tampon problem **tmi alert

[Lisa B]

Hi there,

Sorry this is probably too much information but it's not the sort of problem I feel comfortable discussing with IRL friends. No one seems to talk about the post-baby body issues - well not in the circles I travel.

I have just got AF back at 5 months after birthing. I tried putting a tampon in, regular size and it was uncomfortable but I got it in but taking it out was terrible I felt a stinging pain. The next day I tried a mini sized tampon and got in no worries but had the same problem when taking it out. The tampon hasn't been full as AF is really light.

I have had some pelvic floor issues due to 3rd degree tearing and working with a physio and this is slowly easing. We also haven't had penetrative sex since the birth.

Has anyone else had an issue with tampons and what did you do? I'm thinking of going to the doctor but I don't know if there is anything that they can do.

[PumpkinZulu]

So your flow isn't too heavy? It sounds to me like the tampon has absorbed all your vagina's natural lubricant and made you very dry, so removing the tampon becomes uncomfortable. Makes me cringe just thinking about it, awful feeling!

[Arcadia]

I agree with PZ. It sounds like a lubricant issue. Could you put some lube in before you take out the tampon?

Otherwise I would be using pads if the flow is light.

Hope this helps.

[krystals]

You sound exactly how I was hun, *big hugs* I know how scary it is as well as just how simply frustrating!!!
I don't know if this makes sense, but does it feel like the 'angle' is wrong?? That's how I felt.

I had some bad tearing too- just remember it's not *just* the surface wound that needs to heal, it's inside as well, which for me, seemed to take a lot longer. As beautiful as giving birth is, your vagina has gone through some trauma and will need some time to heal.

I ended up seeing my GP and I ended up with a referral to a physio who taught me how to strengthen my pelvic floor. Whether it was simply 'time to heal' or whether the exercises helped the tampon/sex problem, I can't say for sure, but it's a lot better now. We didn't even try penetrative sex until 5months, and I think it was 'normal' at about 9months. At almost a year, I'm still tentative though. Tampons are a lot better now, but I definitely feel muscle fatigue (if that makes sense?) after a couple of hours. I definitely still use pads at night, and sometimes during the day when I'm feeling sore.

If you're worried, I'd get it checked out, just as you would any other body part that wasn't quite the way you remembered it! You and your Vagina have a lot more years together, you need to take care of it!!! Hope this helps.

[MrsFabuloso]

I can't use tampons without some discomfort anymore after having kids. My pelvic floor is weak and they sit differently inside me.

[Lisa B]

3LM - not sure what I'd do if I can't use tampons anymore, I"ve never liked the feeling of pads.

Krystals - yes I"m seeing a physio and I will get it checked out

Arcadia & PZ - lubrication could be an issue in the mix and thanks for the suggestion of lube to get the tampon out, I'm sure this will come in handy. I think it isn't just an issue with the flow being light because I could get them out without too much pain on a light day pre-baby.

[hj1981]

Lisa - at least you were game enough to try! no one knows my little secret (they do now)but i have been too scared to try one since DD1 was born in October 2008!

[MrsFabuloso]

Lias B, I hate them too, soo messy! But they're more comfy than tampons for me now. Hopefull soon I will be able to go back to tampons!

[Taurean]

I had the same issue when AF returned just before DDs first birthday and I didn't have any tearing or scaring, I was just uncomfy which amazed me given what had come out of there a year earlier (plus we'd already been DTD!)

I ended up using pads for the first couple of cycles and randomly tried tampons during those cycles to check the comfort level. Around my third cycles, things felt normal again. I used those new tampons with the silk outer lining (??) and they did help. I think they were Carefree?

[~Raven~]

You could try a menstural cup! They take a a few cycles to get used to using but now after 3 I've got it worked out. I'll never wear tampons again and it will be paid for in 6 cycles I figured out

[Lisa B]

Raven - if I'm struggling with tampons would I also struggle with the menstrual cup?

Taurean - I might check out those tampons after a couple of cycles. My flow might be a bit heavier after a couple of cycles and I might try them then. At the moment it is so light that I wasn't sure if was AF for the first couple of days.

Thanks ladies for your responses, at least I know I'm not the only one struggling. I hope it rights itself by Summer so I can take DS swimming whenever I want.

[~Raven~]

Lisa the good thing about the cup is that you can rinse it if you are having trouble If it's wet then it is easier to use and then because you don't need to empty it as often as you'd change a tampon.

[Calluna]

I'm having the same issue. Except that I couldn't even get it in more than a few millimeters before it started stinging and getting it out was agony, I'm still sore 20 mins later!
I've tried them a few times in the last 2.5 years since DS was born and they've always been uncomfortable but never stung like this.
Was meant to go swimming tommorrow as part of a 6 week challenge and now can't go because I can't get the stupid tampon in. :'(

[Maruschke]

You could try a menstural cup! They take a a few cycles to get used to using but now after 3 I've got it worked out. I'll never wear tampons again and it will be paid for in 6 cycles I figured out

Yes! I ADORE my moon cup! I hate the dry feeling a tampon gives you, and I've never had that issue with a moon cup. I only use pad's overnight now, and only on very heavy days. If you try it, I recommend snipping the end pretty short.

[Lisa B]

HZ - do you know why you've go the problem? I've only had my period once since birth so haven't had to face the issue again. The doctor told me that I might be drier because of BF and that with each period it might get easier but to really know wait until I"m not BF.

[Calluna]

no idea. I used tampons constantly before falling pregnant now can't at all.
I suspect you're right about being dryer. And I am still breastfeeding so maybe that is the cause. It's so frustrating.
Been meaning to get a moon cup but never have the money.

I can't use lube to put the tampon in, can I? lol

[Maruschke]

Any chance you have endo?

[Lisa B]

Not sure if you can use lube or not to put one in. If you are desperate for a swim maybe give it a go. It sounds like you will know pretty quickly. The only think I'm not sure is that if the lube will prevent absorption. You'd have to give it a test run.