Is my vagina being unreasonable?

[PleaseUseTheSanitaryBinsProvided]

Posting here for traffic

I haven’t been able to use tampons for the past 6 months ish. I get them in the right place, but they end up ‘sliding’ down (can’t think of how else to describe) to a place where I can feel them/is uncomfortable/painful. So I have to remove them. It feels like my vagina is expelling tampons. Has anyone ever experienced this?? Found a solution? Has any advice??

For context, I have an 18 month old, born via c section, no birth injuries sustained. I’m 37. I noticed at some point in the last year that I was clenching my pelvic floor muscles almost all of the time. I now make a concerted effort to release the muscles, and I do pelvic floor exercises when I remember.
Have tried to change my position/technique when inserting tampon, situation has improved but it doesn’t last long.
No pain or discomfort during intercourse.

I absolutely hate using only pads/having to witness the carnage and live with that sensation of being wet and the fear I may leak on clothes, seats, etc

Tried cup before and it didn’t suit me so not an option.

help!!

Would you consider a coil?

Top marks for a rockin title

I’ve never managed to find a solution to the tampon sliding down issue. So uncomfortable/sore. I’ve finished my family so went for a Mirena coil which means no/super light periods which suits me just fine. Not so useful if you’d like another one soon though

Yup. Two kids (1 section and 1 vaginal) and applicator (long tampons) have this effect. Shorter non applicator not so bad. I think my cervix has moved down a bit.

@Zone2NorthLondon Yep! Made me smirk - but I genuinely feel for you, OP. A coil changed my life.

After natural childbirth- this happened to me.
I can no longer hold a super tampon in the right place but regular are better.
It has improved.
Even with a CSection birth your pelvic floor is tested and all of you is in a slightly different place that it was before.
I would recommend seeing a specialist women’s health physio for a proper assessment if you can.

And if you think you are clenching - when you do your kegals - focus on the relaxing and letting go after the squeeze rather than the squeeze itself. I think I understand it that more people are too tight so their muscles are under strain and can’t squeeze anymore rather than being too loose and needing tightening.

I just had to acknowledge the wit of @PleaseUseTheSanitaryBinsProvided
its a serious topic though, and not often talked about. So good it’s being raised

I'd go NC

Sounds like you need to get up in there and feel where your cervix is. It could be hiding 'round a corner' meaning you could be aiming in completely the wrong direction to find the space for a tampon

I’ve considered it, but we’ve been together for such a long time. So much history. Went through thick and thin, one might say………….

thanks @Zone2NorthLondon 😂

Went through thick and thin
😂😂😂😂

I had a prolapse with my DC and now have issues using tampons.

Period pants were a game changer for me - I haven’t used towels since

I too wish to query about applicator vs non-applicator tampons. In my experience the applicator variety tend to expand lengthways and the non-applicator ones expand outwards. So from that perspective I find non-applicator much better.

but I too have opted for a Mirena coil and do not have periods.

my vagina is also being very unreasonable op as I have this issue. I have always used tampons and now having to use pads…. I find it so uncomfortable!
I do have a birth injury though(forceps/episiotomy) now have a prolapse (rectocele) which I presume just pushes the tampon out.
my new approach is to have as little periods as possible so got the implant as read it could stop periods (actually made me bleed every day) so got that removed and have gone on the pill and GP has advised to take 3months at a time then a week break.
following with interest.

I have this! Found a cup marginally better.. I need to do some serious kegels

This happened after my CS too. I use pads because tampons are just so uncomfortable. Glad I’m not the only one!

Good point by PP on applicator vs non applicator tampons.

I saw something online recently about the issue you describe OP. Basically it just said take an out-breath as you insert it, that should help to relax muscles and get the tampon higher up. Best of luck !

I couldn’t use tampons for a good year or so after birth. I found non applicator easier & eventually back to normal but DS is now 9!

Thank you all so much! I hadn’t thought it could be related to post pregnancy changes to where my cervix is.

had a smear test recently and the nurse told me to request a small speculum in the future. Could that mean the cervix is low? Didn’t think to ask her. Didn’t know I can feel my own cervix either!

have had a similar experience as @Youthinkyoureuniqueyourejustastatistic , regulars are easier than super plus but still painful.

I’ve had a copper coil before and it gave me the worst period pain I had ever experienced. Haven’t tried the Mirena but do plan on maybe having another child in the next 2/3 years.

😂😂😂😂Most hilarious title I think I’ve ever seen for AIBU. Miserable cow here actually laughing today! Good luck seeking answers.

I'd also suggest trying non-applicator tampons, I've found since having DC2 that the applicator ones won't stay where they're put. As a pp said, the non-applicator ones expand width-ways so I can only assume they sort of brace themselves against the walls so as not to fall out.

I agree!

Came here to say exactly this, would 100% recommend if you haven’t tried already OP