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!

Not able to help but wanted to say how much relief I have felt reading this thread. I assumed for years there was something up with me that I NEVER managed to get on with tampons because they hurt so much, esp at insertion. I hope you find something that works for you this time, but THANK YOU @SinkGirl and others for making me feel less of a complete oddity and failure!

@OhForGoodnessSake1

Not able to help but wanted to say how much relief I have felt reading this thread. I assumed for years there was something up with me that I NEVER managed to get on with tampons because they hurt so much, esp at insertion. I hope you find something that works for you this time, but THANK YOU *@SinkGirl* and others for making me feel less of a complete oddity and failure!

You are definitely not alone - think it’s very common amongst endo sufferers. I remember asking on a night out whether any of my friends had a spare pad as i had gone through the stash in my bag - they all had tampons, except one who produced a pad that was basically a panty liner. They didn’t believe me that I hadn’t used a tampon since I was a teenager, or that a teeny pad wasn’t going to cut it - made me realise how different things are for others!

Cloth pads have been disastrous for me - not only would I need to own so bloody many, but the rate of blood loss means the top stays damp which is what screws up my skin. The disposable pads I use are amazing as they hold loads and always stay dry on top as the middle is made of foam, and I don’t normally have issues any more but for some reason the last few months have been particularly bad. Think after this period I will need to get some cream from the doctor.

Just about managed a tampon for an hour but they really hurt. Swimming will not be fun tomorrow but hopefully the water will help the pain and at least I know I can grin and bear it for an hour!

What is painful? When you are inserting it or while it's inside?
If insertion is the problem, use tampax pearl. The smooth plastic make it very easy to insert. If it's painful when it's in, it may not be in far enough. If your periods are very heavy you may still need a pad.

Both really - I guess actual pain in your vagina maybe isn’t that common during periods but it’s bad for me (might be related to passing clots I guess?) so inserting them hurts, not sure whether the type of applicator would change that (the ones I managed to get seem to be plastic too - think they’re Compak or whatever they’re called). Might try a few different ones and will try the organic ones mentioned upthread. Hurts when they’re in too, but then I always feel like there’s a tonne weight in my uterus during periods so I guess adding something else in won’t help.

It would definitely do my skin some good to have a break from pads if I can tolerate them.

I can't comprehend how period swimwear works, especially for those who have a heavy flow. It would need to form a watertight seal against your body?

Have you been to the doctors about your periods? Iknowthey can prescribe transamic (?) acid which slows the flow right down.

@Siennabear

Have you been to the doctors about your periods? Iknowthey can prescribe transamic (?) acid which slows the flow right down.

Oh yes, I’m way beyond that sadly (have had six surgeries, every hormone treatment going and have been on morphine for well over 10 years now). Waiting on more surgery, which may be a hysterectomy this time even though it’s not a cure for the endometriosis but I am just done with these fucking periods now.

I spent from 13-33 constantly on some form of hormones or another, then had my twins and haven’t been back on anything since apart from a few short attempts as every type of hormone treatment causes me massive issues now and I can’t do a Mirena again. So over the last four or so years it’s just gotten worse and worse. I was against a hysterectomy but now I’m at the point where I think I’ll just do it.

Just had a thought - if you can’t deal with tampons, have you tried the Yoni brand? I’ve only used the liners so far but was pretty impressed - no plastic, no perfume, organic etc. They sell them In Sainsbury’s- www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/all-organic-/yoni-organic-cotton-pads-long-x10. Might be kinder to your skin.