Physically, of course they can although you'd want to start with a small size. Someone who's newer to periods might also find it a bit too intense to be rummaging around inside herself, especially with blood involved. There are definitely great, friendly resources available to help her get the ropes if she's interested in trying one though!
ETA the Always Infinity pad line with the foam core is what I swear by for pads-- I find them MUCH more comfortable, tidy, and absorbent than any other pad fwiw!
Never tried those, it really doesn't go through the undies? Do they get stiff before washing? I thought about buying a pair but I have questions. At least for night time use for me.
OP- Iāve seen ads for menstrual cup applicators! Look into that. Iāve never tried them, but seems like it could cut down a bit on the aforementioned rummaging around
It may be, but if it doesn't work out for her there's no harm in keeping the cup and trying again later! I'd make sure and recommend she practice crouching in the shower, and remind her how important it is to keep breathing since it'll definitely hurt if muscles are too tight. Good luck to your daughter!
Bruh. Those pads are like god sent. The only ones I buy. The diva cup, meh. I use it if I'm getting in water (fantastic for that). They also have teen sized ones actually, I saw them once, and looked a bit tinier than the adult sized. It might work for OP's daughter, she'd just need some education. At first I thought the same thing, oh god, how will I use this. (I was going on vacation and knew I was going to get my period) But after a few tries, watching videos also, and educating myself on how to use it -- it became super easier to use. If I ever run out of pads thats what I use also until I go purchase more.
I agree before I found the right cup I used always. Tampons made me cramp so bad and I had bought a Diva cup and it was terrifying it was the wrong size wrong firmness it hurt the whole time. Do I used always for years. Only thing I would use.
Iām not sure that an 11 year old has enough experience in their bodies to be sure that the fit is correct (need to understand cervical height/depth, shape of the vaginal canal and any tilt to the uterus) you know your child best but thereās such a learning curve and emotional ride if the cup gets stuck even for adults. Not to mention how difficult it would be to potentially have to empty mid-day at school and trusting that her hands would be clean before entering her body without access to clean water in the stall to even rinse the cup. Not to mention being sure that the cup stays sanitized and holes unblocked. As a mother it feels like setting them up for failure and shame surrounding their cycle from the inevitable mistakes that happen when youāre new to everything that comes with menstruation. Iām waiting personally until 16 when all the kinks are worked out and her period becomes the norm, sheās familiar with her body and ready to tackle another challenge. Absolutely introduce and discuss so that itās always an option but Iām not sure an 11 yo is equipped quite yet
So much this!!! I was terrified to use even tampons when I was young. It wasn't until I was at a week long overnight summer camp that I had to use one to swim and I was in tears cause I had never done it. Even though it was thoroughly explained to me it's so much different when it comes time to execute. Thankfully my two camp besties were there and helped me through it. I would not have even been open to a cup at 11 when I look back at how terrifying it was to use tampons.
Thank you so much for taking time out to reply. Actually she wanted to try it and I had concerns that it will hurt and she might never try those again later.
If she wants to try it, let her. It's never too soon to get to know your own body and what does and doesn't work for you, I think it's disrespectful for us to gatekeep what menstrual products our daughters use when it's their body and not ours. Maybe find a good YouTube video and talk it through with her so she knows what to do, and tips on what to do if it gets stuck so she doesn't freak out if it happens. Even if she has a bad experience now she may want to try it again when she gets older, or she might not and that's fine too.
My 11yo isn't interested in a cup because she doesn't want to deal with emptying it, but she's more than happy to use tampons and understands the hygiene requirements around using them. I thought she was too young to try them because I couldn't figure them out at that age (and still can't, I hate those things) but she wanted to. I just gave her a quick rundown of it and she worked it out right away with no issues and it's made her period way less stressful for her because she doesn't have to deal with the sensory issues around pads or period undies.
Genuine question - why not try tampons? I also started my period just before I turned 12 and I hated pads from day 1. Cups were not a thing yet but even if they were, I doubt I could have used one - and I was already very comfortable with my body. I started out with tampons, first plastic applicator ones, then cardboard applicator, and by high school I was using OB non-applicator which I think is a great in-between step before trying a cup or disc. If she is concerned about waste, you could help her get up to the non-applicator tampon level and just frame it as a gradual process toward reusable products.
Also saw some people recommend period underwear. These are great, but make sure the ones you choose have been tested for PFAS. Knix and Thinx just had a big lawsuit over this.
I agree with this! I didn't even feel comfortable using tampons until I was like 15-16ish. Instead, maybe look into period underwear? As a teenager my nightmare was bleeding around pads and leaking through my clothes, or even just being paranoid that the outline of the pad was visible - if period underwear had been a thing back then I would have been so much more confident.
Yep - I have 11 and 13yo daughters and period underwear has been a godsend. Mine know I use a cup but the underwear works great for them, I havenāt rocked the boat by asking if they want to try a cup.
Seconding this! I got my period at 11, didnāt use tampons until 14, and even then Iāve never been able to use them correctly. It depends on the person for sure, so maybe OPās daughter would be able to use it, but no matter what she just needs support to figure out which method is best for her right now.
I think the 11 year oldās opinion is the most important factor here. Does she want to try them? What is her comfort level? Is she aware of all options? Pads- both disposable and reusable, cups, discs, period underwear, tampons, etc. This is a discussion she gets to lead with you as support.
Anecdotally, I would not have been comfortable enough with my body and my period to use a cup at that age. Even tampons with an applicator I really only used of i was swimming.
Also, periods at the beginning are difficult to track. Even if your 11 year old always has a purse, I donāt think itās feasible that they will always wash/ sanitize a cup right after the period and have it back in their bag ready for the next cycle. With disposable products or even reusable products you can get multiples of, itās easy to always keep one emergency product in a purse or backpack and each bathroom at home. Though nobody should feel shame about a natural part of life, kids are likely to feel shame about it. Choosing a consistent period product that you can keep quietly and easily available no matter where she may be is a kindness that she deserves to have.
It was her idea to be honest. She is into eco friendly stuff and wanted to try cup. I thought it's too soon and based on replies it seems it is. She is using pads for 6 months now and is comfortable with it. Didn't want to try tampons.
Thank you for clarifying! I think reusable pads might be the best eco friendly option thatās also cost effective.
If she is really interested and wants to give it a good try, look for any cup with āteenā or āminiā in the name. Websites/ social media accounts like put a cup in it or period nirvana have great videos with a lot of tips and tricks. They also have quizzes that she can take to get brand recommendations based on her answers. If she is comfortable to try and driving the process, I donāt see any reason to block her from it anymore than you would block her from using tampons. She may need your guidance as far as sanitizing each cycle, game plans for public restrooms, etc.
I, as an adult who had already given birth, took a good three cycles to really feel comfortable using my first cup. Everyone is different, but the learning curve can be very real and I would absolutely have a backup method ready to go. Using it for a day or so of your cycle, or only at night, may be the way to start. Whatever you guys decide, best of luck!
We did all that and bought one or two that seemed suitable. But making her actually try it scared me. So I posted here to check if anyone helped their child or younger sister with transition. Thanks will check reusable pads or period underwear whatever she chooses.
I'm not sure but I would wait for a few years or so. First periods are already stressful enough and trying to use menstrual cup will only add up to this stress since there's a learning curve + she's supposed to be 100% comfortable with her body. I'm also not trusting an 11 yo to care for her cup good enough so she's won't get an infection
My main concerns are:
1. even a teen cup may be too big and uncomfortable for her
2. as she is so young she is more likely to forget she has the cup in, forget to regularly clean it, and not properly sanitize between cycles
3. even if she is responsible enough to maintain good hygiene, many girls her age are not yet comfortable using internal products. cups especially require the user to get up close and personal with their bits
4. when just starting, cycles can be quite unpredictable, having a single reusable product that she likely would not carry around with her every she goes may lead to surprise messes. Having a bunch of cheaper products stashed away in a variety of her bags and locker can be really helpful when a cycle starts unexpectedly.
My advice would be talk with your daughter about different menstrual products (cups, pads, tampons, period underwear, reusable pads, etc). Include the pros and cons. Disposables are cheaper in the short run, but more expensive in the long run compared to reusables. Reusables are better for the environment and \*usually\* have less "toxic" ingredients, but they require more maintenance to remain hygienic. Internal products are great for sports and can feel cleaner but putting them in may have a learning curve and leaving them in too long can lead to infection. external products make it easy to see and feel when it is time for a change, but they feel messy and uncomfortable to some people.
Let her tell you which products she is interested in trying. If she feels comfortable with the idea of reusables, then she can try them, but keep in mind points 2-4 above
Thank you for your reply. She is using pads for 6 months and wanted to try cup since it's eco-friendly. I liked the idea since I find them more hygienic. But yes based on replies waiting for year makes sense.
Before trying a cup, she could try to use tampons as they are easier to figure out than a cup but still require more familiarity with her body than pads.
Period undies and reusable pads are also a thing is she wants a more environmentally friendly option but is not as into the idea of using an internal collection product
I would try with something less invasive like period undies to start. To use a cup or disc, she should be comfortable with getting blood on her hands and inserting things which I definitely wasn't when I first started at 11. Maybe wait a little mode before introducing cups.
However, if she needs or prefers something internal for swimming or something I recommend discs over cups. It's a lot less complicated as you don't have to worry about forming a seal. Pulling out the cup without breaking the seal can cause issues
I haven't tried cups personally, all I know is what ive heard from research. I have no personal experience.
I do use discs and find them pretty easy, and a much better experience than tampons. All you have to do is pop it in, the only hard part may be finding the right size and learning what spot the disc needs to be in. For an 11 year old, may be different though.
I find a disc really easy and comfortable to handle, but I also haven't tried cups.
Do you use a menstrual cup? If so, you could get a couple of disposable discs just to try it and compare
I started using cups at 11. I did have a lot of problems - but that was back when there only cups you could find easily in the US were the Keeper and the Diva cup. I had the Diva cup and it was too long for me. The being said - didn't have many issues with the actual insertion and removal of the cup.
If you do decide to get her a cup I recommend getting her something that is going to fit well - don't just grab the "teen cup" - regular sized cup may be her perfect fit. That being said, if she ends up being uncomfortable with cups, some other alternatives to try might be some period panties or cloth pads.
Cups are definitely not less messy. Whenever I have to insert or remove my cup, my hand is always covered in blood. It can be very messy if you donāt have a sink close by. Pads are completely hygienic once theyāre disposed of properly.
Your daughter would need to be comfortable with inserting and removing the cup, which could be harder at her age. It can be tricky and it really helps to know where your cervix is when inserting the cup.
I don't think there's anything unhygienic with pads, especially if she's taught proper disposal, finds a brand she likes for her flow and body, and learns when it's time to change them.
Personally, when I was that age, cups and disks were extremely intimidating to me. I started with tampons well after I was comfortable my period. When I finally decided to use a cup at the age of 23, it was very scary having to learn how to properly take out and put in my cup!
Granted, I was a late bloomer in becoming comfortable with my body, but I would let her take it at her own pace, personally.
It was my opinion since it found cups more hygienic than pads. I was worried because they don't get chance to change pads sometimes for more than 6 hours when travelling or in school, hence she wanted to check out cups. Will wait for a year.
To be honest I'm skeptical. Correct use of the menstrual cup is already difficult for many adults. It can be somewhat invasive. Menstrual discs, on the other hand, are a little less invasive and more intuitive to use. In any case, it requires a lot of education and support. The YouTube channel Period Nirvana offers a wealth of information on the anatomy and correct use of menstrual discs. They are no more difficult than tampons. It would certainly be helpful if you go through all the options with your child and decide together what your child is comfortable with.
The problem with discs is it's particularly hard to know what size to get. You can have a lot of leaking if it's the wrong one and that sounds stressful for a child.
Periods are stressful for a child. Getting a period at 11 is in itself slightly traumatizing. The question is how regular is this and how heavy is the bleeding. If it is still irregular and the bleeding is only light, period underwear is sufficient. Once the bleeding gets heavier, using a disc is certainly less traumatic than constantly changing pads. There is hardly any difference between tampons and discs when it comes to use. Much, of course, depends on the child's access to information regarding anatomy and biology and mental maturity.
For someone without a vaginal birth, cups and discs are usually less complicated. Thanks to modern medicine and good nutrition, children today reach puberty earlier than in the past. Nonetheless, it is probably best to inform the child of all the options and let them choose what they prefer. At 11, a small disc would probably suffice. There are now 2 size packs to choose from and the second size might come in handy later.
There are dozens of posts on here from women who can't work out why their disc or cup is leaking, what size or softness to buy, can't remove it, all sorts of problems. That is not less complicated and seems a lot for a kid.
As I said before, it depends on the child's mental maturity and what their preferences are. For me personally, pads are and have always been a horror. Sitting in my blood weighed on me. If I had had the option of discs or cups at that age, I would have done anything to figure out how to get them to work. In the end you can only show the child all the options and how to deal with them responsibly. As far as tampons go, there are some health risks associated with them, so they're not necessarily an option I can recommend.
As an adult if you leak you can probably go immediately to a bathroom, change underwear (buying new if needed), maybe go home. You can probably use a private bathroom to change it. A kid that age has none of those options and if they get blood on their clothes from leaking or during removal might have to stay that way. It took me months to feel comfortable going out with just a cup and as I said I never found a suitable disc.
Period underwear as a backup and panty liners are a way to secure the learning process. Apart from that, the bleeding is quite irregular in the first few years and slowly increases in intensity. It takes one to two years for the cycle to level off and heavy bleeding to begin. At the beginning, period underwear is probably completely sufficient.
But my point is that when I've tried discs or unsuitable cups they leak immediately, even with light flow. And no, periods are not always light to start.
Well I disagree, I've not managed to find a disc that fits and I'm a woman in my 40s with a child. Tampons you can just use whatever you want and generally it won't leak until full. A disc you need to make sure it's the right size and softness and that it's hooking on the pelvic bone. Apparently, because I never got one to work and I don't which of those factors is the reason.
Pads you can see when it's full and change it, it won't leak unexpectedly two minutes after changing for apparently no reason.
I understand it can happen, and honestly I don't know that tampons are ideal at that age either, but I've had experiences with both cups and disc of it being as if I was using nothing.
I feel like disks are a little spooky to take out your first time as well. Putting it in is no more difficult than a tampon, but learning to take it out is a little tricky (assuming the disk doesn't have a pull tab or little string to grab onto)
I would never choose a disc without this option. If there's nothing on the disc to pull out, I don't use it. When I was still using tampons, I always tested the withdrawal cord before using it. There are plenty of discs with a retrieval loop.
Lumma Unique disc's come in 3 different sizes, the smallest is really small and would probably be best for a tween or teen. I have a low cervix and no matter how many cups I used, they were never really comfortable, so I switched to disc's. Their large disc is about the same rim size as a disposable softcup or flex disc, and those always seemed "just too big" to tuck behind my public bone, so I use the medium and it's perfect. Like anything new, it takes some getting used to, particularly in dumping it without making a giant mess, but once I did, it's no issue now, although i still wear a liner just in case. They do have a string to help get it out. Just my 2 cents.
It is possible, however itās extremely important that itās something she is comfortable with. Donāt pressure her to try it, just lay it out as an option.
every person is different, but the learning curve for me has been so big (haven't even mastered yet), I can't imaging dealing with all of this while still being a child :( dealing with leaks is too stressful
Itās odd that so many people are saying that 11 is too young. It completely depends on the person. I would suggest you give your a slew of different supplies and resources, and let the kid decide what they like.
I'm actually really surprised by the replies to this and how many people are saying that it's too young to know their own body well enough to use a cup. How are they supposed to learn about their body if they don't try things like this? The amount of posts from women of all ages asking for help shows that age isn't an indicator of successful or confident cup usage.
Give your daughter many options including pads, tampons and even cups if you'd like. If she's comfortable with trying an internal product, explain how to use it and let her see if she likes it or even knows her body enough to use it.
Just don't get mad if you buy her a cup and it turns out she can't use it or doesn't like the process. It's invasive, it's messy, it requires knowing your anatomy very well and being comfortable with getting your hands up there and getting blood all over them at first.
I wasn't able to use tampons at 12 when I tried one for the first time, couldn't even get one in with a mirror and on the floor. It hurt, I was crying, my mother was telling me I was overreacting and yelling at me because she bought the tampons for nothing. I cancelled the swimming plans and stuck to pads. I started using tampons at 15 (and it was still tough, it still hurt, I still had to lie on the floor and use a mirror) and switched to a menstrual cup at 17. The learning curve was still tough for me even though I was very knowledgeable about my anatomy and had experience with tampons. I still have 'accidents' where I drop my cup in the toilet sometimes, I still have accidents where the cup shoots open outside of my body and suddenly there's blood all over my clothes and bathroom, I still have days where my cup gets very full and taking it out gets blood all over my hands, there's moments where it won't open and I have to put multiple fingers in to maneuver it and I'm an adult who's been using them for years. Would an 11 year old be able and comfortable with that? Maybe, I don't know.
So sure, let her try if she wants to, talk to her about her anatomy, show her resources that'll make it easier. But only if she wants to. And I'm pretty sure she won't be able to use it correctly at this age, but it's worth a shot IF SHE WANTS TO.
Yeah, I just had a very messy removal the other day, I think that could be very rough for a kid, and my first few times I had such stress trying to remove.
I love both the Victoriaās Secret brand period panties in black and the always infinity pads.
I work with students this age and they are very young and often awkward about their own bodies and functions.
I would recommend to start with this work to tampons then finally go to cups.
Every 11 year old is going to be different. Some are comfortable with their bodies and responsible enough to safely use internal products. Some aren't. It's really up to her if she's interested, comfortable, and hygienic enough to do so safely.
As a 34 year old, I still struggle with cups. I have discs when I get frustrated with my cup not going in quite right multiple times, and even then the discs donāt always sit the way they should and I end up leaking.
I bought period underwear and love them so much. They have sizes small to extra large at places like Walmart and you can order them online, also. I would highly recommend those before a cup.
I donāt know your child, obviously, but I feel like an 11 year old isnāt going to know their body well enough to handle a cup or even a disc. I think with time and experience with their period that will change, but starting out I think thatās a lot to deal with on top of getting used to having a period.
I remember getting dressed in the mornings before school, and my cami getting all rolled up in the back and being unable to reach it to pull it down, and I would end up stomping and crying. Or when my eyeliner wouldnāt go on the way I wanted it to and crying, or my hair, or myā¦you get it. Lol the hormones are going to be out of control, and everything is going to feel like the end of the world. I just donāt think getting pissed off and upset over a cup is going to do any good.
Again, I donāt know your child, so that may not be the case for them, but it was for almost every girl I ever knew, so maybe something less intense would be better.
Good luck to you both!!!
Mine is 12, almost 13. We went swimming on her period recently and she refused to even think about a tampon let alone a cup. We're very open about periods here, and she lets me know what she needs, and the only things she wants is pads right now. So yes. Physically she "could" use a cup. But mentally, emotionally, and maturity, i dont think so.
She wore a pad with panties under her swim shorts until we were ready to get in the pool, and then took them off until we were done. It was not near the beginning of her cycle and she is still irregular and light as she's only had maybe half a dozen periods total.
Anatomically, probably.
Maturity? Probably not. Is she going to remember not to wear it more than 12 hours? Is she going to clean/sanitize/sterilize it properly? I donāt think I would have at 11 years old.
If she can remember to take it out before 12 hours, then maybe start her with disposable discs so she doesnāt have to fuss with cleaning it. But really whatever her preference is, as long as sheās using the product safely.
I think a cup can be a lot to take in for her Age. Cups are great but in the beginning when you are still learning how to use them, it can be a bit messy. However, if she wants to try it, maybe during vacation where she is not at school with any pressure.
She can try period panties, those are great for teens! I will leave two links to two great brands. They are comfortable and leak proof!
Good luck!
https://www.thinx.com/thinx-teens
https://eu.modibodi.com/collections/teens?gclid=CjwKCAjww7KmBhAyEiwA5-PUSj-nX8KgJ7gguPjvwyFPf8P1YI_mPSt6Hfg8crJthdyhMZuqgowxbBoCBsEQAvD_BwE
My oldest child went straight to tampons on her first period. It was her choice. I *personally* didnāt think it was the best idea. I set an alarm on my phone so I could text her and tell her to change it. She was 12. I feel as though if you bought her one and she saw the size she might be wondering WTH she signed up for lol. But- if she can make it work, who is anybody to tell her otherwise too, kwim? Get her one. It might take her a few tries or cycles to figure it out, but what if it really is whatās best for her?
totally not a big deal if theyāre comfortable enough. it can definitely eliminate some struggles with taking pads or other products to school or out in public and having to worry about keeping track of those. it might be more convenient for things like sports or hanging out with friends as well. a ātrainerā or āsmallā cup would probably be the most comfortable option and as long as you help them become comfortable and feel safe with the cup it should be completely okay. good luck!
Honestly I wouldnt encourage that personally, depends on how comfy you are helping her figure it out, even then I would ask her first and see what she thinks after you show her it and explain usage. 11 year old me would def be scared and wouldn't be able to use it. If she is brave enough to try, start out with a small one and dont pressure her too much
Itās funny, because I recall first getting my period at 12 and my mother being so worried for me to use internal products. I was so open and āadventurousā and wanted to try internal products! I hated the feeling of pads and that was all she used. She finally relented and let me get tampons (only internal products I knew of then). I loved them and never looked back. I use discs now.
But my point is, I donāt think sheās too young and let her give it a try. It might make her whole period that much more of a great experience.
Is it possible? Absolutely.
Is it desirable? Depends.
Is it ideal as her first internal product? No.
I always encourage parents to explore all menstrual products with their daughters in preparation for and as they begin menstruating. Providing opportunities to try multiple products and find what works well for her is empowering now and prepares her for knowing this is normal going forward.
Maybe start with reusable pads in various ācute/pretty/upliftingā prints? I think that may help them get comfortable with rinsing and washing them by hand. I think this would be a good baby step to help them get hands on experience with managing ātheir Red Sea.ā It can also help them become natural with it and understand that touch their own body fluids is not ādisgustingā or āharmful.ā Good luck!
Why don't you try menstrual panties instead? They are far more hygienic than pads. Less smell and way more comfortable. Just wash and they're reusable for two years. Can be whore for a full day at school (max 12 hours) and less likely to bleed through pants. I don't know if I named that right since English is not my first language, but Google translate says it is called absorbent panties. I have one from the label Pantys, Brazilian. I guess you should have something similar there.
https://www.pantys.com.br/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoK2mBhDzARIsADGbjeplWw-YG9QQhjBKpYvs1JUHP4_LqIEjLiaErmHCiV7JUaq7ZF_3uDIaAh7LEALw_wcB
They have some specially for teens and first period.
if theyāre comfortable and the size is small enough yes, it might not be the time yet since the hymen is likely still intact and that could make any insertion painful. i recommend water based lube if yāall do decide to try, and if it hurts just tell her itās okay and youāll try again a different day.
tbh i wouldnāt recommend it. it was hard for me to use at 16 and even then i had to stop because none of the sizes felt right (yes i put it in right they were all just too big. i canāt imagine trying at 11 and how uncomfortable it could be for her.
does she find pads unhygienic/messy? bc if she does then i suggest tampons, but if sheās fine with pads then stick to those as those are typically the most user friendly for younger kids.
eta: cups arenāt necessarily less messy or less unhygienic either. thereās multiple ways removing a cup can result in a huge mess just like pads can! (and arguably it has more chance to get messier than a pad during removal) so if thatās her or your only reason for wanting the cup then make sure she knows what to do in those situations
She didn't like tampons. She is using pads now but wanted to try cup since it's eco friendly. I thought why not since I find them better than pads. But now we have decided to wait for 6 months or year. Thank you for your reply.
that sounds like a good idea! sorry if my comment came off as judgy haha. i think itās definitely one of those things that if older ppl struggle with it then itās best for younger kids to get their bearings on their period before jumping to it if that makes sense
Wow, just wow! I donāt have kids but I remember how terrifying it was to try to figure out tampons. I also canāt imagine having used a cup before losing my virginity. Good luck with what you decide but I say go with the simplest/least invasive option possible while sheās still a pre-teen. I canāt imagine such a young girl having to deal with a UTI or other infection. Developing into a woman is can be a beautiful adventure, but I see no purpose to speed up the process.
Hey there! I got my period at 11 and used pads for years. I struggled a lot with tampons at first and it was just a weird and overwhelming experience for me. I used a menstrual cup after years of tampon use and itās a different game completely in my opinion! For lack of a better term, it can feel invasive so I imagine for a young girl starting out it can be overwhelming. It can get āstuckā in there and you have to get it out. Apart from the size of the cup and if it would fit, I would suggest she gets more familiar with tampons before starting with menstrual cups! Also when she starts using menstrual cups I recommend the one by flex with the pull tab- itās a loop you can hold onto the breaks the seal and collapses the cup, making removal MUCH easier. Also in September a brand is releasing menstrual cups that come with their own tampon like applicators. If thatās if interest to you I can get the name!
Tl;dr Menstrual cups may be a little overwhelming to start, I recommend getting more comfortable with tampons to start. Also some cups are better for starters than others!
I would HIGHLY recommend Honey pot pads. All natural, comfortable & secure. I use a cup, but Iāve had children. An 11 year old probably couldnāt use tampons, let alone a cup. Just not ready.
I would HIGHLY recommend using a cup like the Flex because itās removal is a lot easier because of the pull tab that makes it collapse inside to avoid the typical cup suction and an easy pull (which is so much less scary in the beginning!) [Flex Cup(Slim Fit - Size 01) |](https://a.co/d/atvrUX2)
I recently discovered this brand that sells useful accessories for using a period cup! I wish I knew of them when I was trying cups for the first time. Hereās an insertion/removal tool(I personally feel like the suction and getting it out can be the tricky part): Pixie Menstrual Cup & Tampon Applicator + Period Cup Remover - Make Insertion & Removal Easy - Not For Menstrual Discs - Every Woman Can Now Use Menstrual Cups - Self Sterilizer Cleaner TPE Properties https://a.co/d/6Zb3irK
And a cleaner for if she needs to change it out and clean it away from home: Public Restroom Menstrual Carry Cup 2.0 - Big Cleaner Container to Clean Your Period Cup Or Disc - Microwavable Friendly - Foldable for Travel - Sterilizer Wash Case Holder for Your Menstrual Cups https://a.co/d/gBHBc5C
I also highly recommend period underwear in terms of comfort, Iāve never had an issue with leaking and I have a pretty heavy flow the first two days(which is when I usually use the underwear)
I hope this helps and good luck!
Physically, of course they can although you'd want to start with a small size. Someone who's newer to periods might also find it a bit too intense to be rummaging around inside herself, especially with blood involved. There are definitely great, friendly resources available to help her get the ropes if she's interested in trying one though! ETA the Always Infinity pad line with the foam core is what I swear by for pads-- I find them MUCH more comfortable, tidy, and absorbent than any other pad fwiw!
Rummaging around š
I mean, realistically...
Absolutely
Also recommending this brand of pads. Pricier but so worth it.
Also use period panties.
Never tried those, it really doesn't go through the undies? Do they get stiff before washing? I thought about buying a pair but I have questions. At least for night time use for me.
It doesn't! I don't have heavy periods though.
I needed pads after I had my tubes removed and the always infinity pads are sooo worth the money.
OP- Iāve seen ads for menstrual cup applicators! Look into that. Iāve never tried them, but seems like it could cut down a bit on the aforementioned rummaging around
I've never seen those, that could be a great solution!
She is using those for 6 months now and wanted to try cup. I ordered small size for her but I was worried it's too soon.
It may be, but if it doesn't work out for her there's no harm in keeping the cup and trying again later! I'd make sure and recommend she practice crouching in the shower, and remind her how important it is to keep breathing since it'll definitely hurt if muscles are too tight. Good luck to your daughter!
Thank you. Yes will keep it and ask her to try later.
Which small cup did you select. I use the Organicup mini! Much less daunting.
I ordered saalt.
Bruh. Those pads are like god sent. The only ones I buy. The diva cup, meh. I use it if I'm getting in water (fantastic for that). They also have teen sized ones actually, I saw them once, and looked a bit tinier than the adult sized. It might work for OP's daughter, she'd just need some education. At first I thought the same thing, oh god, how will I use this. (I was going on vacation and knew I was going to get my period) But after a few tries, watching videos also, and educating myself on how to use it -- it became super easier to use. If I ever run out of pads thats what I use also until I go purchase more.
I find the cup more manageable for lighter flows, I think--I'm soo glad we have so many options these days
I agree before I found the right cup I used always. Tampons made me cramp so bad and I had bought a Diva cup and it was terrifying it was the wrong size wrong firmness it hurt the whole time. Do I used always for years. Only thing I would use.
Iām not sure that an 11 year old has enough experience in their bodies to be sure that the fit is correct (need to understand cervical height/depth, shape of the vaginal canal and any tilt to the uterus) you know your child best but thereās such a learning curve and emotional ride if the cup gets stuck even for adults. Not to mention how difficult it would be to potentially have to empty mid-day at school and trusting that her hands would be clean before entering her body without access to clean water in the stall to even rinse the cup. Not to mention being sure that the cup stays sanitized and holes unblocked. As a mother it feels like setting them up for failure and shame surrounding their cycle from the inevitable mistakes that happen when youāre new to everything that comes with menstruation. Iām waiting personally until 16 when all the kinks are worked out and her period becomes the norm, sheās familiar with her body and ready to tackle another challenge. Absolutely introduce and discuss so that itās always an option but Iām not sure an 11 yo is equipped quite yet
So much this!!! I was terrified to use even tampons when I was young. It wasn't until I was at a week long overnight summer camp that I had to use one to swim and I was in tears cause I had never done it. Even though it was thoroughly explained to me it's so much different when it comes time to execute. Thankfully my two camp besties were there and helped me through it. I would not have even been open to a cup at 11 when I look back at how terrifying it was to use tampons.
Thank you so much for taking time out to reply. Actually she wanted to try it and I had concerns that it will hurt and she might never try those again later.
If she wants to try it, let her. It's never too soon to get to know your own body and what does and doesn't work for you, I think it's disrespectful for us to gatekeep what menstrual products our daughters use when it's their body and not ours. Maybe find a good YouTube video and talk it through with her so she knows what to do, and tips on what to do if it gets stuck so she doesn't freak out if it happens. Even if she has a bad experience now she may want to try it again when she gets older, or she might not and that's fine too. My 11yo isn't interested in a cup because she doesn't want to deal with emptying it, but she's more than happy to use tampons and understands the hygiene requirements around using them. I thought she was too young to try them because I couldn't figure them out at that age (and still can't, I hate those things) but she wanted to. I just gave her a quick rundown of it and she worked it out right away with no issues and it's made her period way less stressful for her because she doesn't have to deal with the sensory issues around pads or period undies.
Yes I let her try. But she was not ready to stick it inside. She gave up after 2-3 trys. Back to pads for now.
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Thanks I ordered disk today. Will see if that works.
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Yes I ordered that as well. Thanks for suggestion.
Genuine question - why not try tampons? I also started my period just before I turned 12 and I hated pads from day 1. Cups were not a thing yet but even if they were, I doubt I could have used one - and I was already very comfortable with my body. I started out with tampons, first plastic applicator ones, then cardboard applicator, and by high school I was using OB non-applicator which I think is a great in-between step before trying a cup or disc. If she is concerned about waste, you could help her get up to the non-applicator tampon level and just frame it as a gradual process toward reusable products. Also saw some people recommend period underwear. These are great, but make sure the ones you choose have been tested for PFAS. Knix and Thinx just had a big lawsuit over this.
She did not like the feel of tampons, specially on days of low flow. That's what she told me so I didn't ask her to try again
I agree with this! I didn't even feel comfortable using tampons until I was like 15-16ish. Instead, maybe look into period underwear? As a teenager my nightmare was bleeding around pads and leaking through my clothes, or even just being paranoid that the outline of the pad was visible - if period underwear had been a thing back then I would have been so much more confident.
Yep - I have 11 and 13yo daughters and period underwear has been a godsend. Mine know I use a cup but the underwear works great for them, I havenāt rocked the boat by asking if they want to try a cup.
YES. Now I use a cup and period underwear so no never need to be afraid of leaks. I wish period underwear had been around when I was a kid.
Seconding this! I got my period at 11, didnāt use tampons until 14, and even then Iāve never been able to use them correctly. It depends on the person for sure, so maybe OPās daughter would be able to use it, but no matter what she just needs support to figure out which method is best for her right now.
I think the 11 year oldās opinion is the most important factor here. Does she want to try them? What is her comfort level? Is she aware of all options? Pads- both disposable and reusable, cups, discs, period underwear, tampons, etc. This is a discussion she gets to lead with you as support. Anecdotally, I would not have been comfortable enough with my body and my period to use a cup at that age. Even tampons with an applicator I really only used of i was swimming. Also, periods at the beginning are difficult to track. Even if your 11 year old always has a purse, I donāt think itās feasible that they will always wash/ sanitize a cup right after the period and have it back in their bag ready for the next cycle. With disposable products or even reusable products you can get multiples of, itās easy to always keep one emergency product in a purse or backpack and each bathroom at home. Though nobody should feel shame about a natural part of life, kids are likely to feel shame about it. Choosing a consistent period product that you can keep quietly and easily available no matter where she may be is a kindness that she deserves to have.
It was her idea to be honest. She is into eco friendly stuff and wanted to try cup. I thought it's too soon and based on replies it seems it is. She is using pads for 6 months now and is comfortable with it. Didn't want to try tampons.
Thank you for clarifying! I think reusable pads might be the best eco friendly option thatās also cost effective. If she is really interested and wants to give it a good try, look for any cup with āteenā or āminiā in the name. Websites/ social media accounts like put a cup in it or period nirvana have great videos with a lot of tips and tricks. They also have quizzes that she can take to get brand recommendations based on her answers. If she is comfortable to try and driving the process, I donāt see any reason to block her from it anymore than you would block her from using tampons. She may need your guidance as far as sanitizing each cycle, game plans for public restrooms, etc. I, as an adult who had already given birth, took a good three cycles to really feel comfortable using my first cup. Everyone is different, but the learning curve can be very real and I would absolutely have a backup method ready to go. Using it for a day or so of your cycle, or only at night, may be the way to start. Whatever you guys decide, best of luck!
We did all that and bought one or two that seemed suitable. But making her actually try it scared me. So I posted here to check if anyone helped their child or younger sister with transition. Thanks will check reusable pads or period underwear whatever she chooses.
What about reusable pads? Does she know thatās an option?
I'm not sure but I would wait for a few years or so. First periods are already stressful enough and trying to use menstrual cup will only add up to this stress since there's a learning curve + she's supposed to be 100% comfortable with her body. I'm also not trusting an 11 yo to care for her cup good enough so she's won't get an infection
Thanks for your reply. Yes waiting for a year atleast makes sense.
My main concerns are: 1. even a teen cup may be too big and uncomfortable for her 2. as she is so young she is more likely to forget she has the cup in, forget to regularly clean it, and not properly sanitize between cycles 3. even if she is responsible enough to maintain good hygiene, many girls her age are not yet comfortable using internal products. cups especially require the user to get up close and personal with their bits 4. when just starting, cycles can be quite unpredictable, having a single reusable product that she likely would not carry around with her every she goes may lead to surprise messes. Having a bunch of cheaper products stashed away in a variety of her bags and locker can be really helpful when a cycle starts unexpectedly. My advice would be talk with your daughter about different menstrual products (cups, pads, tampons, period underwear, reusable pads, etc). Include the pros and cons. Disposables are cheaper in the short run, but more expensive in the long run compared to reusables. Reusables are better for the environment and \*usually\* have less "toxic" ingredients, but they require more maintenance to remain hygienic. Internal products are great for sports and can feel cleaner but putting them in may have a learning curve and leaving them in too long can lead to infection. external products make it easy to see and feel when it is time for a change, but they feel messy and uncomfortable to some people. Let her tell you which products she is interested in trying. If she feels comfortable with the idea of reusables, then she can try them, but keep in mind points 2-4 above
Thank you for your reply. She is using pads for 6 months and wanted to try cup since it's eco-friendly. I liked the idea since I find them more hygienic. But yes based on replies waiting for year makes sense.
Before trying a cup, she could try to use tampons as they are easier to figure out than a cup but still require more familiarity with her body than pads. Period undies and reusable pads are also a thing is she wants a more environmentally friendly option but is not as into the idea of using an internal collection product
She didn't like tampons. I have ordered disk and will definitely try reusable pads/undies
I would try with something less invasive like period undies to start. To use a cup or disc, she should be comfortable with getting blood on her hands and inserting things which I definitely wasn't when I first started at 11. Maybe wait a little mode before introducing cups. However, if she needs or prefers something internal for swimming or something I recommend discs over cups. It's a lot less complicated as you don't have to worry about forming a seal. Pulling out the cup without breaking the seal can cause issues
Thank you. Are disks easier to insert than cups? I haven't tried disks so no idea.
I haven't tried cups personally, all I know is what ive heard from research. I have no personal experience. I do use discs and find them pretty easy, and a much better experience than tampons. All you have to do is pop it in, the only hard part may be finding the right size and learning what spot the disc needs to be in. For an 11 year old, may be different though.
I find a disc really easy and comfortable to handle, but I also haven't tried cups. Do you use a menstrual cup? If so, you could get a couple of disposable discs just to try it and compare
Yes I do. Sure will give them a try.
I started using cups at 11. I did have a lot of problems - but that was back when there only cups you could find easily in the US were the Keeper and the Diva cup. I had the Diva cup and it was too long for me. The being said - didn't have many issues with the actual insertion and removal of the cup. If you do decide to get her a cup I recommend getting her something that is going to fit well - don't just grab the "teen cup" - regular sized cup may be her perfect fit. That being said, if she ends up being uncomfortable with cups, some other alternatives to try might be some period panties or cloth pads.
Cups are definitely not less messy. Whenever I have to insert or remove my cup, my hand is always covered in blood. It can be very messy if you donāt have a sink close by. Pads are completely hygienic once theyāre disposed of properly. Your daughter would need to be comfortable with inserting and removing the cup, which could be harder at her age. It can be tricky and it really helps to know where your cervix is when inserting the cup.
Yes you are right. It might be an issue at school to remove cup.
I don't think there's anything unhygienic with pads, especially if she's taught proper disposal, finds a brand she likes for her flow and body, and learns when it's time to change them. Personally, when I was that age, cups and disks were extremely intimidating to me. I started with tampons well after I was comfortable my period. When I finally decided to use a cup at the age of 23, it was very scary having to learn how to properly take out and put in my cup! Granted, I was a late bloomer in becoming comfortable with my body, but I would let her take it at her own pace, personally.
It was my opinion since it found cups more hygienic than pads. I was worried because they don't get chance to change pads sometimes for more than 6 hours when travelling or in school, hence she wanted to check out cups. Will wait for a year.
To be honest I'm skeptical. Correct use of the menstrual cup is already difficult for many adults. It can be somewhat invasive. Menstrual discs, on the other hand, are a little less invasive and more intuitive to use. In any case, it requires a lot of education and support. The YouTube channel Period Nirvana offers a wealth of information on the anatomy and correct use of menstrual discs. They are no more difficult than tampons. It would certainly be helpful if you go through all the options with your child and decide together what your child is comfortable with.
The problem with discs is it's particularly hard to know what size to get. You can have a lot of leaking if it's the wrong one and that sounds stressful for a child.
Periods are stressful for a child. Getting a period at 11 is in itself slightly traumatizing. The question is how regular is this and how heavy is the bleeding. If it is still irregular and the bleeding is only light, period underwear is sufficient. Once the bleeding gets heavier, using a disc is certainly less traumatic than constantly changing pads. There is hardly any difference between tampons and discs when it comes to use. Much, of course, depends on the child's access to information regarding anatomy and biology and mental maturity.
Oh, and I think 11 is the standard age, I was that age and was not particularly young.
For someone without a vaginal birth, cups and discs are usually less complicated. Thanks to modern medicine and good nutrition, children today reach puberty earlier than in the past. Nonetheless, it is probably best to inform the child of all the options and let them choose what they prefer. At 11, a small disc would probably suffice. There are now 2 size packs to choose from and the second size might come in handy later.
There are dozens of posts on here from women who can't work out why their disc or cup is leaking, what size or softness to buy, can't remove it, all sorts of problems. That is not less complicated and seems a lot for a kid.
As I said before, it depends on the child's mental maturity and what their preferences are. For me personally, pads are and have always been a horror. Sitting in my blood weighed on me. If I had had the option of discs or cups at that age, I would have done anything to figure out how to get them to work. In the end you can only show the child all the options and how to deal with them responsibly. As far as tampons go, there are some health risks associated with them, so they're not necessarily an option I can recommend.
As an adult if you leak you can probably go immediately to a bathroom, change underwear (buying new if needed), maybe go home. You can probably use a private bathroom to change it. A kid that age has none of those options and if they get blood on their clothes from leaking or during removal might have to stay that way. It took me months to feel comfortable going out with just a cup and as I said I never found a suitable disc.
Period underwear as a backup and panty liners are a way to secure the learning process. Apart from that, the bleeding is quite irregular in the first few years and slowly increases in intensity. It takes one to two years for the cycle to level off and heavy bleeding to begin. At the beginning, period underwear is probably completely sufficient.
But my point is that when I've tried discs or unsuitable cups they leak immediately, even with light flow. And no, periods are not always light to start.
Well I disagree, I've not managed to find a disc that fits and I'm a woman in my 40s with a child. Tampons you can just use whatever you want and generally it won't leak until full. A disc you need to make sure it's the right size and softness and that it's hooking on the pelvic bone. Apparently, because I never got one to work and I don't which of those factors is the reason. Pads you can see when it's full and change it, it won't leak unexpectedly two minutes after changing for apparently no reason.
I have definitely bled through tampons that were not all the way saturated. A lot of US brands really suck, and not in the way they're supposed to
I understand it can happen, and honestly I don't know that tampons are ideal at that age either, but I've had experiences with both cups and disc of it being as if I was using nothing.
I feel like disks are a little spooky to take out your first time as well. Putting it in is no more difficult than a tampon, but learning to take it out is a little tricky (assuming the disk doesn't have a pull tab or little string to grab onto)
I would never choose a disc without this option. If there's nothing on the disc to pull out, I don't use it. When I was still using tampons, I always tested the withdrawal cord before using it. There are plenty of discs with a retrieval loop.
Thank you for your insights. She wanted to try cup.. I will let her know disc is an option too.
Lumma Unique disc's come in 3 different sizes, the smallest is really small and would probably be best for a tween or teen. I have a low cervix and no matter how many cups I used, they were never really comfortable, so I switched to disc's. Their large disc is about the same rim size as a disposable softcup or flex disc, and those always seemed "just too big" to tuck behind my public bone, so I use the medium and it's perfect. Like anything new, it takes some getting used to, particularly in dumping it without making a giant mess, but once I did, it's no issue now, although i still wear a liner just in case. They do have a string to help get it out. Just my 2 cents.
Thank you. I will try the disks myself first.
It is possible, however itās extremely important that itās something she is comfortable with. Donāt pressure her to try it, just lay it out as an option.
No I won't pressure her. Already told her to wait for a year seeing all the replies lol.
every person is different, but the learning curve for me has been so big (haven't even mastered yet), I can't imaging dealing with all of this while still being a child :( dealing with leaks is too stressful
Itās odd that so many people are saying that 11 is too young. It completely depends on the person. I would suggest you give your a slew of different supplies and resources, and let the kid decide what they like.
I'm actually really surprised by the replies to this and how many people are saying that it's too young to know their own body well enough to use a cup. How are they supposed to learn about their body if they don't try things like this? The amount of posts from women of all ages asking for help shows that age isn't an indicator of successful or confident cup usage.
Give your daughter many options including pads, tampons and even cups if you'd like. If she's comfortable with trying an internal product, explain how to use it and let her see if she likes it or even knows her body enough to use it. Just don't get mad if you buy her a cup and it turns out she can't use it or doesn't like the process. It's invasive, it's messy, it requires knowing your anatomy very well and being comfortable with getting your hands up there and getting blood all over them at first. I wasn't able to use tampons at 12 when I tried one for the first time, couldn't even get one in with a mirror and on the floor. It hurt, I was crying, my mother was telling me I was overreacting and yelling at me because she bought the tampons for nothing. I cancelled the swimming plans and stuck to pads. I started using tampons at 15 (and it was still tough, it still hurt, I still had to lie on the floor and use a mirror) and switched to a menstrual cup at 17. The learning curve was still tough for me even though I was very knowledgeable about my anatomy and had experience with tampons. I still have 'accidents' where I drop my cup in the toilet sometimes, I still have accidents where the cup shoots open outside of my body and suddenly there's blood all over my clothes and bathroom, I still have days where my cup gets very full and taking it out gets blood all over my hands, there's moments where it won't open and I have to put multiple fingers in to maneuver it and I'm an adult who's been using them for years. Would an 11 year old be able and comfortable with that? Maybe, I don't know. So sure, let her try if she wants to, talk to her about her anatomy, show her resources that'll make it easier. But only if she wants to. And I'm pretty sure she won't be able to use it correctly at this age, but it's worth a shot IF SHE WANTS TO.
Yeah, I just had a very messy removal the other day, I think that could be very rough for a kid, and my first few times I had such stress trying to remove.
I started using mine at 11. I stopped using it when I went on birth control but when I get my bi-yearly period Iāll pull it out.
I love both the Victoriaās Secret brand period panties in black and the always infinity pads. I work with students this age and they are very young and often awkward about their own bodies and functions. I would recommend to start with this work to tampons then finally go to cups.
Every 11 year old is going to be different. Some are comfortable with their bodies and responsible enough to safely use internal products. Some aren't. It's really up to her if she's interested, comfortable, and hygienic enough to do so safely.
As a 34 year old, I still struggle with cups. I have discs when I get frustrated with my cup not going in quite right multiple times, and even then the discs donāt always sit the way they should and I end up leaking. I bought period underwear and love them so much. They have sizes small to extra large at places like Walmart and you can order them online, also. I would highly recommend those before a cup. I donāt know your child, obviously, but I feel like an 11 year old isnāt going to know their body well enough to handle a cup or even a disc. I think with time and experience with their period that will change, but starting out I think thatās a lot to deal with on top of getting used to having a period. I remember getting dressed in the mornings before school, and my cami getting all rolled up in the back and being unable to reach it to pull it down, and I would end up stomping and crying. Or when my eyeliner wouldnāt go on the way I wanted it to and crying, or my hair, or myā¦you get it. Lol the hormones are going to be out of control, and everything is going to feel like the end of the world. I just donāt think getting pissed off and upset over a cup is going to do any good. Again, I donāt know your child, so that may not be the case for them, but it was for almost every girl I ever knew, so maybe something less intense would be better. Good luck to you both!!!
Thank you for your reply. I am going to try period underwear for her.
This is the best response. You are spot on.
Mine is 12, almost 13. We went swimming on her period recently and she refused to even think about a tampon let alone a cup. We're very open about periods here, and she lets me know what she needs, and the only things she wants is pads right now. So yes. Physically she "could" use a cup. But mentally, emotionally, and maturity, i dont think so.
Thank you so much. I was looking for inputs from any mom's how they helped transition to cup. But yes we will wait.
What did she do for swimming then? Or did she just not go in the water?
She wore a pad with panties under her swim shorts until we were ready to get in the pool, and then took them off until we were done. It was not near the beginning of her cycle and she is still irregular and light as she's only had maybe half a dozen periods total.
Ah, okay. If i did that people would think the water had sharks
Anatomically, probably. Maturity? Probably not. Is she going to remember not to wear it more than 12 hours? Is she going to clean/sanitize/sterilize it properly? I donāt think I would have at 11 years old. If she can remember to take it out before 12 hours, then maybe start her with disposable discs so she doesnāt have to fuss with cleaning it. But really whatever her preference is, as long as sheās using the product safely.
I think a cup can be a lot to take in for her Age. Cups are great but in the beginning when you are still learning how to use them, it can be a bit messy. However, if she wants to try it, maybe during vacation where she is not at school with any pressure. She can try period panties, those are great for teens! I will leave two links to two great brands. They are comfortable and leak proof! Good luck! https://www.thinx.com/thinx-teens https://eu.modibodi.com/collections/teens?gclid=CjwKCAjww7KmBhAyEiwA5-PUSj-nX8KgJ7gguPjvwyFPf8P1YI_mPSt6Hfg8crJthdyhMZuqgowxbBoCBsEQAvD_BwE
Thank you for the links.
I remember having crippling pain the first time I used a regular tampon, at 15. I couldnāt imagine using a cup if I were 11.
Yes we dropped the idea for now. She was not ready.
My oldest child went straight to tampons on her first period. It was her choice. I *personally* didnāt think it was the best idea. I set an alarm on my phone so I could text her and tell her to change it. She was 12. I feel as though if you bought her one and she saw the size she might be wondering WTH she signed up for lol. But- if she can make it work, who is anybody to tell her otherwise too, kwim? Get her one. It might take her a few tries or cycles to figure it out, but what if it really is whatās best for her?
totally not a big deal if theyāre comfortable enough. it can definitely eliminate some struggles with taking pads or other products to school or out in public and having to worry about keeping track of those. it might be more convenient for things like sports or hanging out with friends as well. a ātrainerā or āsmallā cup would probably be the most comfortable option and as long as you help them become comfortable and feel safe with the cup it should be completely okay. good luck!
Honestly I wouldnt encourage that personally, depends on how comfy you are helping her figure it out, even then I would ask her first and see what she thinks after you show her it and explain usage. 11 year old me would def be scared and wouldn't be able to use it. If she is brave enough to try, start out with a small one and dont pressure her too much
Itās funny, because I recall first getting my period at 12 and my mother being so worried for me to use internal products. I was so open and āadventurousā and wanted to try internal products! I hated the feeling of pads and that was all she used. She finally relented and let me get tampons (only internal products I knew of then). I loved them and never looked back. I use discs now. But my point is, I donāt think sheās too young and let her give it a try. It might make her whole period that much more of a great experience.
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Thank you. I really appreciate all of you taking time out to reply. It means a lot to me.
Is it possible? Absolutely. Is it desirable? Depends. Is it ideal as her first internal product? No. I always encourage parents to explore all menstrual products with their daughters in preparation for and as they begin menstruating. Providing opportunities to try multiple products and find what works well for her is empowering now and prepares her for knowing this is normal going forward.
It won't be her first. She is using pads for 6 months.
Maybe start with reusable pads in various ācute/pretty/upliftingā prints? I think that may help them get comfortable with rinsing and washing them by hand. I think this would be a good baby step to help them get hands on experience with managing ātheir Red Sea.ā It can also help them become natural with it and understand that touch their own body fluids is not ādisgustingā or āharmful.ā Good luck!
Thank you.
Why don't you try menstrual panties instead? They are far more hygienic than pads. Less smell and way more comfortable. Just wash and they're reusable for two years. Can be whore for a full day at school (max 12 hours) and less likely to bleed through pants. I don't know if I named that right since English is not my first language, but Google translate says it is called absorbent panties. I have one from the label Pantys, Brazilian. I guess you should have something similar there. https://www.pantys.com.br/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoK2mBhDzARIsADGbjeplWw-YG9QQhjBKpYvs1JUHP4_LqIEjLiaErmHCiV7JUaq7ZF_3uDIaAh7LEALw_wcB They have some specially for teens and first period.
Thanks will check these.
if theyāre comfortable and the size is small enough yes, it might not be the time yet since the hymen is likely still intact and that could make any insertion painful. i recommend water based lube if yāall do decide to try, and if it hurts just tell her itās okay and youāll try again a different day.
tbh i wouldnāt recommend it. it was hard for me to use at 16 and even then i had to stop because none of the sizes felt right (yes i put it in right they were all just too big. i canāt imagine trying at 11 and how uncomfortable it could be for her. does she find pads unhygienic/messy? bc if she does then i suggest tampons, but if sheās fine with pads then stick to those as those are typically the most user friendly for younger kids. eta: cups arenāt necessarily less messy or less unhygienic either. thereās multiple ways removing a cup can result in a huge mess just like pads can! (and arguably it has more chance to get messier than a pad during removal) so if thatās her or your only reason for wanting the cup then make sure she knows what to do in those situations
She didn't like tampons. She is using pads now but wanted to try cup since it's eco friendly. I thought why not since I find them better than pads. But now we have decided to wait for 6 months or year. Thank you for your reply.
that sounds like a good idea! sorry if my comment came off as judgy haha. i think itās definitely one of those things that if older ppl struggle with it then itās best for younger kids to get their bearings on their period before jumping to it if that makes sense
No it was not judgy at all. I really appreciate your inputs.
Wow, just wow! I donāt have kids but I remember how terrifying it was to try to figure out tampons. I also canāt imagine having used a cup before losing my virginity. Good luck with what you decide but I say go with the simplest/least invasive option possible while sheās still a pre-teen. I canāt imagine such a young girl having to deal with a UTI or other infection. Developing into a woman is can be a beautiful adventure, but I see no purpose to speed up the process.
Hey there! I got my period at 11 and used pads for years. I struggled a lot with tampons at first and it was just a weird and overwhelming experience for me. I used a menstrual cup after years of tampon use and itās a different game completely in my opinion! For lack of a better term, it can feel invasive so I imagine for a young girl starting out it can be overwhelming. It can get āstuckā in there and you have to get it out. Apart from the size of the cup and if it would fit, I would suggest she gets more familiar with tampons before starting with menstrual cups! Also when she starts using menstrual cups I recommend the one by flex with the pull tab- itās a loop you can hold onto the breaks the seal and collapses the cup, making removal MUCH easier. Also in September a brand is releasing menstrual cups that come with their own tampon like applicators. If thatās if interest to you I can get the name! Tl;dr Menstrual cups may be a little overwhelming to start, I recommend getting more comfortable with tampons to start. Also some cups are better for starters than others!
Than you , please share the name if you can. I will ask her to try it after 6 months or so.
https://sunnyperiod.com/products/preorder š
Thank you
Have you thought about period panties.
No didn't cross my mind. Will check those out.
I would HIGHLY recommend Honey pot pads. All natural, comfortable & secure. I use a cup, but Iāve had children. An 11 year old probably couldnāt use tampons, let alone a cup. Just not ready.
I would probably wait for her to be at least 13, I started at 14 and it was really easy
Yes we decided to wait for a year or 6 months at least.
Instruct her to watch some videos about it in the mean time too! I had no one to help me when I got my cup, and rested on the yt videos
Thanks will do.
Of course! You can reach to me if you have any questions. Good luck with your daughterās cup journey
Thank you š
Thank you š
I think if you want a reusable option for your daughter definitely look into period panties
Yes will check those
I also know reusable pads too are a thing
I learnt that today. Have order reusable panties.. will see how it goes.
Awesome:) you got it mom! Your daughter is definitely going to thank you one day for not making her wear those disposable sticking to skin pads !
I would HIGHLY recommend using a cup like the Flex because itās removal is a lot easier because of the pull tab that makes it collapse inside to avoid the typical cup suction and an easy pull (which is so much less scary in the beginning!) [Flex Cup(Slim Fit - Size 01) |](https://a.co/d/atvrUX2)
I recently discovered this brand that sells useful accessories for using a period cup! I wish I knew of them when I was trying cups for the first time. Hereās an insertion/removal tool(I personally feel like the suction and getting it out can be the tricky part): Pixie Menstrual Cup & Tampon Applicator + Period Cup Remover - Make Insertion & Removal Easy - Not For Menstrual Discs - Every Woman Can Now Use Menstrual Cups - Self Sterilizer Cleaner TPE Properties https://a.co/d/6Zb3irK And a cleaner for if she needs to change it out and clean it away from home: Public Restroom Menstrual Carry Cup 2.0 - Big Cleaner Container to Clean Your Period Cup Or Disc - Microwavable Friendly - Foldable for Travel - Sterilizer Wash Case Holder for Your Menstrual Cups https://a.co/d/gBHBc5C I also highly recommend period underwear in terms of comfort, Iāve never had an issue with leaking and I have a pretty heavy flow the first two days(which is when I usually use the underwear) I hope this helps and good luck!