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Original poster

Using a tampon after having a baby

14 replies

kbjb · 17/04/2012 08:44

My DS is 3mths and was born by emergency c section. I only got as far as 6cm dilated during labour and my periods returned after 6wks. I used to be able to use regular and super tampons and found that when I got my first period back I couldn't use a tampon as it was just too painful and actually wouldn't go in. I was really distressed and felt there was something wrong with me and just didn't try again. A month later I did try and managed to use a tampon but not on day 1 of my period. Even then I could only use light flow tampons and a regular one just feels too big and painful. Has anyone else had this?

OP posts:

KittieCat · 17/04/2012 08:51

Yep, I had a vaginal birth and when my periods returned it was so painful using a tampon. I HATE pads so in desperation tried a mooncup. Despite being skeptical I love it.

Think it's ok as it sits much lower than a tampon.

Six months on still using it. Happy days... well, as happy as possible when it comes to periods!

5madthings · 17/04/2012 09:04

i have found since having babies that some tampons are painful and uncomfortable to use and reading on mnet it seems a common problem!

i find tampax pearl to be the most user friendly and comfortable, maybe experiment with some different brands, applicator, non-applicator etc.

SardineQueen · 17/04/2012 09:15

I switched to a mooncup after DD1 as I found tampons very uncomfortable.

I had a CS too I couldn't have sex "properly" for ages afterwards either as it hurt.

Your body takes a long time to heal - it's only been 3 months - I'd say use alternative sanitary protection for now.maybe try a mooncup, give it a few months before you try a tampon again if you feel they are still the thing you want to use.

realhousewifeofdevoncounty · 18/04/2012 01:26

I am having surgery soon, diagnostic laparosopy. They think it is endometriosis, but it could be adhesions from my cs. I can out use tampons anymore. I can't get them in and they hurt. They always hurt before tbh, but before I could get the in! Anyway, don't know how useful that is but thought I'd share!

Original poster

kbjb · 18/04/2012 10:58

So it's not just me! I am surprised though because it wasn't even a natural birth.

What is a mooncup? Not heard of this one

OP posts:

MakeMineACafPow · 18/04/2012 11:03

A mooncup is the best thing ever invented!

I had the same thing after birth and found a mooncup to be the anwser for me! wouldn't be without it now.

www.mooncup.co.uk/

Original poster

kbjb · 18/04/2012 11:52

Looks interesting! Thanks for that

OP posts:

SardineQueen · 18/04/2012 19:22

If you are going to be serious about MNing you have to at least try a mooncup

I found out about them on here and haven't looked back!

BananaPie · 18/04/2012 19:31

I bought a mooncup recently, but haven't had much luck with it yet - I find it really difficult to insert. Tampons are ok, but seem to be more prone to leaking than they were pre-baby.

realhousewifeofdevoncounty · 18/04/2012 19:35

I always found mooncups really uncomfortable, I completely cut the stem off but I could still feel it there all the time. Plus I get so sore during my period that inserting/removing them hurt. And yes I was doing it right and gave them a good go! Plus I showered my bathroom floor with blood when removing it! Great that so many people get on well with them, but unfortunately not for me!

SardineQueen · 18/04/2012 20:20

The trick is to find what works isn't it! I just think it's a shame that mooncups aren't more known about as an option.

banana have you tried folding it in a different way? I struggled with one way (like a U I think) but found success with another way (where you sort of fold half of it down inside so it goes really small). There are some diagrams in the instructions / on the website of different ways to try - maybe that will help?

It took me about 2 or 3 periods to really get the hang of it!

wishiwasonholiday · 18/04/2012 20:26

I had the same problem and thought a mooncup might have been the same but it's fab! Couldn't use pads again now.

geraldinetheluckygoat · 18/04/2012 20:33

I had this after my c section too. I then had a vbac. Five years later (!) I can use tampax but they aren't that comfortable, but ok now and then. Lillets are better as they are shorter and seem to fit better. But both still sometimes make me feel sore. I got a mooncup too and it's okay, much more comfy but I dont find the protection that good, so have to wear a pad with it too.

Paulaishere · 25/11/2012 12:26

I also have had problems using tampons and also tried using menstrual cups but without success. Went to the doctors and apparently my PC muscles were in spasm. Tried a vagi-wave www.vag-wave.co.uk and this helped and more importantly I am now using a pelvic floor trainer and there is no way I could use that before.😍
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