Dear BeingGirl Experts,

Can you go swimming without wearing a tampon?? Because I've tried to wear a tampon, and they don't go up all the way. Please help because I need to take swim next year!

Thanx,

Carly

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Dear Carly,

You do need to use a tampon in order to go swimming. Be sure to try insertion only when you are actually menstruating. This can make insertion easier. Check out the http://www.beinggirl.com/article/how-to-use-a-tampon page to find help with insertion. If you are doing it all right and still cannot insert a tampon, it may be that your hymen, the thin membrane that partially covers and protects the opening to your vagina, may be too small or too tight to allow the tampon in.

Your flow may stop in the water temporarily due to pressure. But definitely don't count on this to go swimming without wearing a tampon because pressure may change if you laugh, cough, sneeze or move around at all, allowing your menstrual flow to come out into the water. It is not sanitary for you to swim with others when you have your period if you don't have a tampon in.

Hope this helps,

Your BeingGirl Experts