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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

..to not be able to use tampons?

96 replies

Chocwocdoodah · 15/04/2016 23:56

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....

OP posts:
redexpat · 16/04/2016 13:50

Have you considered hypnotherapy?

Every woman is different. I have never been able to insert a tampon with an applicator. I have also found lillets to be slimmer than Tampax and easier to insert. And the same goes for superdrugs own. You have to experiment really. But you need to get over that fainting thing first! Sounds awful.

MewlingQuim · 16/04/2016 13:57

I hate tampons but since DD was born I have used a mooncup and its much better, no icky feeling at all.

Going to try washable pads too so I don't have to use disposables which are also icky.

SovietKitsch · 16/04/2016 14:12

I haven't had issues with tampons, but just wanted to echo trying a mooncup and/or washable pads. It took me a couple of cycles to get used to a mooncup, but I'd never go back now - you can none of the drying out that you do with tampons. And washable pads are great - lovely and comfy when you're feeling sore, and not plastic so none of that feeling sweaty business. Just great, and no hassle to wash - I just put them in with a normal load but do a cool pre wash before a normal 40 degree wash so no staining.

purplevase · 16/04/2016 14:58

I only use them very very occasionally if I go swimming so they're only in for an hour at most. I've only been able to use them since I had a baby - presumably something stretched rather a lot. They've never leaked although I wish I'd used one a few weeks ago when I was swimming. I thought I was right on the end of my period so didn't bother - lets just say the shower resembled a slaughter-house when I came out :(

SpaceCadet4000 · 16/04/2016 16:08

I'm another mooncup / reusable pad user- tampons feel like nails on a blackboard to me. It's the squeaky cotton. I also found that dispoable pads used to rub against the skin between the top of my thighs and my bits (clearly I'm anatomically weird!).

However, my issues weren't to do with something being inside me, more just texture.

Hrafnkel · 16/04/2016 17:32

I had vaginismus too, which is why I had problems, as I've already said in this thread.

Thebest what an unsupportive and stupid post. It's not strange. There are 3 billion of us on this planet, don't you think it would be strange if there are some of us who don't have a problem.

And yes, I think towels are unpleasant. Unfortunately, nature has dealt me a hand which means I don't have a choice; thanks for reminding me of that. Nice to know you find me icky.

thebestfurchinchilla · 16/04/2016 20:12

hrafnkel You have misunderstood my post. I found it strange that there are so many women who feel that way, genuinely surprised . I've never heard it raise amongst friends or in women's mags that's all.I didn't mean those women are strange or yuk. Just that I find towels yuk to use.

emwithme · 16/04/2016 20:34

I cannot use tampons. It's almost as if my body rejects them. They bend in the middle or just don't go in, or get stuck halfway or something. Once, as a teenager, had one literally turn round inside me and try to come out again. I thought I was stuck using towels forever, and then I went on the injection and my periods stopped for 9 blissful years.

HOWEVER...I can use a mooncup and don't know why this is different from a tampon, but it is. It goes in without a hitch, stays where it is meant to, comes out easily.

thebestfurchinchilla · 16/04/2016 20:45

Never heard of the moon cup before. Found this youtube video.Not for me but a good alternative to pads and tampons for those who find them tricky.

drivingmisspotty · 16/04/2016 20:52

This is an interesting thread.

I didn't like tampons much at first, used pads aged about 14-21 but always felt like I 'should' be using tampons as everyone else seemed to as though it was more grown up I think. Seems such a weird thing to think now!

I read a book called the story of V -a history of vaginas (great book I recommend it) and there was a tip in there which finally helped me get them in the right position. Squat or out a leg up however is most comfortable for you. Position tampon (non applicator) at entrance to vagina. Then position your right hand so your thumb points forwards towards your clitoris, your pointing finger points towards your left thigh and use your middle finger to insert. Not sure I am explaining well I think the book had a diagram! Anyway, it helped me to insert without it hurting and so I couldn't feel it when in. Then I noticed after a while, like a pp mentioned they were always difficult to get out and then difficult to get another in, but if I left them until I could almost feel them leak (TMI!) then they were ready and easy to change.

Use mooncup now for environmental reasons but at first it didn't feel as clean as tampins and I think that is because it wasn't so dry. I had got used to the dry feeling and felt it was cleaner. Actually one of the health benefits that mooncup claim is that it is not drying and doesn't upset natural balance.

zoemaguire · 17/04/2016 21:47

"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"

Er, really, just... no. You aren't talking to a load of 14yos who have just started their periods you know!!! I tried, on and off, for years! I'm nearly 40 - I think if there was a position in which I couldn't feel a tampon, I'd have found it Hmm. We aren't all built the same, you can't possibly generalise from your own experience. It's a bit like saying breastfeeding is easy - it is if it works!!!

Julibelle · 17/04/2016 22:18

Have you tried Mooncup? Used one for years, wouldn't change now.

ifiseeonemoresock · 17/04/2016 22:22

I hate tampons, I have no issue with sex , I have given birth 6 times and never have a problem having smears, no problems getting a cool put in

I just don't like tampons! I don't mind pads at all and have always worn them. I am mid 30s now so don't think I will be changing Grin

Dummykiss · 17/04/2016 22:23

I wouldn't worry about it. I used to use tampons, I'm like you though, very squeamish.

I've given up on them now, they give me backache and thrush.

I don't love pads either especially now that most smell like toilet cleaner.

chanice · 17/04/2016 22:25

I hate pulling them out its like a squeaky cotton wool feeling that makes me feel sick.

Pipbin · 17/04/2016 22:34

I get toxic shock so can't use them.
I have just started to use washable towels and they are much less 'dirty' feeling than regular disposable ones.

BeckyMcDonald · 17/04/2016 22:45

I used tampons with no problems for 20 years. After my third child they just don't fit right. Obviously three vaginal births have stretched changed things so I find even the biggest tampons make their way out after a couple of hours, even if they don't actually need changing.

I'm going to have to buy a bucket mooncup for my massive, unwieldy vagina Sad

stugtank · 17/04/2016 22:52

I've not been able to use them since I had my first child 10 years ago. It may even is psychological - I had episiotomies and bad tears with my three children. The thought of dry cotton up there makes me shudder.

I'm fine with sex though. I just use pads, periods are very light as I have a coil in (yes was fine with that too!) so I change and wet wipe often and don't find it gross at all.

It is strange because I used tampons all my period life until I had a baby. So for about 15 years.

Original poster
Chocwocdoodah · 19/04/2016 23:25

Sorry for no reply for ages. Thanks for all your comments. Was hoping you'd all say you were fine with tampons so I'd feel a numpty and just get on with them but all your various reasons for not liking them have just made me dislike them more - ha!!

It's just the idea of having something foreign "up there"... and those of you that say they give you backaches - that makes me feel all weird, like they really shouldn't be up your vajayjay. Think I might just be a lost cause on this one. ..

OP posts:
ZoeNotAMumYet · 19/04/2016 23:40

Hi choc. .. sorry so late to this debate as mainly a lurker but as you have probably gathered, def NBU... as a teen starting out with periods (and with prior ishoos) I tried with tampons but I used to feel faint and passed out a few times, including once when removing one. I was actually bullied for a bit because I confided in a friend about this who thought it so hilarious she would tell everyone she knew...kids are cruel! Spoke to my mom soon after and turned out she hated them too! So I made my peace with it and some 15yrs on I am still a towels woman. I can see why it can feel a bit almost kiddish when most adult women you know use tampons! I tried occasionally since but always the same lightheaded weirdness. I think it's personal and tbf they would not still be a viable product if there weren't so many of us who found them to be the best option. Don't be so hard on yourself, it's your body! Xxx

grumpysquash3 · 19/04/2016 23:43

Probably not a helpful contribution: I am completely fine with tampons in all aspects, but I have a terrible aversion to towels of any kind. Even panty liners are horrid. I can tolerate one for a day, but not more.

I really hate the feeling of that cotton stuff against my skin, plus they seem to give me eczema in bad places. And I really, really hate the feeling of period blood coming out.

After each DC my nether regions were terrible.....front, back and middle :(

Original poster
Chocwocdoodah · 20/04/2016 13:36

Thanks Zoe - I would just like to do things like go swimming whenever I like. And they just seem so much more hygienic.

Grumpy - yes, "feeling" your period is pretty gross.

OP posts:
VestalVirgin · 20/04/2016 13:46

I never liked the thought of inserting something into my body, where I might not be able to get it out again.

After reading that there weren't any safety requirements for tampons prior to the deaths of many women due to faulty tampons, (and maybe there still aren't any?), I have come to distrust them even more.

If I ever use anything other than pads, it will be a mooncup, of medical grade silicone that can be boiled. There's the problem of getting it out, but it is much more hygienic, and also doesn't damage the vaginal skin by absorbing too much fluid.

oliviaclottedcream · 20/04/2016 16:00

They always made me feel queasy as well OP, so you're not alone.. They used to make my hips ache for some reason??? Pads every time, that was me.

YelloRoses · 20/04/2016 17:18

tampons can be uncomfortable if you put them in the wrong position which can happen, I have done it a couple times. You could try using a sponge for when you go swimming, it works for porn stars lol

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