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Original poster

Am I doing tampons wrong?

13 replies

PenguinBall · 16/11/2023 04:48

I haven't had a proper period in years and years due to birth control, pregnancy and breastfeeding but now they're back.

I've been using tampons but they just don't feel right. At some point after I've put it in I can feel it kind of poking my vag and it feels weird and uncomfortable. I'm putting them in as far as they'll go (applicator). Wondering if anyone else has had this and has some clever trick? I don't remember this ever being a problem before.

OP posts:
POTC · 16/11/2023 04:51

It sounds like it isn't in quite the right position. It's possible that things aren't exactly the same down there now so the ones that worked for you pre children don't suit now. I found the tampax compak were a better fit for me

PossiblyPertunia · 16/11/2023 05:01

I cannot use tampons because my cervix drops really low during my period and I have the same uncomfortable feeling. I use and love my menstrual cup instead as it goes up around my cervix.

spottydinosaur · 16/11/2023 05:05

I used tampons for 20 years then boom after baby I could never use them again. I had a friend who said the same thing.

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Original poster
PenguinBall · 16/11/2023 05:11

Oh I'm glad I asked and that it's not uncommon. I will try a menstrual cup or disc. I tried one pre kids and hated it but maybe it'll suit me better now.

OP posts:
justanothermanicmonday1 · 16/11/2023 05:17

I also find them extremely uncomfortable if I don't have a somewhat "heavy flow" i feel like it just doesn't sit right either. I also agree with PP about cervix dropping low during period. I have this issue too.

cryinglaughing · 16/11/2023 05:25

Tampax seem to expand lengthways whilst Lillets expand by width.
Maybe you just need to try a different brand.

nameychanger5678 · 16/11/2023 05:25

I can’t use tampax for this reason. But fine with non applicator ones that expand widthways. Also pregnancy and birth has affected how comfortable I find them, like others. My vagina and vulva will never be the same again but I can still use them just about. Definitely experiment with different types.

margotrose · 16/11/2023 07:13

Try a different brand. I can't use Tampax as they expand the wrong way but Lillets are perfect.

Drafting · 16/11/2023 07:19

You can buy a reusable applicator for lillets and other brands. I use one as I have an intolerance to Tampax since birth 4 years ago. I get really sore using them.

Original poster
PenguinBall · 16/11/2023 07:47

Oo it is tampax that I'm using. Unfortunately there isn't much choice where I live (not in the UK) so I have a stash of tampax that has been brought by visiting family...

OP posts:
OurfriendsintheNE · 16/11/2023 08:20

Yes to lillets or Tesco’s own non-applicator ones - I can’t get on with the lengthways expanding ones either, especially since things have changed in there post-babies.

Moofart · 16/11/2023 08:30

This is the same for me. Noticed it recently and have had 3 babies. I'm guessing things aren't the same down there anymore..it goes up fine but then seems to wiggle its way down. Swapping to pads!

essexgirl8888 · 16/11/2023 08:39

margotrose · 16/11/2023 07:13

Try a different brand. I can't use Tampax as they expand the wrong way but Lillets are perfect.

I use the lilets non applicator. Sometimes I have to kind of adjust them into place more but once they are in I can forget about them. I often get the feeling you describe when I use free applicator tampax ones at work if I forget to bring one

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