to think that Always infinity is the worst pad I've tried in my life?

[MyChildDoesntNeedSleep]

And I'm the perfect person to test it out. I've suffered from heavy periods for about four years. Had all sorts of tests done. Tried the Mirena IUD and didn't get on with it as exogenous hormones don't seem to suit me. I'm now on the copper coil for contraception due to my reaction to hormones and am fully aware that this comes with the side effect of even heavier periods. I take tranexamic acid and 800mg ibuprofen three times a day just to have periods most women would think were normal/kind of heavy.

I saw the advert for Always infinity and even though I did a double-take at the price, I bought the night time pads at a ridiculous price for 8 pads to use during the day. I thought if it did what it promised, I don't mind paying the price.

Oh my goodness, these are even worse than the budget pads you can buy for a pound! I had the worst night's sleep last night where I was so tired I didn't want to get out of bed, but I had flooded and needed to get up and put a decent pad on. And I had done my usual trick of stuffing toilet tissue in my knickers as extra protection.

Am I alone in thinking this product is shite and a complete con?

[October2014Baby]

I love them. I also used some tena ladies after having my babies and they were super, just for those who have hideously heavy monthlies.

[Heartweaver]

I have heard many good reviews for Tena. Maybe my skin just reacts to whatevet chemicals they use to process and manufacture it.

[Heartweaver]

For those with/have a history of depression and mood issues, stay away from Cerazette. Periods-wise, it made me bled non-stop, albeit less heavy than usual. As for contraception, either condoms or the much-less reliable method of waiting at least 8hrs before male partner has last ejaculated+pull out.
I had an extra-heavy period last month and relied on using 4 lillets teen pads at once, they are very comfy but I find them too small. Now I have switched to Tesco Day Maxi and they do the job well (though period is less heavy now)
Ones that I don't like are Tesco (or any brand) Ultra (too plasticky and itchy), Tena Lady and Kotex Maxi (both gave me mild yeast infections every time I use it and cease right after I stop using it).

[Onsera3]

Haven't tried them myself but sound awful.

Cerazette killed my libido but helped with cramps (phantom cramps as I don't have period back from bf just yet). Come off it and libido and cramps have come straight back!

There must be a reason why your periods are this bad. You say you've had tests but have you had investigative surgery? Sometimes this is the only definitive way with Gynae probs. eg I had years of terrible heavy painful periods when not on pill. Scan soon before surgery was fine but op found endo too deep for laser removal.

Also my polycystic ovaries have been missed on some scans.

I don't know much about fibroids but my sis has and is finally pregnant now and they are causing issues in the pregnancy. Have grown massive and pushing on baby and may have to have early c section.

I hope you find a long term solution.

[LadyMaryLikesCake]

I was offered one at 35, LittleBaby. I had 2 fibroids that were 6cm, nothing else I politely refused and asked about the alternatives but it makes you wonder about the amount of women who go ahead with this because they are not aware of all of the other options and they believe that this is the only thing to be done

[LittleBabyPigsus]

My mum had her hysterectomy at 42 btw, if you have severe fibroids then you can get a hysterectomy at least that early.

[MrsAMerrick]

euphemia I can buy mine in the City Centre Boots, or order from them online:
www.boots.com/en/Lil-Lets-Non-Applicator-Tampons-Ultra-10-Pack_1273879/
They are the next size up from the super plus extra (purple) and I find them much more absorbent although am waiting for them to introduce industrial size ones which might help! They only started doing them last year and it was a MNer who suggested them in another thread or I would never have come across them as I buy all my sanpro in my local supermarket, who don't stock them.

[JupiterGentlefly]

Sorry if this has already been suggested. . The maternity pads they gave me at the hospital had no adhesive backing and are ideal for doubling up. I think you can get them online

[Kveta]

I have been offered northisterone, but am still breastfeeding so can't use it without my milk supply being affected - just FYI if anyone else is still bfing!

[LadyMaryLikesCake]

I trained as a radiographer for a while, I've seen them end up in all sorts of places, which is why I'd never have one.

At the GP ask for the pills. Ask for an ultrasound and a referral to the menstral disorder clinic and ask for a full blood count. You can ask for some Northisterone to stop your period for a while to give you the chance to 'recover' (IYKWIM).

I did some research into diet and how it affected periods and I couldn't spot anything useful, other than to eat organic when possible and to reduce carbs. Things I read suggested a diet high in beans/lentils/pulses/veg/fruit and fish. Lots of water and exercise is supposed to help. From what I've read on other threads on here the low carb diet is worth a try.

[MyChildDoesntNeedSleep]

Sorry, pardon the unintentional pun

[MyChildDoesntNeedSleep]

XP lady. Yes I will do, thanks. I'm just going to have to keep trying. How weird though that on a day I spent thinking about periods and coils and trying something new, the bloody thing fell out!

[MyChildDoesntNeedSleep]

I know what you mean about hormones. I've tried loads of pills and none suited me. The Mirena just made me spot constantly. So annoying having to wear a pad EVERY SINGLE DAY. This is why I went for the copper coil as even though I knew it could give me even heavier periods I thought it would be better than weight gain, acne, headaches and other lovely symptoms I've got from the pills I've tried.

Well, I'm going to have to keep trying now this coil has expelled itself . I'm going to ask the Dr for Cerazette.

[LadyMaryLikesCake]

Sounds like Northisterone?

Honestly, go and see your GP and ask for some medication and a referral so they can find out why you're bleeding so heavily. You shouldn't have to live in fear of your period. I think people react differently to cerazette so you won't know until you try. If it doesn't work for you, you can try something else.

[MrsAMerrick]

mychild I cant rememberv the name of the tabket I used to buy if I just wanted to delay my period a few days, but the tablets I take now are progesterone only, theye are called norethisterone and I take them for days 5-26 of cycle, then break for 7 days. I have adjusted it so that I stop taking them midweek and period arrives on a Friday evening.

As I said, I wouldn't have chosen to take hormone tablets if there was any other option, but unfortunately everything else I've tried has failed miserably.

[MyChildDoesntNeedSleep]

Which tablets are they? Is it a combined contracteptive or just a progestogen?

Such great fun being a woman in your 40s....
Please don't tell me it's going to get worse...I might as well shoot myself now!

[MrsAMerrick]

euphemia the most absorbent ones are the Lillets super plus ultra, (orange box) one step up from the super plus extra (purple box). The super plus extra aren't good enough for me on the first couple of days.

my child I adjust it by taking tablets. Before my periods became Niagara Falls like, I just used to do it occasionally, and buy them if I was going on holiday or to a big event and I thought my period might arrive whilst I was away. My periods have always been quite heavy and I have an irregular cycle so it was very unpredictable.

Since they have become almost unmanageable, my GP gave me a prescription and it has been really useful to know in advance that my period is regulated so I can plan accordingly. When I started to flood during my period, I would know a tidal wave was coming but not exactly when! I was quite anti the idea of taking drugs to manage it but agreed to try, and am really glad I did. I just feel more in control, and it is such a relief knowing that I will have the worst bleeding whilst I am at home over a weekend rather than at work, torn between leaving a meeting for the 3rd time in an hour or staying put and risking leaking over office chairs...

Such great fun being a woman in your 40s....

[MyChildDoesntNeedSleep]

Merrick How do you arrange your period to start on different days?

[MyChildDoesntNeedSleep]

When you consider the huge cost of all these items, particularly when you have to double up with tampons plus pads, it really is annoying that they are subject to VAT, when, apparently, men's shaving items are not.

This annoys me too. Does VAT mean that something is classed as a luxury product? Just checked the HMRC website and 'sanitary hygiene' product are subject to a reduced rate of VAT, but its VAT nevetheless.

[MrsAMerrick]

Do you mean the ones in orange boxes, euphemia? I discovered them thanks to someone on MN and found that they are available in Boots, but not in my local supermarket. They are really good but sadly on day 1 and 2 need to be changed at least every hour and quite often every 30 minutes.

I can't imagine trying to teach whilst having to go to the loo every 30 -60 minutes! I arrange it so that my period starts on a Friday afternoon / evening, otherwise I might seriously have to think about taking a day off work for the first day. Next month, for various complicated reasons, I am going to have to start my period on a Thursday and am already blocking the Friday out as a "work from home, no meetings" day as that seems the only way forward! Obviously that's not an option for people who work in jobs such as teaching!

[winklewoman]

When you consider the huge cost of all these items, particularly when you have to double up with tampons plus pads, it really is annoying that they are subject to VAT, when, apparently, men's shaving items are not.