Tampons

[MotherOfOlafs]

We’re going on holiday in August and I’ll be on my period during that time. I haven’t used tampons since my late teens (20 odd years ago) as my heavy periods would usually mean leakages. I’m now taking tranexamic acid to regulate them and I’d like to give tampons another go as I really don’t want to wear pads on the beach! Are there any recommendations on which brand or shape is better than others please?

I wouldn't. I'd get a moon cup TBH. Swapped about 8 years ago and wouldn't ever go back.

I think it can be quite body-specific, but when I used them (I use a menstrual cup now), I much preferred Lillets which only expanded widthwise, to Tampax which always came out long and skinny and leaked, and never seemed to have absorbed properly.

I recommend the CBD tampons from Daye. I have awful periods and these are a game changer.

Oh I’ve never heard of these, I’ll definitely look into it!

I have researched moon cups before but I’m super paranoid about putting it in wrong, or it leaking, or not being able to remove it. I have anxiety over the littlest things I know!

Even their basic tampons are great as they aren't bleached like a lot of the big branded ones are. Definitely have a look at them.

The CBD ones have changed my periods immensely. I've suffered for decades until I tried these. (I promise I'm not some advert bot, just a random person who always wanted to use tampons but never found "the one").

Moon cup is the way to go with period pants as a backup... Menstrual cups take a bit of practice but once you have the knack they are soo much better

Lillets

Personally op I wouldn't use moon cups they can be messy I find the best type of tampon is the TAMPAX PEARL as they expand width wide to the width of your vagina rather than "length ways" which I find uncomfortable and most other brands do. I hope you have a lovely time on the beach!

You don't want period pants on holiday though, unless you have access to washing facilities.

Lillets are the tampons I use. They do some very heavy absorbency ones which are great is you have problem periods. Before my surgery, I couldn't have considered leaving the house without them at times, a pad on its own would have been saturated within ten minutes.

I second Lillets. I always found them much better than tampax. Though now I am a cup user, post childbirth I find tampons too uncomfortable.

I was just about to say this. I love Tampax compact PEARL.
I've never tried a moon cup but, the idea of washing it sounds Gross, especially on holiday

Order some o.b. from amazon. They are a German brand and far superior to any tampons you can buy in the UK. Expensive, but totally worth it.

Honestly a moon cup has changed my life and I'm not being dramatic! Heavy periods too and always used to leak with tampons but mooncup holds about 3x tampons worth so far less leaking!! Worth a try to get used to it now before your holiday.
Also for my DD I got period pants, you can even get swimming ones, could be a good solution for a holiday

I second this. Asdas own non applicator ones are same shape and I find them just as good

I use either Lilets or Sainsbury's non-applicator tampons as they expand width ways. I insert with a Lilets reusable applicator that I ordered from Amazon.

O.B. or Lillets

I've always used the supermarket own brand non applicator ones, the super +!are pretty good even on heavy days. Perhaps invest in plain period bikini bottoms you can pair with an existing bikini top for added protection

Tampax Pearl fan here.

I prefer applicator type, because I know its in far enough. I generally just use lunex from aldi at 89p a box! I've also liked tampax pearl, but didn't like that their applicators are plastic. I believe you can buy an applicator you can use with non-applicator type, but never tried it.

I wouldn't bother with tampons, I would get some norethisterone to delay my period

Yes this. I love the tablets. Mumsnet always posts about the enormous list of side effects but I have none whatsoever although I usually use them to delay the period before the one over a holiday so that there is then no period due on the holiday IYSWIM.

I can’t get a moon cup in, nor any non applicator tampons. I don’t know why! But my vag just seizes up and refuses entry.

If I have to use tampons I like Tampax Compak but hate the disposable nature and they don’t feel right after giving birth. I use period pants mostly and took them
on holiday as we always have a villa with a washing machine.

It’s trial and error with tampons though so I’d take a few different ones and you can buy different ones there presuming you aren’t going to the back of beyond.

My only essential thing with tampons is they need to get applicator ones. I buy own brand from Boots or any supermarket and they're fine. Just make sure to use the larger ones for heavier flow. The Super-plus are usually what I need for the first day or so. You have time before your holiday so experiment now while you have the time.

Tampax are generally known as being long, and lilets are generally known as being short. So I think it’s what is a better fit for you personally.

Thanks all for your posts!
Another concern I have about mooncups is the cleaning/sterilising them while I’m away, is that something that is easy to do?
I always used to use Norihisterone until I had huge issues with my BP, and I can’t get a prescription for it anymore. I practically begged for it when I got married last year but instead had an incredibly heavy period while wearing my ivory dress 🙄