..to not be able to use tampons?

[Chocwocdoodah]

Ok, I don't really want to know if you think I ABU - I just didn't know where else to post this!

I've always been a bit queasy with medical things. Going to the Dr's for things like smears, blood tests even BP tests used to make me faint when I was younger. Definitely got better with age and since having kids and I don't let it stop me going to the Dr's etc but I can still get a bit faint. I have the same problem with tampons. I have tried a few times over the years to use them and usually have to lie down soon after putting them in as I feel faint. I've never kept one in for more than a few mins. I need to get over this - if only so I can go swimming whenever I like! Also pads are just grim and don't make me feel very "clean".

Has anyone else had this problem and if so how did you get over it? Any tips as to types of tampons I should try??

Honestly, I squeezed two humans out of there, you'd think I could manage a bloomin tampon....

[allegretto]

If you really want to use the (and you don't have to) then try different sorts. I can't ever get non-applicator in the right place but am ok with some applicator ones. I find that I find them uncomfy if I wear more than one in a row - I can usually feel the second one (after I have taken the first one out!!) so I plan when I am going to wear them i.e. when I am swimming or at work in the morning. I also find they sometimes give me headaches. You might just have to try a few things to find out what works for you - and if that means no tampons then it isn't really so bad. There are loads of very slim pads now. When I first started using them they were huge and attached to a belt so I really wanted to use a tampon for dance classes etc.

[Arkwright]

They don't make me queasy but find them very uncomfortable. I only ever wear them for swimming. I have tried pushing them further in but that doesn't help.

[wizzywig]

Whenever ive tried them i really struggle to get them out. Im yanking and yanking and the bloody thing wont come out

[Yeahsure]

I find them painful, not the application but when they are in, so I don't use them as much as I used to.

[scribblegirl]

Wizzy, if that's happening and the tampons been in for as long as it can, you might be using too high an absorbancy?

This thread is quite enlightening for me - I've never had tampon issues but loathe pads. I didn't realise that it was such a horrible experience for so many people

[ProfYaffle]

I was going to suggest mooncup too. I have problems with tampons on a practical level - I have a light flow which make them quite painful to remove - mooncups are much easier once you get used to them.

[HopIt]

I can't either, I've tried applicator, non applicator, sex has really started hurting and smears leave me crying.

I think I probably should have been a nun. I remember someone had work looking mortified when they asked if they could borrow a tampon and I offered her a towel. I felt about 12

[LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726]

I'm with Hannibal, Tampax Pearl are great. I struggled with tampons always - applicator/non-applicator, all the same. Then the Pearl version came out and they're so much easier to use. Insertion and them being in the right position is much, much easier now.

I know exactly what you mean about 'icky', using Pearl has made it so much quicker so the 'ickyness' is just a few seconds.

Sympathies

[Chocwocdoodah]

I'm also on the pill where you have no periods. Except it's not sodding working and I've been permanently on for about 3 months hence the thread. Aaargh I just don't think I can do it!!!

[zoemaguire]

I hated them too. Bought a moon cup, they are brilliant and life changing after a lifetime of pads, and for some reason nothing like tampons. Lack kf absorbancy helps against ikk factor for some reason, and though it takes some practice they are much easier to put in and also more comfortable.

[AliceInUnderpants]

Can you identify what the issue is? Is it physical, or mental? Is it the material? The shape? Have you considered an alternative like a mooncup or a sponge?

[MrsMook]

I've never been a fan of tampons- too dry. I could use non applicator if I lubricated them, but applicator tampons have never sat comfortably in me. I have found the mooncup much better although it took a few cycles to get used to.

I've also become a fan of CSP. Much less clammy than disposable pads.

[Blerg]

No advice, but I'm the same. I'm 34 and have had two children but everything (not a stealth boast as it is upsetting when it comes to smears and sex) everything is just too small / tight. Even worse now I've had two episiotomies as scar tissue doesn't stretch. So tampons are just out if the question.

Like HopIt I once had to go and get emergency towels at work and my boss offered me a tampon and I had to say I couldn't use them.

[MigGril]

I was waiting all down the first page for someone to say the very same thing I'm about to.

I also have never been able to use tampons, have tired a few times. Felt so ill putting them in and the ick ness. I never felt like they fitted either. But I now love my mooncup it's great so much better then pads. Took a few goes to get the hang of but I wouldn't be without it now.

[Creatureofthenight]

I have tried and tried with tampons, I also find them really uncomfortable. I have stopped bothering now.

[Alexa444]

I've tried and tried with them and just can't get them in. I must be a weird shape lol Doesn't bother me that much as I only really swim on holiday and if I'm going on holiday I just don't have a period that month.

[thebestfurchinchilla]

How strange that there are so many of you. I've never heard of this. I've never had a problem as once they are in(in the right position) you don't feel them. Perhaps you are not putting it in far enough. the applicator ones are far easier and hygienic imo. I'd say it's worth trying again because the thought of using towels is yuck!

[thebestfurchinchilla]

My shape has definitely changed since having 2 DC though. It feels like the tampon has to go round a bend lol!!!

[flirtygirl]

I tried when younger, now 36 and wear pads, dont find them grim but i wash or wet wipe with each fresh change. I wear smaller ones as pantyliners on non period days, so will be sticking to pads.
Briefly think about tampons for swimming on holiday but never feel like swimming on my period anyway as heavy flow makes me tired, large breasts are way larger and tummy is huge with bloating.

[badtime]

thebest, your experiences are not going to apply to everyone. You can't say 'once they are in(in the right position) you don't feel them'; all you can say is 'once they are in(in the right position) I don't feel them'.

I can use (applicator) tampons, but generally don't because I often feel like I have been punched in the guts after inserting one. Consequently, I have no difficulty believing that, given there are people who find tampon use much easier than I do, there are also people who find it much more difficult.

TBH, I don't find towels as horrific as everyone else seems to either.

[nickEcave]

I was like this when I was younger. Started periods at 12 and kept trying tampons every couple of months. I was about 16 before I finally got used to them. Now I have no problems with applicator type but can't insert non-applicator ones. If you can feel the tampon inside you then it isn't in right but as everyones vagina is different maybe some people can't get them to go in right. I have to crouch, aim towards the small of my back and get it really far in before I can't feel it. I have to change tampons after going for a wee as the act of urinating seems to push the tampon back out and I can feel it, even if it doesn't need changing.

I totally get the whole ick thing - I was the same about changing earrings when I was a kid and first had my ears pierced and about putting contact lenses in - I would get sick and faint. I'm afraid that all you can do is persevere and eventually you become habituated and the ick thing goes away.

[ash1977]

Had this for years but also had issues with sex sometimes and smears and internal exams (actually never had one done successfully). I had vaginismus which is a recognised condition and some people have it for all of these things, some for only some. When my DS was overdue I had to have A LOT of gas and air just for them to attempt a sweep. On that basis refused to be induced and demanded ELCS on basis of vaginismus. To then be told that the midwife should have offered this right at the start of my booking process anyway just saying it might be worth investigating vaginismus!

[Janecc]

Don't get on with them either since giving birth - if a blood clots comes it hurt like hell. Or else they fall out however high I shove (use applicators). Can't persuade myself to use a moon cup either. human: you are not alone

[MimsyBorogroves]

I find tampons more of an issue now I've had children. Always used them before, but now I hate them. I had a lot of internal damage from forceps from DS1 so I'm wondering if some is either physical or psychological trauma.

[puddingbunny]

I can't use them either (vaginismus). Luckily pads have improved a lot in the 25 or so years I've been having periods.