Tampons

dementedpixie · 06/12/2021 07:32

Tampax pearl expand width ways rather than getting longer. I can't use the other versions as they end up getting too long and uncomfortable.

Or maybe lillets applicator tampons as they also get wider rather than longer

MiloAndEddie · 06/12/2021 07:37

I could never get on with tampax. Lillets with plastic applicator were my go to. They were becoming increasingly difficult to find but boots still stock them

ecuse · 06/12/2021 08:31

Any brand of tampons other than Tampax should expand widthways. I've always struggled with Tampax for same reason.

frugalkitty · 06/12/2021 08:58

Lillets are better than tampax for expanding widthways, I buy mine in Savers.

Animood · 06/12/2021 09:42

If you're getting the dry tampon feel, you could either leave the tampon in for a bit longer (obv not over 8hours) and have a liner as backup in case of leaks or size down your tampon to small or whatever.

MrsSugar · 06/12/2021 09:47

Lil let’s for sure. I have never ever been able to get on with tampax. Boots still sell lillets with applicators

BalladOfBarryAndFreda · 06/12/2021 09:49

If you are getting dragging, you need to go down a level of absorbency.

If it feels like it’s sitting too low, you need to insert it up higher. Is there a risk you could have a pelvic organ prolapse? The pressure can affect the positioning of your tampon.

Seeline · 06/12/2021 09:49

I never managed any tampons with an applicator, but Lillets are always my go-to. Tampax were too long and narrow.

Blueuggboots · 06/12/2021 09:52

Lil let's applicator tampons are so much better than tampax.
I get mine from savers or Amazon.

ehb102 · 06/12/2021 09:55

Sounds like water based lube could be your friend here. Ignore the sex based associations.

ShirleyPhallus · 06/12/2021 09:58

@ecuse

Any brand of tampons other than Tampax should expand widthways. I've always struggled with Tampax for same reason.

Agree, tampax are awful for this reason!

Own brand ones are much better. And try to steer away from applicators if you’re able to, terrible for the environment

Ozanj · 06/12/2021 09:59

@BobMortimersPetOwl

I'm having periods again for the first time in about 20 years. I bought a couple of cups and I just can't do them. I've tried a gazillion ways but I can't get them in. I'm happy to keep trying but obviously I can't rely on this for now.

I don't want pads, except for on my lightest days. I've got some reusable for that already.

I tried tampax tampons last time but I found they hurt being inserted and removed, like they were pulling against dry skin if that makes sense. And I often found they were sitting right against my vaginal opening which wasn't exactly comfortable either.

Can anyone recommend an alternative? Are there tampons which are shorter than tampax? I need to use an applicator because I struggle manoeuvring to get one in without (as with the cup!) as I'm a big woman and find boobs and belly get in the way.

Seems like you aren’t pushing the tampons up far enough. I use Tampax Pearl. But often have to push them in at an angle and then go the rest of the way with my fingers.

Just10moreminutesplease · 06/12/2021 10:01

I think any of the compact ones will be shorter than normal tampons. Maybe you could try a little bit of Vaseline on the applicator to help when inserting?

BarefootHippieChick · 06/12/2021 10:06

I only use lil lets, or the supermarket/Boots version. Also I never use applicators, in my opinion there's nothing better than using your finger to make sure it's definitely in and sitting correctly.

peridito · 06/12/2021 10:11

Period pants ?

Hadtochangebutnoideas · 06/12/2021 10:34

I had a similar issue when I stoped the mini-pill earlier in the year. I hadn’t had a period in over 10 years so the first few were quite a shock, almost like being a teenager again! I struggled with Tampax in the beginning, had to persevere quite a bit. Two things helped me:

Getting the level of absorbency right- I started off with the purple ones on light days just to get used to it.
Making sure I was inserting it correctly. Sorry if this sounds obviously, or slightly TMI, but I was trying to insert it upwards. When I (accidentally) inserted it by angling it towards my back it felt much more comfortable. You also have to make sure you put it in far enough so I use the the Tampax with the applicator which helps massively. Genuinely can’t feel it when it’s in now.

Hope that helps! I remember feeling completely incompetent before it clicked!

CaribouCarafe · 06/12/2021 10:44

Yep definitely go down a grade in absorbancy and look for the width ways expansion types. Make sure it goes in fully, you shouldn't be able to feel it.

P.S. I love your username
P.P.S. I do beg your pardon but I am in your garden

Original poster

BobMortimersPetOwl · 06/12/2021 10:52

Thank you all so much for making me feel much less stupid!!

I'll have a look at some different brands. Definitely no prolapse and I'm angling as best as I can. I'm finding that my opening is dry so the tampon drags and hurts so I'll definitely try some lubricant too!

I can't not use an applicator but I wonder whether there's maybe a reusable one which I can load tampons into. I shall investigate!

OP posts:

Original poster

BobMortimersPetOwl · 06/12/2021 10:53

@CaribouCarafe have you read his book? I've been listening to it on audiobook and he's just told that story

OP posts:

CaribouCarafe · 06/12/2021 11:01

[quote BobMortimersPetOwl]@CaribouCarafe have you read his book? I've been listening to it on audiobook and he's just told that story [/quote]
Nope not read his book although I definitely should as I love that man! I've watched all his stories on WILTY and also clips from his Fishing Trip series and a bit of his podcasts from Athletico Mince.

Obviously am also a fan of Reeves and Mortimer and basically anything he is on!

dementedpixie · 06/12/2021 11:07

@BobMortimersPetOwl

Thank you all so much for making me feel much less stupid!!

I'll have a look at some different brands. Definitely no prolapse and I'm angling as best as I can. I'm finding that my opening is dry so the tampon drags and hurts so I'll definitely try some lubricant too!

I can't not use an applicator but I wonder whether there's maybe a reusable one which I can load tampons into. I shall investigate!

My local tesco had a reusable applicator Tampax pearl dont grow longer but the other variants do

WilliamofBaskerville · 06/12/2021 11:10

You can definitely buy reusable applicators - much, much better for the environment.

Wink182 · 06/12/2021 11:12

I have a tilted uterus and tampons have never felt comfortable for me - apparently this is often the case for people with tilted uteruses.

CC1991 · 06/12/2021 20:14

Recently bought a TOTM reusable applicator for £10 on eBay (brand new, thank goodness) - haven't tried it out yet as I'm not due my period for another week or so. Apparently Lil-lets are discontinuing their applicator tampons due to the plastic, so hopefully the reusable one will do the job (I can't use non-applicator ones).

Lil-lets have their own reusable applicators but apparently they only fit tampons up to super plus; I have recently had to start using the ones above that (bought Ultras for the first time the other day!) and they all fit inside the applicator.

TommyandGina · 06/12/2021 20:24

@BobMortimersPetOwl

Thank you all so much for making me feel much less stupid!!

I'll have a look at some different brands. Definitely no prolapse and I'm angling as best as I can. I'm finding that my opening is dry so the tampon drags and hurts so I'll definitely try some lubricant too!

I can't not use an applicator but I wonder whether there's maybe a reusable one which I can load tampons into. I shall investigate!

DAME do a reuseable applicator which Lil let's fit into. Comes with a handy handbag tin too

Interested in this thread?