Tampons uncomfortable after childbirth

[Sunflowerpower89]

Hello,

I had a call with my dr to discuss contraception and to get some advice about my heavy and very painful periods. During the call I mentioned that since having my children I cannot comfortably wear tampons, it’s like I can always feel them if that makes sense? She was entirely dismissive of this and says there’s no reason at all that would be the case. But it definitely is an issue for me and I’m now wondering if it’s all in my mind? Has anyone else experienced this?

For reference I’ve had two children, an episiotomy, and two second degree tears and I have a mild prolapse - so i always assumed some combination of these cause the issue?

As an aside, has anyone been able to get their dr to take very heavy painful periods seriously? For three days I’m bleeding through night pads every two hours and the pain is so bad I end up struggling to walk- but the dr didn’t seem interested or concerned.

Sorry it’s long. Thanks for reading!

[Ariela]

Try a different GP, get a second opinion. Ask for stronger painkillers or 'is there anything you can do to reduce the blood loss and pain, it's not normal'.
For tampons and pads, try cloth pads and/or cloth tampons Far more comfortable.

[ArnoldBee]

I haven't felt comfortable with tampons after childbirth. I don't know if its physical or psychological but I feel better using pads.

[Hoppinggreen]

I could never use Tampons after I gave birth, they just felt wrong somehow
I’m sure I have seen threads on here about it so it’s not unheard of
See a different GP if possible

[Aahotep]

I also had to stop using tampons because they hurt. Like they were dry and uncomfortable in there.
How old are you? Depending on age could be perimenopause. Also endometriosis should be considered maybe?

[Sunflowerpower89]

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply, I’m glad it isn’t just me- dr honestly made me feel like it was the strangest thing she’s ever heard!

Definitely going to speak to different dr, just felt a bit deflated today by how uninterested dr was. I know it’s far from the worst thing in the world but they are such a nightmare every month and after two major PPH the blood causes me to panic a bit, although rationally I know I’m not haemorrhaging.

@Aahotep I’m 31 - so not sure it would be that? Endometriosis maybe, but it’s definitely got worse since having my second - will have a look into it, thanks!

[Aahotep]

Yes it should be investigated, good luck

[MrsMcTats]

You're not going mad! I still wear tampons, but they definitely aren't as comfy as they used to be. I have to change more regularly, as like you say, I can feel them and they feel lower down. I don't know why it would be unbelievable - the area has stretched beyond belief, so surely there could be a difference post birth!

[CarolVordermansBum]

Hello OP, sorry I don't have any advice regarding the bleeding, but as for the tampons I had the same issue. I've had four babies, all vaginal births, and I could not wear tampons anymore because they always felt like they were falling out, or were in at a wrong angle. Sometimes when I pulled it out, the tampon came out curved instead of straight, sorry for TMI!!

Then in August last year I saw a gynecologist who said i had 2 prolapses, both grade 3, of the bowel and bladder. I had surgery to correct this in October. And now I can comfortably wear tampons again with no issue, I can't feel them in there when I wear one now. Its exactly how it was before having any children. So my guess would be it's because of the prolapse. See a gynecologist if you aren't happy, you may not need surgery, you may just need physio depending on what they say x

[JulesJules]

I could not use tampons after my first delivery - epi, allergy to the sutures, repair surgeries, scar tissue etc. I'm shocked the Dr was so dismissive, see someone else.