Dear BeingGirl Experts,

I'm 13 years old and have been getting my period for about six months now. I'm writing to you to find out how old I have to be before I can start using tampons. One of my friends says her sister told her you have to be sixteen. Another of my friends says you can't use tampons until you've had sex. Which is it?

Please write back as soon as possible and let me know because I would like to start using tampons, but don't want to do anything wrong.

Sincerely,

Hannah

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Hi Hannah,

First, don't worry! You won't be doing anything "wrong" if you decide to use tampons for menstrual protection. Second: you don't have to be any specific age to wear your first tampon. Most girls can start wearing their first tampon as soon as they begin to menstruate, no matter what age. Also, there is absolutely NO connection between wearing tampons and having sex, so you can definitely use tampons long before you decide to have sex. As long as you understand the proper use of tampons and you can insert them, you should be able to wear them. Read about tampons in the information on tampon use and insertion at www.beinggirl.com/article/how-to-use-a-tampon. There you will learn all about tampons and how to use them, so you can decide if you are ready for them. Remember, tampons should only be used when you are having your period.

Hope that clears things up for you!

Your BeingGirl Experts