Tampons

[Blackbootswithredribbons]

I've never been able to use tampons. I've been having periods for over a decade and I can't figure it out. I've tried all different types, positions, etc, but they just won't go in! As in it physically won't enter my vagina. I feel a little silly not being able to use them, I want to try a menstrual cup but before that I want to get used to tampons.
Any advice, or am I just not built that way?

Have you tried lying on your bed to insert. Are you aiming at an angle rather than straight up? Maybe try a slimmer one with a plastic applicator. Can you get your fingers in?

Tried lying on bed, insert at an angle, slim plastic ones. Can get fingers in which is why I'm so puzzled! Surely if I can get one thing in I should be able to do the same with other stuff, but apparently not!

Are you using applicator or non-applicator ones?

I've never got along with applicator ones and always needed non-applicator.

My DD and friends don't use tampons. I think they think they are disgusting or bad for environment or slightly risky to health (toxic shock). One of them does use moon cup. Just telling you so you know they are going out of fashion.

On practical side I used to find the ones in plastic applicator way easier to insert. But after having kids and not being able to use one for a while I realized that pads are very effective nowadays and I used them quite happily thereafter. So maybe my DD and friends are on to something

Tbh I would be happy to never try again and just use period pants but it feels like a milestone I need to get over. I'm in my late twenties and it does feel a little pathetic, not being able to use tampons. Maybe on my next period I'll try for the last time and if I can't get it then I'll just stop.

I'm 50 and have never used a tampon. Could never get on with them at all, couldn't get them in, they didn't stay put, they leaked...so I've always used pads and I don't see what's wrong with that. I've been on the POP for four years which has stopped my periods otherwise I'd definitely give period pants a go.

Tampons are crap. I used them for about 15 to 20 years. They sometimes leak even when they're not even half full and even when they dont leak you still need to use a liner to catch the odd random spot from changing them to avoid ruining your knicks. Plus the whole string in the way thing.
I switched to pads few years back now - Always Infinity- and was blown away by how better they were than when I was 14.

Are you actually using them properly like pull the applicator back and then push the tampon in?

It takes practice. You have to stand up and bed your legs. If they leak its cos you're using the wrong absorbency. Find them much easier than my mooncup.

Honestly, I wouldn’t bother.

I can (and occasionally do) use them, but much prefer towels or amazing, amazing period pants.

It’s not something you’ll ever be given a certificate for, so if it’s not working I’d just leave it.

Like anything, they take practice. When I 1st started using them, I used to add a tiny, blob of KY on the end to help it slide in. Inserting it when dry is painful, and even if you have your period, repeated tries will dry everything up. Its also not the angle you'd expect. I always thought it went in and aim for your head straight up, but in fact you should be aiming toward your lower back instead.

Can you insert a dildo/have intercourse without tightening up? This is known as vagnismus, and possibly just a reaction to tampons, from a previous bad experience???

I absolutely hate tampons with a passion. Even just thinking about inserting one gives me goosebumps and shivers.
Absolutely love my mooncup. Never had a problem with it pre and post birth and U.K. happy knowing it’s not got much of an environmental impact. You can get fairly cheap cups from boots if you wanted to try them invest in a better one maybe? I don’t think “tampons” are a milestone everyone needs to try tbh lol.

Mooncup is far far more comfortable than a tampon cause it’s smooth and doesn’t dry you out. Having said that, you do need to be able to insert quite confidently. I do think being able to use some kind of internal protection is helpful - periods don’t always conveniently avoid holidays/swimming opportunities.
If you want to progress to a mooncup I’d advise trying non-applicator tampons and using lube on them to start with as that’s the closest experience but avoids the slightly fiddly folding stage.