Extremely emabarrassing tampon problem since having a baby...anyone else?

[thetamponwoman]

I have name changed for this because it is so embarrassing.
I am really hoping that it is not just me that has this problem.
DS is now 2.5. Since he was born, I have had problems using tampons. The big ones are ok, but the regular size ones just don't stay put. They have been known to fall out (thankfully I do wear underwear), even turn around so they are horizontal in my fanjo IFKWIM. Sorry if TMI.
Anyone else? I would feel a whole lot better if I wasn't alone in this

It's probably relevant to know that it was an assisted birth.

Do you do your pevic floor exercises?

I would be lying if I said that I did them religiously, but I do do them. The problem seems to be inside rather than the opening (TMI, I know)

Isn't your pelvic floor the 'inside bit'? I think you can get a device to help strengthen your PF which might help.
If you are just squeezing the opening then you aren't getting it right (sorry, that's not supposed to be as patronising as it sounds!)

It is quite normal to need a larger size of tampon after childbirth.

But do your pelvic floor exercises - they are essential .

my ma used to use two together (she had had 3 children),with the strings tied

I had the same problem - 2 babies very close together = uncomforable tampon.

In the end I gave up and went back to pads.

Now, thanks to merina coil, I don't have to worry too much about either.

It does sound like you could benefit from doing your PFs more regularly and more effectively. If it is definitely your inside that is bigger, the PFs will be the area at fault. If your opening was bigger like mine currently is (oh dear Lord, how did it come to this?!) then PFs wouldn't help.

erm - mooncup?

I just used the most ginormous size after dc1... 'tis fine. Can't say I've found it particularly upsetting to go up a tampon size or two. My shoe size never went back down either...!

i have to use the super plus ones too or i feel my body is pushing the tampon out i realy think pads are better tbh !!

Had this problem with Tampax (after a lifetime of being OK) but changed to Lillets and fingers crossed been ok.

I am fine with the biggest size of Lillets (purple ones, my favourite colour) but only these. Life wasn't like this before DS! I hate feeling like an escape artist is lurking there.

I have a more embarrassing problem surely? I can keep a tampon in but it leaks within about erm 5 minutes, yet usually isn't soaked (err TMI sorry). I have given up on them currently and am sticking with towels, but am seriously considering a mooncup.

another vote for the super-sized lil-lets they come with applicators if you prefer.

Please please please try a moon cup!

Bodykind.co.uk seem to be the cheapest!

Hi. Definitely agree is pelvic floor problem. I have had pf problems since had ds (now 8) but not made any worse by birth of dd (6) - phew. Has now gone beyond a joke and have been seeing physio etc and may need to go for a more permanent fix (don't let this worry you - I am a long way down the line from you) BUT I described to her similar problem to you and she said is def symptom of weak pf and can give you simple exercises to do at home (with a stimulating gadget thing if necessary) and will almost certainly improve. GP can easily refer you to physio. Hope things improve.