Rita asks: Do I have to use a tampon for gymnastics? I would rather wear a pad.
For some girls pads are super comfy and the idea of using a tampon is something we would rather avoid. The trouble of course if that the uniforms for some sports don’t work to well with pads. And.. a leotard is one of those uniforms.
Often in practice you can wear shorts over top of your leotard. With shorts, its not a problem to wear a pad inside your leotard. The wings can wrap around the leotard and that will all be covered by the shorts.
Leotards are pretty snug so the pad may not be as comfy as when you wear it with regular underwear. But, if you are ok with how it feels it works.
The problem comes with competitions. Almost all competitions require you to wear only a leotard. That means there just isn’t a way to wear a pad without it being seen. Not only would it be shy you would also be deducted points if your pad shows.
You’ll need to use a tampon if you have your period during a competition. Obviously if you don’t use tampons very often they will feel pretty weird inside when you do use one. It may well distract you from doing your best during the gymnastics meet.
The solution… like it or not… is to wear tampons during practice too. You get used to the feeling of doing your routine with a tampon so that if you have your period during a meet you don’t get distracted and still do your best.
Have a great season Rita! You’re going to do amazing on your team.
