Tampons - any way to make them less painful?

[SinkGirl]

Firstly, I’ve used my usual username so it’s clear I’m not a period troll!

I literally haven’t worn a tampon for over 20 years because they really bloody hurt me (I have endometriosis and adenomyosis, my periods are brutal and very long, I have overly tense pelvic floor muscles and awful pain in that area during periods so inserting anything is hideous).

But now I have no choice - not only is my skin damaged from wearing pads, even the best ones I’ve found start to cause damage after a while, but I have to go swimming on Saturday and of course I started a horrendous period yesterday.

Have bought a box of super tampons as I am really heavy - need to try them out before swimming but I’m scared to. Is there anything that helps, for those of you who have pain with tampon use? Are certain ones less painful than others?

I know people will suggest a cup - have tried it before, absolutely excruciating amongst other issues with it so a cup isn’t feasible.

I feel ridiculous as a woman of nearly 40 to be scared of tampons. Help!

The Pearl ones are easier for me, but there’s a lot of plastic so probs not environmentally great.

Have you looked into period underwear? You can get swimsuits too I think. I use period pants, I don’t like tampons either.

Are you putting them up your bum?

What about period pants?

I've definitely noticed that Tampax (expanding lengthways) are less painful than LilLets or supermarket own brands (expanding widthways) and are less likely to 'shuffle down'.

I find as above the pearl applicators the easiest as they go up easier.

Are you trying to relax as you insert? I know it sounds silly but I find if I'm tense when putting it in I'm not comfy as the tampon isn't fully inserted.

Initially I was going to suggest are you too dry upon insert until I saw you have heavy bleeds.

I can't really use tampons since having kids, god knows what's going on down there.

The most comfortable I have found are Lidl own brand, they're thinner and expand length nit widthways.

What about a moon cup or period pants?

Try with lower flow ones until you get the hang of it. Are you inserting them in high enough? Since I’ve had DD2 I’ve found if I’ve not put them in high enough they are uncomfortable. You can also put a bit of lube on the tip before you insert them.

I don’t have any words of advice but just to relate really…! Since having children I find tampons very painful. Been checked for prolapse etc and all ok but I just can’t get on with them anymore.

You do get period swimsuits, I saw them the other day, next, h&m or very. No clue really about the tampons, I find tampax pearl fine.

Try lubricating the tube before insertion 🙂

Another vote for period underwear (and swimwear). Life changing for me (have never got on with tampons and pads make me so sore).

Going off point here slightly but what do you mean by this OP? How do pads damage your skin?

But now I have no choice - not only is my skin damaged from wearing pads, even the best ones I’ve found start to cause damage after a while

I'm nearly 30 and have only ever worn pads, now I'm worried lol.

Never been able to wear tampons either OP, I find them absolutely excruciating and I feel like I’ve tried them all.

I second the PP that has suggest period pants, absolute game changer!

I can't speak for the OP but I know I get VERY sore down below if i wear traditional pads for more than a day. I use washable cloth ones now.

I also get sore with some pads, might be the fragrance,
I have seen ads for a period sponge and have seen cups that are flat so sit right at the top, stopping any flow, not tried either but might be worth a look into?

I'd second lower flow ones to start with - when I first started using them I just used lower flow ones and changed more often. I don't get on with Tampax pearl - for some reason I always pinch my flaps when inserting (sorry!). I also don't wear them until I'm properly on, and switch to a pad when at the end of my period - nothing like trying to remove a tampon that's a bit dry (boke).

I also don't follow the instructions where it says to put one foot on the loo - I always end up with it wonky. I just do a bit of a squat and point towards the base of my spine.

Thanks everyone for the tips - it’s a bit like when I started my periods, since I have no idea what’s available or good / bad.

@MBM18 I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you - I’m sure you’ll be fine! It’s because my periods are so heavy and so long that after a while my skin starts to chafe. If I use rubbish pads or fragranced ones my skin basically rubs away within a couple of days. I use Always Infinity pads now which are by far the best, but had two very long and heavy periods with a very short cycle a couple of months ago and my skin hasn’t really recovered. Ideally I need a break from pads this period but struggle to use tampons at all, let alone all the time.

Will definitely try some lubricant - lighter flow ones aren’t an option unless I wear a pad as well (you honestly wouldn’t believe how heavy they are unless you have similar - it’s madness) so can’t use them for swimming but could try then out today.

Cups are so painful it’s just not possible. I get horrendous muscle spasms down below during my periods and the only time I successfully inserted one I managed five minutes then had to take it out, I was having like contractions. Period pants damaged my skin last time I tried just because the blood comes more quickly than it can be absorbed - I did post about skin damage recently as I’ve been so sore and someone recommended a brand so have ordered some of them and will try to find some swimming ones, just so paranoid about them leaking in a pool 😬

Going to go and get some smaller ones to try and get used to it this afternoon. Ugh. I hate periods so much. Just when I think they can’t get worse, they do. This is why I don’t normally go swimming ever!

Will have a look at the sponges - won’t be able to get one for tomorrow but will be good to try for the future :)

A little lube or water on the applicator.
For heavy flow tampons that expand width wise tend to leak less. The tampon needs to go quite high up to not be felt/uncomfortable.

Personally I've found moving to organic cotton tampons life changing, no itching, soreness and cannot feel them. I cannot stand regular tampons.

Make sure when you insert you angle towards your back and put the tip in as far as you can then push it in, I always use applicators.

I use Natracare - www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/brands/natracare/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=nonbrand&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk4yGBhDQARIsACGfAetZz3ZNtzHsG2zWNObrT2dlozvkFR0hoI_N5kb95YBj0gTU4d2QbL4aAhPIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I used to have to lubricate tampons to get them in. Non-applicator was easier to wriggle in.

I find bamboo cloth pads far more comfortable and absorbent than disposables. No more thrush either.

Have you tried reusable pads OP.

My dd reacts terribly to disposable pads (would get completely raw) and with reusable pads she hasn't reacted at all.

I would definitely recommend cloth pads, so much more comfortable than disposable

Have you tried reusable pads? I can only use one type of plastic pad. Other wise I get thrush and a rash on my skin. I cannot use tampons and they are just way too sore and never feel like they are in right.

I have the same - hideous periods and I get shooting pain in my vag and always feel like my cervix is gonna fall out. I don’t have a prolapse btw.

I use lillets maxi maternity pads. Theyare soft, gentle and honestly quite comfortable considering the size of them. For swimming I would use a plastic applicator tampon. Pearl is ok but also playtex which I buy on amazon. Cardboard applicators do not suit me.

Period pants are the way forward. I thought they'd be gross and leak but they're amazing.