I'm almost 22 and I just started using tampons for the first time!

Toxic shock syndrome is not something you'll really need to worry about. Here is some info on it from the Mayo Clinic.

I now use a silicone menstrual cup, but before that I used tampons for years. (And before that, yes I used pads for years too.) I'll tell you a story that should (hopefully) make you feel a little better. I usually used tampons with no applicator, but after my mother had her hysterectomy she gave me all her leftover supplies, which included tampons with a plastic applicator. I used one, and it turns out the tampon inside the applicator was defective. It actually had a loose chunk inside on top of the real tampon. I didn't know that at the time, so inserted it as normal. A couple of days later, the chunk came out. I called the doctor and spoke to the nurse. She said if I didn't feel sick I was fine, and I didn't feel sick in the least. So that chunk of tampon was ok inside me for a couple of days. Hopefully that will make you feel a bit safer, TSS is really rare, and you'll know if you're sick.

Inspect each tampon before you insert it, and change them daily - you'll be just fine. Congrats on using them for the first time!

Ouch! That doesn't sound pleasant at all! They would always make my skin irritated, and I'm not even allergic to plastic. I think it was just having my skin exposed to the menstrual fluid all the time for me.

I sure was shocked (and disgusted) when that chunk came out! I was peeing, and then I was all "WTF???" lol

I was shocked to read on that website that half of all cases of TSS aren't even in menstruating women! It's basically a kind of staph infection that anyone can get. Who knew!?!

Good on you for wearing the panty liner too. That way if you leak a little, you'll be protected. Glad it's allowing you to be more pain free in your tender bits - that must be a real relief!

When I used tampons, I was always super nervous about TSS! I just made sure to use the lowest absorbency possible, and change the every 6-8 hours. I wore pads for years before I switched to tampons, and it was quite a relief - I really hated pads - ugh. You can also get non-applicator or cardboard applicator for tampons if you are allergic to plastic. Less waste also! I use a Lunette menstrual cup now, and I have for a few years, so that's about the extent of what I remember from my tampon days.

Just make sure you change your tampon every few hours and youll have no issues. I've ben using tampons since I started my periods (over 10 years ago) and cannot even wear a pad. It feels like a diaper and your sitting in your own.......stuff......j ust ew lol

Like I said just change your tampon every few hours and youll be fine. I could never use pads after ive used tampons for so long!! lol

I was either 21 or 22 when I used tampons for the first time as well! I was going on a month long road trip and didn't want to deal with pads while sleeping in other peoples beds, on couches and floors, or for extended amounts of time in the car. I had recently gotten into regular sex toy use and that gave me the confidence to make the switch. Compared to pads I was very relieved with how easy and convenient it was! I had no accidents and could sleep comfortably in any position. It took barely any getting used to and from what I can remember, I had no bad experiences with them then. Ironically, though, I ended up staying with a divacup user who was on their period at the time of my visit and was so intrigued that (after a little research) I ordered one for myself! I haven't looked back since then.

I only used tampons for a few months total, but I think it was a helpful transition to using a menstrual cup. I would have been more weary of insertion if I'd been coming straight from pads. If you're worried about leaks or having to change often, those problems are virtually erased with use of a cup, at least for my flow. After nearly a year of using the cup I found myself in sudden need of it at work and had nothing but a lone straggling tampon at the bottom of my bag to get me through the day. My tampon experience was much affected by my post-cup mindset and I was extremely uncomfortable that day. I had gotten so used to feeling nothing while wearing my cup that I was very aware of the presence of texture of the tampon, and while it had been an improvement on the irritation and dirty aspects of pads, it seemed gross and unsatisfying to me at that point. Take all the time you need getting comfortable with tampons, but you may want to consider a menstrual cup as a next step!

If you change your tampon regurally like the box says which is never leave one in for over 8 hours and do not use them when your period is not heavy enough, you will be just fine