the body. Because of that, using a tampon and having sex are two very different things.

In fact, most people are focused on getting the tampon in comfortably and getting on with their day rather than experiencing any sexual feelings from it. Once a tampon is inserted correctly, many people don't notice it's there at all.

So even though both involve something being inside the vagina, using a tampon is a menstrual hygiene choice, not a sexual activity, and your body doesn't confuse the two.

Thanks for asking a thoughtful question. Lots of people have similar questions about how their bodies work, and there's never any harm in asking. 😊

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Yes, I have to agree that describing tampon insertion as a 45-degree angle can sound quite confusing, especially when you're trying to work out what that actually means in real life.

It sounds like your tampon may not have been inserted quite far enough, which can sometimes make it feel uncomfortable or cause it to slip down or fall out. A tampon should sit comfortably inside the vagina, and when it's in the right position, you generally shouldn't be able to feel it.

I always say it's easier to think about aiming the tampon slightly backwards towards the base of your spine, rather than straight up. Many people find that explanation much simpler than imagining angles.

It can also take a few tries to get the hang of using tampons, and that's completely normal. If you're still learning, you may find that a lite or regular Lil-Lets non-applicator tampon is easier to insert than a larger absorbency tampon. Just make sure you're using the absorbency recommended for your flow.

Check out our blogs on Tampons and how to use them below.

How To Put In A Tampon

When Is The Right Time To Use A Tampon?

Applicator vs Non-Applicator Tampons: Which Is Right for You?

Debunking Myths About Tampons

Tampons do's and don'ts

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Night-time pads are designed to give you a little extra protection while you're asleep.

Because you'll usually be wearing the same period pad for longer overnight, night-time pads are generally longer and more absorbent than standard day pads. This can help prevent leaks if you move around a lot in your sleep.

Many night pads also have a wider section at one end. Depending on how you sleep, you can position this at the front or the back of your underwear to give extra coverage where you need it most.

Some people choose to wear night pads every night during their period, while others only use them on their heavier-flow days. It's all about finding what helps you feel most comfortable and confident.

If you often wake up worried about leaks, a night-time pad can provide extra reassurance and help you get a better night's sleep.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

No, you don't have to switch to tampons if you don't want to. Lots of girls and women choose to use period pads for all of their menstruating life and never use tampons at all.

It really comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. Some people like the freedom that tampons can offer when swimming or playing sports, while others prefer pads because they're simple to use and easy to keep track of.

You may also find that you use different products for different situations. For example, some people wear pads most of the time but choose tampons for swimming, dancing or other activities.

We are all different, and there's no "right" age to start using tampons, or any requirement to use them at all. The most important thing is choosing a period product that suits your body, your lifestyle and what feels right for you.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Lots of girls tell me they feel a bit unclean when they're on their period, especially if blood gets caught in their pubic hair. Please don't worry, that's completely normal and happens to many people.

You may find it helps to change your period pad every 3-5 hours during the day, or more often if your flow is heavy. Keeping a small pack of fragrance-free intimate wipes in your school or sports bag can also help you freshen up when you change your pad.

When you're at home, washing your vulva (the outside area) with warm water can help you feel more comfortable. There's no need to scrub or use lots of products, as the area is quite sensitive.

If you feel ready, some people find that tampons feel less messy because the menstrual flow is absorbed inside the body rather than on a pad.  It's all about what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Remember, having blood on your pad, underwear or pubic hair during your period doesn't mean you're dirty. Periods are a normal and healthy part of growing up, and it can take a little time to work out what products and routines suit you best.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

A pad can be worn for up to 8 hours, but most people prefer to change theirs every 3-5 hours, or whenever there pad is fully used.

How often you need to change your period pad will depend on how heavy your flow is. On heavier days, you may need to change it more often, while on lighter days you might find it lasts longer.

It's a good idea to change your pad if it feels uncomfortable, starts to feel damp, or is becoming quite full. Regular changes can help you feel fresher and more confident throughout the day.

If you're not sure whether your pad needs changing yet, a quick check when you go to the toilet can help you work out what feels right for your flow.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

This is a really common worry, so I'm glad you asked!

There is a myth that when you use a tampon for the first time, a "plug" breaks inside you. That isn't true.

What people are usually talking about is the hymen, which is a thin, stretchy ring of tissue around the entrance to the vagina. It is not a seal or a plug covering the vagina. In fact, if it completely covered the opening, menstrual blood wouldn't be able to come out during a period!

A good way to think of the hymen is like a soft hair scrunchie around the vaginal opening. It already has an opening in the middle, and when you insert a tampon, the hymen simply stretches and moves aside. For many people, the hymen has already stretched naturally through everyday activities such as sports, dancing, cycling, gymnastics, or simply growing up.

That's why using a tampon does not "break your virginity" and does not usually cause any damage. You can use tampons whether or not you've ever had a boyfriend or been sexually active.

If a tampon is inserted correctly, it should slide in quite comfortably. If it hurts, it may not be positioned quite right, and you can remove it and try again with a fresh one when you're feeling relaxed.

The idea of a tampon breaking a plug inside you is just a myth. Your body is designed to stretch, and the hymen is much more flexible than many people realise.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

When it comes to night time period pads is that, unlike tampons, there isn't a strict time limit for how long you can wear them. You can put a nighttime pad on just before you go to bed and then remove it when you wake up in the morning.

Night pads are designed to cope with a longer period of wear while you're asleep, helping to protect against leaks overnight. If your flow is particularly heavy, you may find the pad is quite full by morning, but that's exactly what it's there for.

You may also find it feels nicer to have a quick wash of your vulva (the outside area of your genitals) when you get up, especially if some blood has dried on your skin overnight. Warm water is usually all you need.

If you wake up and your pad feels uncomfortable, has leaked, or is very full, simply change it for a fresh one. The main thing is to wear a pad that's suitable for your flow and change it whenever it feels necessary.

The good news is that for most people, putting on a night time pad before bed and changing it when they wake up works perfectly well. 

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

There isn't a specific day of your period when you must start using tampons. You can try them whenever you feel ready and comfortable.

Many girls find that day 2 or 3 of their period is the easiest time to begin using a tampon because the flow is often a bit heavier, which can make insertion more comfortable. If your flow is very light, a tampon can sometimes feel a little dry or uncomfortable when you remove it.

Before using a tampon for the first time, make sure you:

• Read the information leaflet inside the box.
• Choose the lowest absorbency suitable for your flow.
• Wash your hands before and after inserting or removing a tampon.
• Relax and take your time. It can feel a little awkward at first, and that's completely normal.

If you can feel the tampon once it's in place, it may not be inserted quite far enough. A correctly inserted tampon should usually be comfortable, and you shouldn't really notice it's there.

Vicki ❤️

Hi, we do sometimes offer a sample pack of our teens range. If you would like to receive one, please click on the Contact Us tab, send over your name and address and if you are under the age of 16 please confirm you have your parents or guardians permission.

Hi ❤️

No, that's a myth. There is no medical reason why you can't use a tampon before you've had sex.

Being a virgin simply means you haven't had sexual intercourse. It doesn't affect whether you can use tampons. Many girls choose to use tampons for sports, swimming, dancing, or simply because they find them comfortable.

Some people worry that using a tampon will affect the hymen, but the hymen is a thin, stretchy piece of tissue that naturally varies from person to person. Everyday activities such as sport, cycling, gymnastics, and tampon use can stretch it, and its appearance isn't a reliable way of telling whether someone has had sex.

If you're thinking of trying tampons for the first time, it can help to start with a small-sized tampon and take your time. Relaxing as much as possible can make insertion easier and more comfortable.

So, if you want to use tampons before being sexually active, that's absolutely okay. The choice is yours.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It's completely understandable to feel nervous about that, but a tampon can't just fall out on its own when it's inserted correctly.

The vagina isn't an open space. It has natural folds and muscles that gently hold the tampon in place. Once the tampon is sitting in the right position, your body helps keep it secure until you're ready to remove it.

When it's time to take it out, you simply gently pull on the string, and the tampon will slide out. Coughing, sneezing, jumping around or going about your normal day won't usually make it fall out.

If a tampon does feel like it's slipping down, it's often a sign that it hasn't been inserted quite far enough or that it's not the right absorbency for your flow.

Many people worry about this when they first start using tampons, but once you've used them a few times, you'll probably feel much more confident about how they work.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

If you can feel a tampon when it's inside you, especially when you're sitting, walking or moving around, it usually means the tampon hasn't been inserted quite far enough into the vagina.

A tampon should sit comfortably inside the body, and when it's in the right position, most people can't feel it at all. If it feels uncomfortable, you can either:

• Gently push it a little further in with a clean finger (if you're using a non-applicator tampon).
• Remove it and try again with a fresh tampon.

It can take a bit of practice to get used to inserting tampons, so don't feel discouraged if it doesn't feel right the first few times. Many people need a few attempts before they find what works best for them.

If you've inserted the tampon as far as it will comfortably go and you can still feel it, it may be worth trying a smaller tampon size, especially if you're new to using them.

Lots of first-time tampon users experience this, so you're definitely not alone. With a little practice, it usually becomes much easier and more comfortable.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

How often you change your pantyliner is really a personal choice and depends on how much discharge your body produces. Some people find that one pantyliner lasts all day, while others prefer to change theirs a few times throughout the day to feel fresher and more comfortable.

If your pantyliner feels damp, uncomfortable, or no longer feels fresh, it's a good idea to change it. You should also make sure you're changing your underwear regularly and keeping the area clean with warm water.

Remember having discharge is a completely normal part of puberty, and many girls choose to wear pantyliners simply to protect their underwear and feel more confident throughout the day.

Vicki ❤️