[Cthomas]

ok....little embarrassing. ive never used them. got my period yesterday at my in laws house. and i wanted to go in the pool. mil gave me a tampon but it just felt so darned uncomfortable. anybody have any tips on which ones to use that wont feel so "foreign"....

thanks
C

[Indie'sOK]

Try starting out with "junior" or regular strength tampons. They're thinner and easier to insert. After you become comfortable with them you can switch to whatever strength fits your flow. Also, I recommend beginning with the smooth applicator-type tampons, like Kotex Pearl. Smooth plastic is much easier to insert than the cardboard ones, and a LOT easier than O.B. Those don't have an applicator, and when I tried them they always ended up going in sideways. Hope that helps

[Cthomas]

indie, thanks for the reply. i know it sounds goofy. im 42 and never tried one....lol..

i will try what you said. thanks so much

C

[RomanSunburn]

I hope this isn't too graphic, but this is what really helped me. When using an applicator, put it in until your fingers are practically touching.. well.. you, then push the tampon in. It can hurt/feel uncomfortable if you don't have it in all the way. After you take the applicator out, give the string a little tug. Also, I personally don't like the pearl tampons (I like the applicator, but hate how the tampons feel taking them out) so I always go with Platex Sport. Definitely start out with a regular or even a slim fit (Platex doesn't have slim, so I end up using the pearl slims anyways, lol).

Hope this helped!

[sunrise]

The tampon shouldn't feel uncomfortable when it is inside of you. If it does, it probably means you didn't put it in far enough, and it is too low. Try inserting them higher up and you shouldn't feel them. I prefer OB tampons because they have no applicator. Sticking an applicator in makes me feel like I am putting tools or apparatus inside of myself--like a speculum or something. And then you are left with the applicator when you are done. With OB, you just use your finger as a guide. OB comes in several sizes. Start with the smallest first if you are not used to using tampons. If you've had kids, the smallest may be too small. Good luck. They really are a godsend--I agree with the Nobel prize comment!

[Fresia]

I used the plastic applicators before switching to OB. To start out, I think the the pearls or sports are good idea to help with placement and to get a feel of where they should be in the beginning. The cardboard ones are annoying as there is nothing to hold onto and the cardboard is not as smooth.

I switched to OB because there are no dies or perfumes to irritate, if sensitive to these things. I found I have better coverage with these, no leakage and the I feel better environmentally not having the applicator to throw away. Besides they are more discreet to carry around. However, they take some getting used to for insertion.

Just remember to take them out. Use the recommended time period indicated by the instructions. You may involuntarily tense when going to remove it, just need to relax the muscles to ease its removal.

The reminder sounds silly, but I can't tell you how many times working in the ER someone weekly has come in with pains days after their period from a tampon they've forgotten. That's how comfortable they can be, you can forget they're there.

I definitely appreciate them.

[feddy]

Practice makes perfect...the more you use them, the faster you will become at inserting them and the less you will think about it. Once you get used to them, you will wonder why you used pads for all those years!!! One thing that can help (again, graphic, my apologies) is to use a small mirror to help you insert the tampon the first few times. That's how I was taught when I was a teenager. Put the mirror on the floor and stand over it and use it to help you guide the tampon in so you can watch what you're doing. It will also help to relax you because you are not doing it blind. It should only take a few tries before you're a pro.

For me, they are the only choice.

[Cthomas]

Wow! thank you sunrise, feddy fresia and romansunburn. You all have great advice!!!! shoulda came here before I had to use them I will try all your suggestions. thank you for not making me feel like a complete fool...LOL

Colleen

I often have been heard saying I wish they made "beginners packs" of tampons - because everyone is different, whats too small for someone else could be way too big for you - and having had sex is NOT really a factor. However, having had kids, DOES. I have had a child and I find that slim, or regular tampons, literally will slide their way out of me.lol.

[Maven]

I love the Tampax Pearl tampons. The applicator slides more easily for me, and there's a part of the cap that I can grasp with my fingers for more control for when I've pushed the tampon in, and then slide it out.

It can get difficult to push a new tampon in if you've taken one out too soon; the blood acts as a lubricant, so if you find you can't get one in, wait a little while for the blood to flow.

And Roman is right...you shouldn't feel it if it's in far enough; you might feel it a tiny bit if the string gets tugged in your underwear, but it shouldn't hurt.