tampons

Aug. 21st, 2001 03:13 pm
[identity profile] waterlove.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] menstrualhut
i have to go to the beach next week and i am terrified of tampons. i just...don't like them or want to use them. i dont know why really...

can anyone convince me to use them or give me any tips? im dyin' here...

well...

Date: 2001-08-21 12:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] moonrose.livejournal.com
I can't use cotton tampons but I have no issues at all with sea sponges... same concept, differnet material...

Date: 2001-08-21 12:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eebomb.livejournal.com
I have the same irrational fear. Last year I was in a similar situation and I actually confronted my fear and used tampons. I just had to lay down to put them in and take them out. Even then, I would feel kind of like passing out, but I didn't. I did it!
I still don't like them though and haven't used them since.
But if I can do it, so can you.

Re:

Date: 2001-08-21 03:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eebomb.livejournal.com
Yeah. Putting tampons in falls into the "medical" category with me and just about anything in that category can make me feel swoony.

What makes you afraid of them?

Date: 2001-08-21 12:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] artemii.livejournal.com
I used to feel the exact same way. Then I started using organic cotton ones and, although the first few times I felt weird about using them, somehow it was fine after that. I'm now glad I worked through it.

Date: 2001-08-21 12:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] artemii.livejournal.com
I'm an awkward person too, but I stopped even feeling it after those first few times. Really.

Re: more embarassing questions...

Date: 2001-08-21 01:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] artemii.livejournal.com
Believe it or not, tampons come with instructions if you have any questions. :)

Date: 2001-08-21 02:39 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] divinemissa.livejournal.com
Um... I can't really convince you to use them. I can say that I like them. I've used them since my 1st period and have had no regrets. But as for tips.

1. I wouldn't suggest using the applicatorless types (like OB) for your first time. They're tricky to get into place and there's nothing more uncomfortable than a tampon that's not correctly situated.
2. If it's at all avoidable, never remove a tampon right after inserting it. You need to have some liquid in there or it will be uncomfortable to take out. You can reach up there and adjust it if it's uncomfy.
3. Try the slimfits made for teenagers if you're nervous. The big ol superabsorbancy ones can be intimidating.
4. If it's the hangy-down string that bothers you, you could try those "Instead" cups. They are at the grocery store so they'd probably be easier to get your hands on than the Keeper or the sea sponges. I've tried them and while I still prefer tampons, they do work.

Date: 2001-08-21 02:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kari.livejournal.com
Is your problem that you don't know how to put them in, or that you just don't like the idea of having them inside of you? If you want tips, I'd be happy to try to help.

I think there was a post a few weeks ago in this community on a similar subject where lots of tips were offered, too.

Date: 2001-08-21 08:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kari.livejournal.com
Ok. Well just some information that I could have used...

I don't think it's possible to accidentally put a tampon in "the wrong place". If it feels uncomfortable, though, probably it's not in far enough or wasn't inserted at the right angle. You just have to get where it's comfortable for you (even if "comfortable" sounds like an impossible task, if it's in right, you probably won't feel it. Most of the time, I can't.)

I had to use a mirror with a leg up on the toilet the first few times I tried (hope this isn't too much of a visual here.) And use your fingers to spread your lips far apart. Grip around the ridge of the applicator with your fingers, and insert the tampon until your fingers touch your body. Try to find the right angle... sometimes it takes a while. Sitting/standing in dif. positions to do this sometimes helps. Then push the tube all the way to that ridge while still holding on to the applicator, but don't pull the applicator out until you've pushed the tube all the way in. (I apologize if my ignorant termonology is confusing, if it is, feel free to ask me what the heck I'm babbling about.) I probably made it sound like some acrobatic feat, but just try to get so you're comfortable.

The string part was a little freaky to me at first, but I think you can probably get used to it. And just for the record, when I first tried to use tampons I didn't have a clue what I was doing... It took some practice. But it was worth it for me.

Hope this doesn't lie in the category of "too much information!" I hope that this can give you some help.

Ummm....

Date: 2001-08-21 04:57 pm (UTC)

Tampons good.... pads BAAAAD!!!! lol

Date: 2001-08-21 05:49 pm (UTC)
miss_tish: Fairy (Default)
From: [personal profile] miss_tish
Someone else had a similar question awhile back... I went back to find my comment to her... maybe this will apply to you, and hopefully help:

(This is the original post if you wanted to see it.)

*** begin rambling comment ***

I gotta say, I can't live without my tampons. Those messy pads... ick. NO thank you. I never feel tampons when I use them... not even the string. But in the beginning I had a hard time with them too.

Here's my story of tampon stupidity:
1. Used the applicator wrong (yes, it's possible!) I'd put it in and instead of pushing the plunger, I'd end up sliding the TOP part of the applicator down. Thus leaving the tampon further down than it's supposed to be. Boy was that uncomfortable... not painful or anything, but annoying.
2. Putting it in at the wrong angle. Sometimes it's a comfort thing. I've learned I gotta have on leg off the floor and aim for my lower back. (sorry for the visual ladies)
3. Taking it out too early/often. If that puppy hasn't been in there long enough it's gonna be DRY and that means an owie when you take it out (perhaps that's what you meant by vacuum sensation). If your flow is heavy, change it every four hours... if it still hurts/pulls/feels like a vacuum, next time, leave it a bit longer.

It sounds silly, but sometimes it just takes practice. I haven't bought pads in YEARS. I solely use tampons now (and pantiliners for the occasionally oopsie), even wearing em overnight. Personally I use Playtex... I've found that Tampax expands lengthwise which sometimes hurts to take out on lightdays. But again, find what YOU like.

*** end rambling comment ***

Date: 2001-08-22 12:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tinystar82.livejournal.com
I used to be afraid of it hurting and what not but I tried it out and it was fine for me. A bit scary at first but now I use em all the time... they are the kats ass. if you put em in right you cant feel em at all. Just be sure to change it at lease every 8 hrs to prevent t.s.s.
I suggest to start using them a few days before you go to the beach... just to get used to them and so your not so worried about it.
just take it easy and relax. getting tense will only add to the discomfort

Re:

Date: 2001-08-22 12:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tinystar82.livejournal.com
good luck!

Date: 2001-08-22 01:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] vampodrama.livejournal.com
I'm basically gonna say what everyone else has said already, but tampons are really nice and comfortable once you get used to them. It takes a little time and practice of course, but it's worth it. I'm hopelessly addicted to tampons and I don't even want to think about going back to pads!
And, as for the brands and labels, I think o.b. comfort is /may be the best choice, because it's so small. it's wihout applicator, yes, but I've never used, or even tried using applicator ones.

hey!

Date: 2001-08-29 10:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] alias.livejournal.com
i am adding you as a friend, cause i -too- am terrified of tampons. i am such a wimp, but they do frighten me! good luck next week. i have been trying on and off for a while now.

Re: i am, the tampon-less wonder

Date: 2001-08-30 07:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] 1980.livejournal.com
oh dear, well best of luck to you- if you do use tampons in the future, i advise you to get ORGANIC ONLY... they can be hard to find, but look online.
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