Dear meeesha,

The size of the tampon has more to do with how much flow is expected than with the size of the vagina. Tampons come in different sizes. Women usually choose bigger sizes for heavy-flow days and smaller sizes for lighter-flow days. It's important to use the lowest absorbency needed to collect menstrual flow, and to change the tampon every three or four hours. This will help avoid infection and prevent a build-up of odor and stains.

A girl who's never used tampons before may find it easier to start with a smaller size. Tampons fit into most women's vaginas, but sometimes girls who are first beginning to use them have trouble inserting them. It's easier to insert a tampon when you are relaxed. It's also helpful to remember that the vagina doesn't go straight up into the body — usually it angles toward the small of the back. So, when a girl inserts a tampon, it's best for her to relax her vaginal muscles and angle the tampon a little bit toward the small of her back to make insertion easier.

If a girl wants to practice inserting tampons, it's a good idea for her to do it while she has her period, because menstrual flow lubricates the vagina and makes insertion easier. (Remember — don't wear a tampon unless you have your period.) Also, it sometimes helps to hold the vaginal lips open for easier insertion.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.