an ever popular topic.. wait, maybe not.

[1980.livejournal.com]

...Tampons.
I just started using them, actually, and there are three big complaints I have.
First- putting them in. If it's painful or uncomfortable at all, which it is, am I just doing it incorrectly, or does pushing the applicator to insert the cotton bit always feel slightly "owch"?
Secondly- once they're in. Are you really supposed to _not_ feel them at *all*? I feel a very uncomfortable sort of ...just.. uncomfort. Am I inserting at the wrong angle, thus not getting them in far enough, or...? When IS far enough, exactly?
Thirdly- taking them out. Oh, good lord, the agony. Aside from "leaving them in longer", I haven't heard any good advice regarding reducing the pain factor...
Any feedback would be appreciated. I hope this topic hasn't been exhausted eight times over.

Comments

[moonrose.livejournal.com]

I use sea sponges. I could never get cotton tampons in - they hurt too bad, but I love my sponges, but some people they dry out. Not me, but some people have that problem...

[myriadcolours.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm really intrigued.. I've never head of using sea sponges, but it sounds like a really great idea.
Could you elaborate a bit more?

[moonrose.livejournal.com]

these are the ones I use: http://www.jadeandpearl.com/

and more info:
http://www.mum.org/seaspong.htm

I clean mine once a month by soaking for half an hour or so in hydrogen peroxide then in water and rinsing them really well and during my cycle just rinsing them really good under the tap. Been using the same two sponges for four months or so with not so much as a yeast infection ;)

[1980.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. I'll look into those, I'm really not sure what they are / how they're used, but I'm sure I can find something online. I've heard from a lot of people that organic things are the way to go... Thanks for the feedback, maybe it's not just my body that rejects cotton tampons.

[myriadcolours.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I've never felt pain either way, but I can't say if that's normal or not..as far as I know, none of my friends that have used them have ever complained.

Maybe you could try a keeper? erm, I think I posted a link somewhere..maybe in my other post in this community? same kind of idea as a tampon, but tis a gum rubber cup..shouldn't have the same problem with taking it out as the cotton tampons.

[amylynn.livejournal.com]

If you're tensed up when putting them in or taking them out, it is quite likely that it'll hurt like a bitch. Try relaxing your vaginal muscles, if you haven't already.
Hope that helps...
-amy

[orangiegirl.livejournal.com]

I've found that classic tampax hurt to put in - because they don't have a closed applicator end. I cannot stand cardboard applicators... I've found that plastic ones don't hurt as much to use. Tampax are also pretty long, which always hurts me when I pull them out.

I use Playtex silk glide with the plastic applicator. They're much more comfortable to use.

[kersy.livejournal.com]

some people just have a harder time than others putting in tampons but it is definately worth practicing and becoming comfortable with it because tampons are one of the greatest things on earth.

the first thing you need to do is find an extremely thin tampon with a plastic applicator. cardboard is for tampon pros (if such things exist :). i highly suggest Tampax satin regular absorbency tampons. it's in a blue box and it says "comfortable to use" and "great for new users" on it. when you see the tampon you will say, "jeesus, this thing is so little i'll need to change it in 5 min". remember, this is for practice. if you have an extremely heavy period the first couple days, try practicing with tampons when it's a medium flow. oh and remember, NEVER use a tampon when you dont have your period but i'm sure you all know that.

now part of the pain you are experiencing is from not enough lubrication. you know how this feels when you pull one out on your last days when your period isnt as heavy. ouch! i usually put my tampon in right after my shower but for other times during the day use ky jelly. it may sound like much but it helps getting used to tampons. lubrication is essential for letting the tampon slide in with ease, reducing the chances that it will feel uncomfortable the rest of the day.

the most important thing though is getting in the right position to put the tampon in. when i first used tampons years ago, the box came with a brochure showing good positions but i dont know if they exist anymore. anyways, your tampon needs to be inserted at an angle which you will learn to do automatically over time, but when starting out you need to get in a position so it will slide in to position easily. i suggest crouching down in a football position with knees bent all the way down to the ground. pull the labia apart so it doesnt get caught on the tampon, totally relax your vaginal muscles (remember, you can always take it out if it hurts and try again) and sloooooowly insert the tampon. the head of the applicator will enter and the bottom will push the tampon in. the bottom of the applicator should push all the way into the head of the applicator. pull out the applicator and you're a success! remember to be relaxed and dont get frustrated. oh and remember, never put up with an uncomfortable tampon. chuck it. sometimes your vagina gets PMS too and doesnt want anything messin with it;) good luck!

[vampodrama.livejournal.com]

I have been using tampons for ages, but never the ones with applicators... I have no idea how you people deal with it, the mere thought of an applicator freaks me out :) Maybe you should try non-applicator ones? And the smaller they are, the less they bug you :)

[marielsblue.livejournal.com]

and for me, i cannot for the life of me figure out the non-applicator kind.
i guess all grrls really are different. (as if i didnt already know that)