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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Tampons after pregnancy

15 replies

Jenjen85 · 15/09/2013 17:39

Not sure if I'm posting this in the right section but I'm just wondering if anyone wake has experienced this.

I had my DD 10 weeks ago and have had 2 periods since but I now find using tampons very uncomfortable, i had a ventouse delivery and had stitches (which no-one gas checked since having them) iv used them since starting my periods at 11 so I know I'm putting it in right but it's like it slips down and my vagina aches when I'm on my period. It's uncomfortable to sit down with one in so I find myself taking it out after about 30mins. I hate using sanitary towels as It makes me feel dirty and never used them before pregnancy. Is there anything I can do to help???

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gotadifferentnamenow · 15/09/2013 17:49

Sympathies (though no advice, sorry).
My vagina only started feeling properly 'normal' again post-stitches after about a year. That said, that was when my periods came back and so perhaps it was hormones that made me feel not-quite-right for so long.
I'm a mooncup devotee, which sounds possibly more intimidating than tampons atm but actually it sort of makes sense, because it doesn't absorb and dry you out, it just catches blood, and also because it's a bit bigger your vaginal walls don't have to cling so tight to it I think. But I know they're not for everyone.
Hope someone more helpful comes along soon. Congrats on your new baby.

TheTiger · 15/09/2013 17:53

I had this feeling and it turns out I had a prolapse, which I think was preventing the tampon from sitting in the right place. I was referred to a specialist physio for it. However, 10 weeks is still pretty early so maybe you are just still a bit sore? If it carries on then maybe go to your GP and ask them to see if you have a prolapse too. Congratulations on your baby DD!

HRMumness · 15/09/2013 17:57

I had ventouse / stitches and it took a good 6-9 months before I felt normal. I was lucky that my periods didn't come back until 7 months after my DD was born. It doesn't sound at all normal that it wasn't checked post birth. I had quite a few HV poking about my fanjo to make sure it had heeled correctly . Do go see a doctor to make sure it has heeled ok.

I do remember tampons not feeling quite right and had more luck with my mooncup like the other poster. Some kegels might help with the healing perhaps as well?

Original poster

Jenjen85 · 15/09/2013 18:02

I'm surprised that the nurse didn't check at my 6week check last week, I was all prepared (if you know what I mean) for her to have a nosey down there but she just did my weight and blood pressure. Iv had a little look down there myself and it doesn't look like it used to before?!?! I think I might have a bit if a prolapse but I'm but sure??? I'm getting my coil fitted in on 2nd Oct so might ask the nurse to have a look and see what she thinks.

Iv just had a nosey into the mooncups and I'm not sure if I'd like using them?!?

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PastaBeeandCheese · 15/09/2013 19:10

What brand are you using? I can no longer use Tampax since having DD but Lillets are completely fine as they expand widthways. They just seem to fit me better these days.

Original poster

Jenjen85 · 15/09/2013 19:16

I've been using tampax as they have an applicator, didn't think lilets did them with an applicator?

OP posts:

PastaBeeandCheese · 15/09/2013 19:18

They don't as far as I'm aware. I just use the normal Lillets non applicator.

ihearsounds · 15/09/2013 19:36

You realy do find out new things on this place. Never knew your stitches were supposed to be checked. Is this something new? Was told they would disolve and that was it.

Anyway. Cannot remember with the other three, but then no stitches with them. But with the youngest it was about a year when things fet comfy enough to use a tampax. Didn't feel right. Still have the odd day like that, but have figured that one.

Sammi1986 · 15/09/2013 20:41

Lillets do have applicator ones, not all stores have them so I used to buy a couple of boxes at once :)
Never got on with tampax

AntoinetteCosway · 15/09/2013 20:59

Sorry if this is a stupid question but are you sure you've actually got your periods back already? My lochia went on for weeks and weeks and I think you're not supposed to use tampons with that. It might just be too early for them?

(I second the moon cup recommendation by the way.)

Peacenquiet2 · 15/09/2013 20:59

I had trouble using tampons after my second dc and it turned out i had a treble prolapse. I had repair to rectocele/cystocele and cervix prolapse in march which was 2 and half years post delivery.
Its early days for you though and theres chance of it resolving with kegals. It might be worth seeing your surgery nurse and they may refer you if neccessary but at this stage im guessing they will advice kegals and time.

Original poster

Jenjen85 · 15/09/2013 21:13

Definatley my periods as I stopped bleeding 3weeks post delivery and my first period lasted just 4 days like my period used to. I think I'll get a nurse to check it out but also have a look for lilets with applicators. I'm not that you'd at doing pelvic floor exercises is there anything to help with that?

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MummyJetsetter · 15/09/2013 22:35

Yeah I found they feel like they sit too low since giving birth and rub a bit. The midwife at my 6 week check offered to have a look if my stitches had healed ok but I said no as I knew it had healed fine, had a really good luck with a mirror and looked exactly the same as before and felt fine.

Rockchick1984 · 16/09/2013 08:22

You need to do your pelvic floor exercises, they will get everything back to normal down there. I've always used tampons pre-DS but struggled for nearly a year before things felt right with them in.

Mindboggle · 16/09/2013 14:09

I'm the same, have had 2 periods since giving birth 11 weeks ago (also ventouse). My first period hurt so much I thought my stitches had burst!
I have been using a mooncup for years and can't bear to use it anymore.
Here in France we get a course of perineal reeducation with a midwife (basically a series of different exercises to strengthen all the muscles again. So I mentioned the pain to her, she checked and said the reason for the pain could be that the area around the stitches is stiff, this can happen even if you've healed properly. Having your period can make the whole area swell and feel more tender.
She told me to massage the scar and the area around it. It's a bit weird at first but I suppose if it helps, it's worth it.

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