Issues with Tampons

I'm kind of hesitant about posting this, but considering that this is a subject I haven't had the courage to bring up with my therapist or my doctor, maybe posting this here will serve as a sort of practice run for me.

(Also, this will probably go into TMI territory, so, uh, apologies in advance.)

So, basically, I'm in my early twenties, and I've had my period since I was eleven, and I'm still having trouble using tampons. I think I've attempted using them at least once a year since I started menstruating, and today was the only time I've actually managed to insert a tampon instead of getting about a centimetre in and being in pain. I have no idea if it's in properly because I can feel it, but it isn't leaking. All the sites I've looked at online say that I shouldn't feel it if it's in all the way, but I'm pretty sure I can feel it. But I assumed that it would be leaking if it wasn't all the way in, which is why I'm confused.

I've considered the possibility of my having vaginismus, but I know that's something I would have to discuss with my doctor to be certain. Inserting tampons (and, uh, other things, *ahem*) has always been a really painful experience, and the only reason I was able to get a tampon in today was by taking things really, really slowly, doing breathing exercises to quell the panic attack I could feel coming on, and by just ignoring the pain. Is it possible that it could just be my lack of experience that makes this process so painful and nervewracking?

I'm not even entirely sure what I'm asking anymore, but any thoughts would be greatly appreciate. Thanks!

Is it pain or pressure you feel? I can feel pressure with a tampon, but it doesn't hurt..

im thinking you may be able to feel it, just because you are thinking about it and you are not used to walking around having something foreign in there but there shouldn't be pain. that is unusual. a tampon is small enough that it shouldn't cause any pain being inserted. even sex after the first few tries shouldn't be painful. this is something, embarrassing as it is that you should talk to your dr about. something else you could try is to get some vaginal lube and put that with some easy glide tampons and see if that makes inserting them easier. take care

If there isn't enough moisture it will hurt, maybe try adding some lubrication. If you're tense it will make it worse, and because you're thinking it's going to hurt it may be adding to that. If it's done correctly (and there aren't any underlying issues) you definitely won't feel it at all. The amount of times I've actually forgotten because I couldn't feel anything...

My first mistake with tampons was I wasn't putting them deep enough. Lube a little, then insert tampon all the way in right before the plunger begins. That place usually ribbed. Then plung all the way. Pull out applicator and you won't feel any thing,

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Sorry, I probably should have clarified. I can feel the pressure when it's in, and it was slightly painful when I moved around, but it was only really painful going in. (And coming back out, which I discovered after spending about half an hour in tears while trying to pull it out.) Considering that the tampon was full when I took it out and didn't leak at all, I'm assuming I did have it in correctly but just wasn't used to the feeling of having it in me.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll try using lube next time I give it a try. If that doesn't make it any easier, I think I will bring it up with my doctor next time I see her. Maybe I'll write it down and show it to her, because I'm not sure how much confidence I have in myself to say the words out loud, haha.

Also, I think I was too vague in my first post, but if these details help, I've never actually had sex. I've tried with fingers and toys in the past, but that's never worked out too well for me. Even inserting one finger while masturbating is painful enough that it just kills the mood for me entirely. (TMI? I'm gonna hide under my covers now.)

Several factors could make using a tampon difficult. The brand and absorbency can make a big difference. I tried one brand last year that was so compacted that it felt like a rock. It hurt. It was an extremely unpleasant experience. A good brand to start with is Tampax in the junior size. The sizes refers to the size and absorbency of the tampon. The junior is the smallest size. It's not very good on heavy days but it's a good size to begin with.

You might need a small amount of lubricant on the tip of the tampon applicator or around the opening to the vagina. A tiny amount, about 1/8 teaspoon, of virgin coconut oil makes an excellent lubricant around the genital area and it's medically approved for such use. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts at body temperature. It also has a natural anti-irritant and anti-microbial quality. Some lubricants meant for the genital area can actually cause a burning sensation on internal membranes for women who have extra sensitivity. Coconut oil seems better tolerated by more people.

Here's some info that might help you:

Many young women have trouble using tampons when they first try them. It took me about 4 years before I felt comfortable with them. I discovered that the brand and the type of applicator made a huge difference.

I hope this information helps.

Here's the thing, you dont have to wear one. If they arent your cup of tea, then leave it.

I have cramps so bad sometimes I cant wear one. It makes the pain just that much more intense. Other times I can wear them and have no problem.

The big thing is to relax. Taking your time is ok. Or just bag it, just not for you.

I could not get a tampon in when I was a virgin. I tried many times. Your vagina might just be too small to accomodate it. Have you had a gyno exam? It might be a good idea to have one. If you do be sure to tell Doc what is going on.

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions! I went back to pads today because yesterday's tampon ordeal had me too stressed out, haha. I'll definitely try the lube trick when I get the courage to try again. I've never had a gyno appointment, but I'm thinking that it might be a good idea.

I am 45, married and given birth and I still cannot use tampons. If they are hurting or uncomfortable then I would give up on them. I finally talked to my doctor about my issue and it turns out that my uterus is tilted in a way that make it press on my vagina giving me difficulties.

With toys, fingers, tampons etc lube is very good to use.

I had similar problems when I was yonger. I tried and tried again to use tampons (and insert other things) but it hurt and simply didn't work. I was convinced that I had vaginismus or something along those lines. When I finally found the courage to go see a gyno (I was 21!) I found out that I had a microperforate hymen. I ended up having to undergo minor surgery to remove / open up the hymenal tissue. That was 5 years ago, and I haven't had any problems since!

Anyway, I have no idea if this is the case for you. But I really want to encourage you to go see a gynecologist. I wish I hadn't waited until I was 21.

I use plastic applicator tampons. cardboard ones hurt me.

I second the comment of not putting it in far enough. If I use tampons, I need to lube inside with something and my finger before I can insert a tampon - if I just try to stick it in there it's all dry, and sticks and hurts. :O

I also use sponges these days in place of tampons. It's essentially just a sponge, but they come sterile, and are an upgrade from sea sponges. Last longer, better for environment and more comfy, as you wet it and wring it out really well, and then it's a soft damp sponge and it contours to your shape inside. The ones I get are Beppy Menstral Sponges, and are officially single use, however they wash just fine, and I just pop in in the laundry basket when I've rinsed it and am done with it. The heat in the dryer, or sun on the clothes line kill any germs on it, and once dried, I store them in little ziplock bags.

HTH!

So lube, fingers

I hope you can find the courage to bring it up to your doctor. I've had vaginismus for awhile. I never was able to use tampons. It just hurt too much to get them in! Maybe your chat with your doctor will just lead to needing a script for lidocane and lube. (That wasn't embarrassing at all when I went to get that filled... Hehe.) Good luck!

I'm in my mid 30's and only recently gave tampons a second try. When I was in my teens, I wanted to try tampons, but they HURT and I could always feel them and I just decided it wasn't for me. I have used pads ever since. Part of my issue is just that I can't relax enough to put them in - I've finally learned how to do that. Part of my issue is that I'm just really small and tight (even after having had sex quite a bit). My gyno has to use pediatric equipment when she examines me. And, the last little bit of my issue is that I'm hyper sensitive to things and it truly is just uncomfortable to have something inside my body like that.

I've been able to wear tampons a bit since my second try recently. I still prefer pads for heavier days, because I can't wear the larger, more absorbant tampons. But, the last few days of my period, I can wear tampons on occasion. I've found that for me, being really relaxed as I put them in and making sure they are in deep enough makes a difference. I can still feel them, but if I stop thinking about it, it becomes less noticeable.