Period / sanitary products - poss TMI

[TammySwansonTwo]

Wondering if I'm the only person to have this issue so mainly posting for traffic!

I have endometriosis and therefore very long and heavy periods. I can't use anything internal as it's too painful, far too messy and heavy, and I worry about the possibility of retrograde menstruation since they're so heavy.

The problem is that within a couple of days of my period starting, it feels like all the skin has been removed from my undercarriage. Because it's so heavy, no sanitary product absorbs quickly enough and I end up with serious chafing.

I bought some of those Always foam filled ones which were better (and less rough surface so less nasty rubbing) but even those now are causing bad chafing - only four days in and feels like I've had acid poured all over me.

Is this normal? What do other people do? Have tried fabric ones but they were even worse as the surface stays wet and that causes more chafing.

Off to raid my stash of nappy rash cream I reckon, but would love any suggestions. I'm wondering if it's like joggers nipples, where they become super sensitive to chafing.

Am I alone and weird or is this just another joyous thing we are expected to put up with?

[cherrycola2004]

Have you tried treated for thrush incase you have that mildly? Just a thought.

[Katyb1310]

I have that issue with all Always products and bodyform too. The only ones I find comfortable are the supermarkets' own version of the tenalady type pads. I know it probably seems weird but they're so comfy and great for heavier periods. I started using that type when we were abroad and I accidentally bought a packet not really knowing what they were like and they were so good and so comfy I looked for an equivalent back home.

[TammySwansonTwo]

Definitely not thrush, was treated a little while ago and very different symptoms - this is basically just like nappy rash (bleugh)

Thanks Katy, will try some other types. When I was younger and they were even heavier I used to have to wear Tena lady pants at night but had the same issue. Will see what's about these days.

[LaBelleSausage]

Maternity pads are much softer as they are designed to rub up against grazes/stitches etc.

I don't know if the absorbency will be sufficient but that may be worth a try. It sounds very sore

[2ducks2ducklings]

I was also about to suggest maternity pads. The Tesco own brand I used seemed to be super absorbent and were comfy too.

[LaBelleSausage]

Yes, I second this. The tesco ones are lovely!

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

Have you checked you aren’t allergic to anything in pads? That sounds awful

[CakeUpWall]

Definitely don't use Always. I think it may be whatever they are scented with, but they make me agonisingly sore.

Own-brand towels are far more gentle, Sainsburys are very good. I sometimes get Kotex from discount stores which are unscented and don't irritate my undercarriage.

Are there no menstrual cups you can use, in conjunction with a pad? Have you tried a few different ones? I'm wondering if the softer ones may be more comfortable for you.

[TammySwansonTwo]

I thought it could be an allergy, especially as most of them are now hideously fragranced, but the foam ones aren't and they're the best I've found so far - but this month it has still happened anyway. Seems to be damp skin rubbing against damp pad, and then burning hideously because it's raw - and I change them very often so that's not the issue. I'm wondering if I need tighter pants so that there's less movement / rubbing.

Will trial some maternity and incontinence pads next month. Feel very sorry for my boys, they struggle wjth nappy rash whenever their allergies flare up, and it's so painful!

[TammySwansonTwo]

I have tried a cup in the past and I just can't do it - putting anything in there is just so painful during my periods. I'm on opiates and still in hideous pain, the entire region is a mess of scar tissue and the disease itself, can't even gently press on my abdomen without insane shooting pain so I'm not fiddling about in there!

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

I second the stuff that is unscented. If this doesn't help, Boots do some that are cotton ones, which seem gentler, and also organic ones, but the organic ones are fairly pricey. I would be tempted to try layering them, with one of these as the uppermost layer maybe.

[thewisestoldelf]

I get this if I wear towels. Feels like I'm bleeding battery acid.

No help, just thought I'd let you know that you're not alone!

[NootNoot]

Maternity pads, also incontinence pads are a lot more absorbant.

That sounds horrid bless you. Look at Udder Cream on Amazon (yes it is for cows udders) but it has a really lovely moisturiser in it that will help with the chafing. Good luck

[Moanyoldcow]

I'm assuming you've tried the various drugs that reduce bleeding?

You poor thing - this sounds awful. If this were me I'd be talking again to the doctor. Have you finished having children? Are there any operative solutions?

[BackBoiler]

I had started getting a reaction too so I definitely think its the scent, the smell used to make wretch too! I preferred the smell of menstrual blood alone if I am honest!

[justilou1]

I was going to suggest a good old zinc-based barrier cream and see how you go. Of course, it's a bit messy, but so are periods.

[cyclecamper]

Have you tried washables? They are much softer and don't have the chemicals in them. They also don't 'draw' the blood out so are often linked to less pain.

[EatTheChocolateTeapot]

Tena are much softer than Always, DH bought me some Tena incontinence pads when they didn't have maternity pads at the local store. I would say there are even softer than nappies.

[TimeIhadaNameChange]

Which fabric ones did you try? It might be worth getting in touch with www.earthwisegirls.co.uk and asking for their advice. Fleece ones should be soft against the skin, and bamboo are supposed to be nice too. They may be able to recommend one that will be dry and soft to touch. Worth popping them an email imo.

[pomegranita]

This sounds utterly awful.... Is your family complete? I would be thinking about pressing for a hysterectomy if it is.

[whiskyowl]

YES! I had constant bleeding (and I mean constant) for years as a result of fibroids, and I had a big struggle to get this treated, which I won't bore you with here.

Things that worked for me

• Oilatum is brilliant. It really helps. Get a big pump action bottle.
  
• Natracare pads, which don't have bleach or any other additives for the lighter days
  
• Bodyglide for around the edges of knickers. It's like a silicone you apply when putting on a wetsuit, but works well to stop edge-of-knicker chafing.
  
• Washing underwear in Ecover Zero, because there's an adjustment between sanitary towels and knickers alone when you do stop bleeding - bio washing powder makes this worse for me, which can extend the pain and misery.

[dontquotemeondailymail]

Sorry OP, that sounds utterly miserable.

I also have endo and my periods were very heavy, very painful and tampons were an absolute painful no-no. I then had the mirena coil fitted which has meant my periods are very few and far between, and very light when they do appear. I don’t know your situation and whether that’s an option for you, but thought I’d mention it.

Just thought of a product which may help ease... liquid talc! I used it on my little boy and it worked so much better for him than nappy cream. Asda do one in their little angels brand, not sure if anywhere else do a version.

[crochetmonkey74]

I use seamless boyshorts as they don't rub round the top of your thighs, and use loads of sudocrem. Also, an antifungal cream, after a bath and talc when you can get yourself really dry has helped to calm the itch, then later I put on the sudocrem for comfort.
I have found the best pads are the Bodyform Ultra Goodnight- they look thin but they are very wide and long and unscented so I feel very secure in them.
It's horrible though and I felt like every month, just as I was getting myself back to normal, It would be period time again. It's horrible to feel so uncomfortable. Also, another tip: when you are not on your period, I stopped wearing pants around the house or to bed. I would shower/ bath then wear cotton pyjama bottoms - they were loose , so everything was airy and dry (TMI sorry)

[Underbeneathsies]

I’d try incontinence pads (tena have a soft feel), maternity pads and the boots /Tesco own brand pads.

Bepanthen nappy cream for your bits. It has pro vitamin B and is fantastic for healing tender skin. It makes a waterproof barrier and gently stays put.

Any chance of getting your Gynae to do an ablation?
Sorry you’re having this trouble, I have heavy periods, but only a bit of endo. within the muscle layers of my womb.
I’m seriously contemplating a hysterectomy, now I’m in perimeno.

[TammySwansonTwo]

Thank you so much for all the suggestions - I'm making a list now and going to do a period-centric shop!

Yes sadly I've had six surgeries since I was diagnosed 13 years ago. Been on every hormone treatment / option, been on morphine daily for a decade. It fucking sucks (understatement).

My gynae is pushing for a hysterectomy but I'm feeling anxious about it - not sure Im ready for something so final, and although it will mean the periods are gone, it's unlikely to get rid of the rest of my related pain so trying to weigh it up right now. Still exhausted and sleep deprived with the twins and not sure it's the best time to make a decision on no more kids. Of course during my periods I am prepared to scoop the lot out myself with a spoon, but that feeling passes!