..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....

[freerangeeggs]

I always found them uncomfortable to use. Now that I'm pregnant it turns out that I've got a retroverted uterus, which apparently (according to Google) can have that effect.

[hollinhurst84]

I hated them, always leaked down the side and found them so uncomfy. Had a brainwave one day and tried lillets applicator ones and was "oh. That's how they're meant to be!"

[chocdonutyy]

I too never really got on with tampons, had them get stuck as they were not full enough and dry, even bend sometimes I could always feel the string too!
Think I only wore them as everyone else seemed too and pads just yuck!
Mooncups are completely different, they might be bigger but being silicone they don't stick and once you have the knack, which usually takes 1-3 cycles they are a doddle :-D
Might be worth a try?

[ICanSmellSummerComing]

I used to happily use them when younger but after having DC it put me off. I use pads now.

i dont feel at all unclean though and am much happier using them.

I dont think there is anything at all wrong with tampon use. However if you struggle with feeling clean, think about holding the blood in a confined airless space, compared to getting it straight out, as nature intended I feel pads are better.

sharingmichelle I agree about the cotton - yuk! sort of like that cotton the dentist puts in your mouth - a black board nail effect on me....

Having said that I have had extremely irregular periods all my life, I am grateful to get one...and I have not had to go out on a period and wear tight or reaveling clothing...

[oliviaclottedcream]

Like the look of that Mooncup. Are they dishwasher safe I'm wondering? The woman in the vid looks like she's suppressing laughter for some reason.

[pearlylum]

"Like the look of that Mooncup. Are they dishwasher safe I'm wondering? "

what a gruesome thought.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Not advisable to put it in the dishwasher as the detergent can irritate

[FrenchJunebug]

I'm like this. Hate them.

[Pinkheart5915]

I've never been able to use tampons, much prefer pads.
Only tried using them twice and I just couldn't get on with it

[Mishaps]

How fascinating - never heard this before! I just used to bung 'em up - no problem.

If you really don't like it then:- use the applicator ones; put a blob of KY on the end; put one foot up on loo seat; as you insert it try pushing as though defaecating as this will open the vaginal entrance. If it is uncomfortable it will be that it is not far enough in so it is sitting at the vaginal entrance.

In my late 30s I had such heavy periods that I had to put two in at once! - then they took my womb out - hooray!!!

Anything - just anything - but those dreaded "planks" - i.e. towels. They are grim and smelly - yuk and double yuk!!

[thebestfurchinchilla]

Watch out mishaps I wrote something similar as I had never heard of this problem and I was lambasted .

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

I'm the same OP, they make me feel all weak and jellyish. Eurgh. Tried a mooncup but that was even worse; scratching round up there to try and retrieve it

I even have trouble putting really thin things up there eg pessaries. I can't get the angle right.

Luckily don't have a problem with a penis but the thought of using any sex toys has the same queasy effect on me haha!

[MigGril]

I think it's really interesting that quite a few of us on hear have said we can't use tampons but love our mooncups. It's a real revolution for me can go swimming and even reduces cramps, don't know how but it does work.

[zoemaguire]

It isn't the 'how surprising, never heard of this before' that got my back up thebest. It is the assumption that if we just tried harder we'd get on with them, which mishaps makes too. There is no position in which I cannot feel a tampon! Applicator, no applicator, every position imaginable for getting them in. They don't stay put!! Besides which, it's also a physical revulsion at the thought of them - in my case, the texture of them makes me feel faint. 'Anything but towels' was just not an option for years and years - that was all there was. Now there are mooncups, and they for me have been revolutionary. Like miggril I also found they totally eliminate cramps.

Anyhow, you weren't lambasted. It was pointed out that your own experience wasn't that of the women on this thread. Saying 'yeurg, smelly horrid towels' is really not that helpful a contribution when for some there is absolutely no choice but to use them.

[thebestfurchinchilla]

My opinion which I am at liberty to express. Thank you.

[Middleoftheroad]

They make me feel weird too so I don't wear them. Tried various types. I was told by doc i have a tilted womb snd shallow cervix so never sure if I have them in right, maybe that's part of it. However don't like the idea/feeling/application so have to grin and bear the pad!

[AlmaMartyr]

I've got on with them either. I can cope with a mooncup but never have got on with tampons.

I've had people be a bit patronising about it before as well. I have tried, I know how to use them, but they don't suit me. Surely this is one of the ultimate whatever suits you kind of things?

[zoemaguire]

Erm, say what you like thebest! But don't then get touchy if people then point out you're being patronising and unhelpful

[Lightbulbon]

Maybe takes step back from thinking about tampons and think about learning about how your individual body works.

Next time you have some peace and quiet get naked and have a good explore. If you can figure out more about how your vagina feels, how its angled, even where your cervix is positioned it will make it much easier to figure out how a tampon/mooncup whatever might fit in.

Otherwise, squat and aim for the small of your back.

[thebestfurchinchilla]

I was not being patronising and unhelpful .If you care to read the thread you will see that I posted a link to a video promoting the mooncup for those that hadn't heard of it.You can all you like.

[zoemaguire]

Yes, moon cups are great, but that wasn't the post we were responding to! In any case I wasn't lambasting you, and neither was anybody else. I just pointed out that the women on this thread are not 14, and that most of us have tried all possible permutations of tampons and still with no joy. A lot of us CAN feel them even though we're doing it right. Amazing though it may seem, we are all built differently. Yes it isn't great being limited to towels, but to hear people say stuff like 'towels are grim and smelly' and 'yuck' is pretty depressing - and yes, unhelpful - where there is not actually any choice about the matter. In what world is pointing that out 'lambasting' you?!