Period and tampons

[dasani-romani.livejournal.com]

I am an active person. Not in sports, but in theatre. Our space confinement (we are in a very small theatre. No dressing rooms etc) dictates that if we have a costume change mid-show, then we have to do it in front of everyone else waiting to go onstage. I don't have a problem with that... unless I'm on my period.
I use pads. I have tried tampons (Tampax regular pearls and the smaller ones) and I just can't do it!! I know that I need to use them if I have to move a lot in a show or in gym class or something, and I get get them in fine. But I am terrified to take them out because I've had horrible experiences with them. Everytime I need to take them out again (save for 2 occasions) it's gotten stuck. I do everything i'm supposed to - relax and gentle - but right before the exit, it gets hooked on something. When I pull it is really painfull. I don't know what it is or how to avoid this situation. in order to get it unhooked I have to be at home w/ a mirror, so it doesn't really do me any good when I need to use them for a show or volleyball.
My questions are
1. What is it getting stuck on
2. Has it happened to anyone else and
3. HOW did you fix the problem?




x-posted

Comments

[stripling.livejournal.com]

you might be using a tampon that's too high in absorbency for your flow. therefore, it's dry, and when it comes out, it's not sliding nicely like it should. dry tampons can be quite uncomfortable to remove.

try a different brand maybe, with a lower absorbency, and see if that helps?

[dasani-romani.livejournal.com]

my period is heavy. and I use regulars at that time. and this has happened even when the tampon has been sufficiently moist.

[finny321.livejournal.com]

You could try pulling it out tilted toward your back. Also a bit of lube when inserting it, might help it slide out better?

Also if you have a hymen, it could be catching on it. Then the only real solution is to practice until removal is comfortable for you.

[queenanka.livejournal.com]

As stated before it is probably too dry and from your anxiety you are inadvertantly clenching your muscles.

My first experiences with tampons were pretty bad but I was going on vacation and said nothing will ruin this.

[erinmdmd.livejournal.com]

Tampons dry out your vagina. The cotton isn't very good for you, as it is bleached and treated with chemicals.

I had luck with some organic unbleached tampons once or twice- didn't get stuck, at least.

Have you tried Insteads? Considered a Divacup or Keeper?

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

1. Sometimes I get paranoid that it hasn't been changed in HOURS (when it has been) and I try to take it out before it's thoroughly used and it sort of hurts.

2. If you make sure to pull the string in the exact same direction as the tampon (ex. sometimes it's easy to be pulling it at a downward or slightly upward angle without realizing it which will cause irritation) and you just have to realize that just because the toilet is straight below you that doesn't mean that's the right "out" angle.

3. Occasionally I will be waking up early or getting home from a hard dance class and I can't get my PC muscles to relax on command even though I'm telling them to relax. Just put a little outward pressure on the string (just a little tug... enough to make the string straight but not much more than that) then close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in and out. Eventually your muscles in your lower body will relax and you'll feel the tampon start to give a little. Then just take a deep breath and give it a good pull.

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

Oh and although I hate the plastic applicator, Playtex Slimfits are the best for "learning" on. They don't provide the best protection but they're WAY less intimidating that some of the other ones. But get used to changing them more or using them JUST when you're on stage. They're nice though because they're thin and the tip is a round plastic one so it slides right in.

Now I use Playtex Beyond which have the same sort of applicator but it's cardboard so I don't feel as bad throwing them out because they will decompose.

My sister uses tampax (you know, a cardboard tube with a tuft of cotton at the tip) and those dry my girly parts up on the way in so the whole procedure is uncomfortable.