Scared to use tampons at my age!

[TooOldForThiss]

I’ve name changed as this feels such a ridiculous problem. I’m 35 years of age and have given birth twice, I’ve always used pads for my periods, my mother only really discussed/provided these although I know she used tampons herself she never discussed these as an option when I first started my periods aged 12.

Now I’m starting to feel ridiculous that we’ll be going on holiday soon as a family and for two days I’ll be on my period so will avoid swimming. Will use period swimsuit for lighter days. But it feels wrong to miss out, my 4 year old will be asking why I won’t go in the pool. For my daughters sake I don’t want her to see me missing out and thinking she will have to miss out when she’s older, if she’s having her period.

So I tried a tampon today, but I’m so squeamish about my own body it’s shocking. I managed to get it in ok but I could feel it so I assume I didn’t put it in far enough. The whole 10 mins it was in I barely moved for fear that the string would disappear and I’d have to put my fingers up there to get it out, what if it couldn’t get it out and had to show my bloody bits to a doctor. I had a humiliating experience after my first child was born when I was examined by a male gp due to infection in my stitches 5 days post partum. He looked annoyed and irritated by me and said I should have seen the midwife. Midwife had told me to see gp, and anyway why not tell me that before I showed you the car crash in my knickers?!

Off track slightly there sorry. So after 10 mins today with a tampon in I took it back out which wasn’t nice as obviously it was still not full and more difficult to pull out than I imagine it should have been.

Apologies for all the gory details here. Why am I so squeamish about my own body?? I’m not sure this is normal. If it wasn’t for holidays/swimming I would just stick with pads (no pun intended!!).

My best tip would be to lie on the bed to do it. Much easier to relax that way .And use tampons with an applicator, it's much easier to position them correctly .

I stand and put one foot up on the toilet seat or edge of the bath, makes it easier to get it in all the way easier. Tampax pearl are the smoothest for me, feel no discomfort whatsoever.

Just wanted to say I’ve never managed it either! Nearly 55 and gave birth naturally twice. I hope you succeed and I totally get why you want to try. Just wanted you to know you aren’t the only one!

When I first started using them (I mean, it was in my early twenties but was still a learning process for me), I had similar times where I hadn't pushed it in far enough and I could feel it and it was almost uncomfortable. It just takes practice. Do it at home for a while first to get used to it, and also if you use the applicator ones I wet the plastic in my mouth first so it slides in more easily. Also with an applicator one you almost definitely won't lose the string!

Good luck - in my experience they are definitely worth it! So much more freedom and comfort than wearing pads! :)

I think it comes down to personal preference. When I started using tampons as a teen, I was like you OP. I couldn’t get on with applicator ones at all. I gave up until my 20s and then tried non applicator Lil-lets which were far easier to use.

I find putting them in whilst sitting on the toilet the easiest.

Definitely try one with an applicator. And start with the light flow ones or the teenager ones to get yourself used to it.

Try not to pull out a dry one though, this can put you at risk of TSS.

I know this might be TMI BUT...it's easy to get the angle wrong when inserting. You should be aiming at the small of your back, not straight up.

I can't get away with the applicator ones at all, the actual tampon seems to be longer than a non applicator one, and I can't get the knack of the tubes. Using the non applicator ones feels much more natural and precise for me.

Im 39 and have never used one. I just take the pill for a short time over a holiday if needed

@Londoncallingtothefarawaytowns

Im 39 and have never used one. I just take the pill for a short time over a holiday if needed

Oh wow this takes me back - I forgot that was a thing as I last did it over a decade ago.

I never had the pill for contraception but remember asking the GP for something to stop periods temporarily - I just wanted to point out to OP that she doesn't have to be already taking the pill to have this as an option

When I first tried tampons age 12, I used a pea sized amount of KY on the end to help it slid in. I agree- aim for the lower back- not straight up. If you can feel it- its not in far enough. The vaginal canal isn't an endless tube! IF you actually lost the cord- then squatting and feeling would normally enable you to feel it. What is the reason you are so squeamish about your own body to not be able to feel for the string? If this is from trauma- have you had any therapy?

Like anything, its just practice and takes time. What have you done for the past 20 odd years in terms of swimming or on holidays? I personally hate the smell and feel of pads, and tampons are a game
changer. When in correctly, you cant feel or smell them.

String will not disappear, tis impossible.

Applicator ones are easier to use. Just push it in as far as you can.

Practice between now and the holiday when you're 'on' and you'll be fine.

Poor you. I’m sorry you had such a crap experience with the GP.
I’ve never managed it either and not bothered now, in my 40s. I would just avoid swimming for a couple of days, period swimwear after that. Perhaps tell your DC a white lie this time. When your DD is older you can be frank with her and help her to use them etc when it’s her time.