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?

Tampax pearl expands widthways rather than getting longer

Lillets are ok too. I bought a reusable applicator for them from tesco as I don't think they make the applicator version of them any more.

I’m not saying you should do this but you can just buy it online, they don’t check anything!

https://pharmica.uk/period-delay/

I bought my norethisterone online. They ask questions but I suppose it depends how honestly you answer them as to whether they supply you with them!

You only need to sterilise at the end of your period (ie when you put it away for the month).

Other than that, I just empty and give it a quick rinse during the day (quick wipe with toilet paper if sink not easy to hand), and then a decent wash with hot soapy water once a day.

I wouldn't use it for the first time on holiday though. Also, I don't think you said, but it's not likely to be for you if you can't/don't like to use non-applicator tampons.

That's what I used to do as mine were so heavy. Absolute floods. Nothing else would really have contained them unless I was willing to wear an adult nappy on the beach (which I wasn't).

Also, there's more to cups than mooncups - I got this one last time: OVIO Menstrual Cup - Reusable Soft and Flexible 100% Medical Grade Silicone Cup with Travel Pouch - Leak Free and Reliable with Size Replacement Guarantee (Regular) amzn.eu/d/c3hDc7q

I've found it better than my old Mooncup which had got a bit leaky, but it was 15 years old so probably overdue retirement 😳

Mooncup all the way. Sooooo easy to use, clean and no leaks. I had very heavy periods and it was best thing ever

What about tampon disposal on holiday? Are you self catering or hotel? Sharing a room?

My mooncup changed my life so I'm a bit biased towards menstrual cups but they are so discrete, easy to use and adapt to. And I've not had to use disposable protection for 18 years now!

All I'm saying is that if you bought one now you have loads of time to practice before August. Also - practice in the shower!

Although I use a cup (flexible Flow Cup, trial and error with other brands and this one works for me) I'd recommend tampons for holiday. I generally use them when away anyway as the cup can be messy and I'm never quite 100% confident I've got it right even though I've been wearing one for years I do still have mishaps. So this puts me off swimming with it, but I am tempted by swimming period pants.
I do have issues switching between tampons and cup during a period....tampons never seem to expand enough after the cup OR I forget they need changing more regularly!
Lillets are the best for the width wise expanding...Tampax don't work for me at all.
I'd definitely suggest starting with a cup asap...there is a learning curve. But once in and secure/sealed they are fit and forget!

If your flow is heavy I would use Tampax and a pad and just buy some sort of sarong to go over your cozzi or bikini.

If you use the tablets the month before would periods be due a week later the month following? Has anyone done this? This feels like a more natural option without side effect risk

Why not delay your period with medication?

onlinedoctor.boots.com/services/period-delay?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-r-vBhC-ARIsAGgUO2A192-acesJZNnJuxVFfN17EwWyY_pX7B4cSwaGRNVuHxaU4-jBGO0aAoNuEALw_wcB

Dont waste money on expensive brand names OP. Supermarket own brands work just as well.

Another fan of Tampax Pearl here (I buy the standard ones not the compacts). I was buying supermarket own brand tampons for years, but then tried these and they’re so much better. They expand widthwise so they’re good if you get heavy periods like me. I don’t leak through them at night and they need changing much less frequently during the day, so they’re worth the higher price.

Moon cup changed my life and I'm not being dramatic. I have endometriosis and heavy periods and pain. I switched to a moon cup 6 years ago and have never looked back. When I'm in a public place I take some intimate wipes and a bottle of water in my back so I can wash it out if I need to. I was paranoid about not being able to get it out as well but it's pretty much impossible to get stuck as mine is really soft and bendy. My cramps have lessened since giving up tampons too. I've never leaked in the 6 years I've been using a moon cup, not even at night. No more laying in towels or putting a tampon in and a pad on doubling up making me uncomfortable.

To answer your question about sterilising. Every day I use it on my period, I pop it in really hot water in the sink to soak whilst I have a shower/bath. At the end of my period I leave it to soak in boiling water before letting it dry fully before putting it away for next month. You don't need to sterilise every day ☺️