Please help this 30yo work out why tampons are so uncomfortable!

[user1491810905]

So I've got to mid thirties and just never really used tampons. Never liked them as a teen, went on the pill and then got pregnant etc so never really been an issue. But I'm now not on the pill and so everything back to normal.

I normally wear period pants or pads. I'm not that heavy so it works fine and is comfortable.

But we are on a very waited for summer holiday and my period has come early. The only way to make the most of it is to use tampons. I am a 35 yo woman and I've birthed two kids. Should be fine!

Jesus christ they are so friggin uncomfortable. If I put them in they feel all wooly and rough like friggin sandpaper. They drop down and seem to go to the right of my vagina. If I pee they basically fall out. Even if I push them really quite far up they still feel like they are falling out. I can feel it every time I walk. It's not unbearable but it's not at all comfortable and I cannot believe other women would choose to feel this way so I conclude I must be doing something wrong.

At my last smear I did have to tilt my pelvis up for her to get to my cervix. Is it possible everything is just a bit wonky up there?

I won't let it stop me swimming and enjoying the pool with my DC but I would love to improve it!

I also have the same problem! Pre-baby used to use lillet's happily, now I just can't get them (or any tampon) in comfortably. I have better success with an applicator but still not perfect. I also didn't get on with a mooncup.

I suspect I have a slight prolapse of some kind, but know my vagina is on the short side of normal anyway. I'm currently pregnant so post-birth may ask for a physio referral.

I am also a Lillets user, Tampax are too long and fall out. When I use Lillets (non applicator) I have to insert it in and sort of go sideways - I never feel them once in. I use different sizes for different flows.

PS: obviously you won't necessarily be able to lie down flat one your back like that if you are out and about in a public toilet but the point is that if you only wear one for a while that you insert like that, you will soon get the hang of how to insert it and angle it (they always used to say aim for the small of your back) and feel where it should be.

I’m exactly the same. I used to be able to use them without any problems at all. Then I had my daughter and I haven’t been able to get one in comfortably ever since. I just assumed it was as a result of giving birth, and just use pads all the time now

The lil-lets with the plastic applicator are the only ones that work for me as well. I think Boots still stock them.

I've been using DAME tampons and got on well with them. Tried to use a mooncup and just cannot do it.. watched instructional videos etc and cannot crack it!!

I can only use non applicator ones and have to stand at a particular angle with one foot up. I have a tilted womb and cervix, and had a lump removed from the entrance to my vagina some years ago that has made it difficult to have sex with my boyfriend. It was fine with my late DH but his erm tackle wasn't as large. I'm quite embarrassed by my nether regions.

Use the non applicator sort , use a bit of vaseline or KY jelly is probably better , don't push UP push back , almost horizontally. I can use a moon cup and lillets but I've never been able to use applicator tampons or I experience what you describe in your post.

I prefer tampax to any of the other brands. I think they expand lengthways whereas other types expand widthways. I find those uncomfortable.

Tampons were more uncomfortable after I had a baby. I have mastered how to position them again, but if I'm not careful they do edge their way out somewhat! I find a mooncup more comfortable, unfortunately also less reliable 🙄

Boots online doesn't have them, just checked. I suppose some of the stores might still have a few left. They were discontinued last November according to Lil-lets website. I got a stash of them from Savers online a few months ago but they don't have them now either. Lil-lets have launched a reusable applicator but the reviews are not great. They don't work well with the larger size tampons apparently.

I found Lillets easier than Tampax but could still only use them for the first 2-3 days when the flow was stronger. After that it became painful.
I think a good tip is to start with a very small size and gradually work up to a bigger size. And push as far up as possible. You shouldn’t be able to feel them and if you can they are not pushed up far enough

Which ones did you try?
Tampax perle expand widthways rather than longways so don't expand towards your vagina.

Ordinary tampax go too long for me.

Lillets applicator ones are ok for me too

Can you get your whole finger in there and to the back/beyond your cervix?

If so then it's an insertion issue and not your body.

I hate the paper applicator sort (which is a huge shame as I hate the plastic of the Tampax Pearl)

But when I do need to use tampons then the Pearl work well for me whereas with the older style or non-applicator they just don't get right up and to the back enough.

I asked my gp about this and she said it’s because I have a tilted cervix and that it sits quite low down so maybe quite common

I always hated them, but a moon cup works for me.

I find exactly the same. Will occasionally use them for a short time for a swim but they don’t work for me.

Try tampax pearl applicator ones

you need tampon lube

are you using a tampon with disposable applicator ? They are smooth so I found them very easy to use. Once in, I'd be completely unaware the tampon was there (regardless of activity, riding bike etc) so I think you have a positioning problem.

I never could manage bare Lillets which you just stuff in on their own.

Have you used the original Tampax brand? I recommend the PEARL Tampax to start with try a regular flow... can you try squat when you are using them?

I can't relate to a tampon falling out unless I need to change and if I can feel it when im walking it's because its not inserted high enough! I had this issue when I first used them also.

Ahhh the dreaded Lillets I'm baffled to how anyone can get a Tampon in without an applicator.

Another vote for tampax pearl. But also couldn't you just continuing taking the pill and skip the period altogether?

No children here and have always found them uncomfortable as fuck. I get period delay tablets for holidays.

The only ones I can use are lilett applicator ones. No way is one going up in the right place otherwise.