Janessa asks: I’ve started getting periods now and I’m using pads. I don’t feel comfortable trying a tampon yet so can I wear a pad with my leotard?
That’s a great question. When we first start having periods a girls go to solution is to wear a pad inside our underwear. If you haven’t used a pad yet – they wrap around our panties so that our underwear stays clean when we are bleeding. They feel soft against us but they do feel a bit bulky. Some girls say they feel like wearing a diaper!
What makes pads keep panties safe doesn’t work as well in leotards. We can’t wrap the pad around the leotard or everyone would see it. Plus, it would come loose from all the movement.
If you have to wear a pad under a leotard you need to use the pad inside a pair of panties and then the leotard over top. That won’t be too comfy and there is a good chance your panties will show. Your pad might even show too.
The solution is to start using tampons. You don’t need to use them all the time – just when you are wearing a leotard. With a tampon inside you won’t need to wear panties and can have your full range of movement in just a leotard.
If you are old enough for a period you are old enough for a teen size tampon. Mom is the best person to ask for help. But, if you aren’t comfy with asking mom try a sister, coach or close friend. They can give you advice and help you find the small size tampon you need.
We’ve got a guide for inserting that first tampon elsewhere on the site. Relax. Every other gymnast is using tampons too. You’ll just be one of the girls once you learn how too!
