I"m kind of embarrassed asking this but I need and want to know. Are tampons suppose to hurt when I insert them? I'm 24 years old and have pretty much always worn pads because the truth of the matter is that tampons use to scare me. And then when I did start to use tampons they would hurt me. So I vary between tampons and pads. I hate pads because I feel like I"m wearing a diaper. But tampons hurt. I also have the problem of my periods are pretty heavy. I've gone to the doctor and she says its okay and it has lessened over the years but they are still heavy. So I use super sized tampons when I do use them. I just don't know what to do. As I said I hate pads because I feel like I'm wearing diapers but tampons hurt when I wear them. I've been told to go to a smaller size tampon but if I do I leak. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I've also been told to try the Instead Feminine cups or the Femmecup. I don't know what do. I've been told that tampons aren't safe. I don't know if that is true but it makes me even more skeptical and fearful of using tampons. Any input is appreciated.