Why would I suddenly start getting pain when putting in/taking out tampons after using them for 30 years?

[owowowow]

It is very odd
When I put them in or take them out it is really painful
Not sore or raw feeling, just pain
Has anyone had this?

This happened to me when I developed IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

I found tampons more uncomfortable as I got older, so much so that I now use pads, but I wouldn't say it was painful.
Could you have a prolapse?

Not sure really
Why would I suddenly get a prolapse?

I should say first that I'm not a doctor & what I know comes from talking to my MIL who had one a few years ago.

It's pretty common - probably more common than you'd think because lots of people never go to the doctor with it - and often it doesn't happen suddenly, it happens gradually after the pelvic floor weakens, until it gets to the point where you notice it.