If You've Sworn Off Using Tampons, You May Just Want to Rethink It

I still remember fondly the day that some older girlfriends and I were sitting around talking about periods and how 'silly' it was to still use pads. I figured what the heck and tried them for the first time when I was 18. I couldn't believe the difference it made. No more leaky accidents on my clothes or bedding. No more 'period odor'. No more scrunched up, bulky, uncomfortable pads to deal with.

I was hooked! I do understand that some women may have difficulties in using them. They may have tried some once and didn't like the experience. In this article, I'll try to provide some tips that may help you want to try again using tampons. You may just find yourself hooked like me and never turn back (unless you give birth that is).

Let's understand that not all tampons are created equal. Sure, they are required by law to have the same standards as far as how much fluid each size is designed to absorb. But there are marked differences in the applicators and leak prevention design which can make a big difference.

The first rule of thumb for inserting your tampon is to always use completely dry fingers. Wet fingers will have you asking for trouble. Another thing to be mindful of especially for women new to using tampons is to be mindful of your breathing while inserting. Experienced women may already do this unconsciously.

When you begin to insert you want to do so while carefully inhaling or exhaling, whichever feels easiest. Doing so will allow your diaphragm and other muscles to be in a naturally unimposing position so as not to cause resistance to the tampon. Relaxation and deliberation is important when first learning how to do it.

Now for applicators, you have your most popular cardboard applicator and your plastic ones. If you're finding discomfort or difficulty inserting, it may be your choice of applicator as well as the type of grip the applicator provides on the outside. Experimenting with different brands will allow you to see the difference. Maybe see if you can let a friend give you a spare one of her brand. Plastic definitely makes for easier insertion. I find that the larger the tampon you're using, it becomes more difficult to insert using cardboard. Unfortunately, I haven't found the Super Plus size available in plastic.

There are additional benefits to the plastic applicator and that is, you can keep them in your pocketbook for long periods of time without getting smashed or the paper torn off, which wastes money. You can drop them on the floor of the wet public restroom floor without them becoming unusable as plastic applicators use a waterproof wrapper.

Another thing great for moms is that young children can't get hold of them and tear the paper off easily rendering the tampon unusable. This was the main issue for me that got me to switch to plastic. My son was consistently getting to my tampons (and still does the ones that don't come in plastic) and destroying them. One downside to plastic is that you can't flush them. This really isn't too much of a problem to me. I just wrap it in toilet paper just like a pad and dispose.

If you find that you have discomfort or difficulty inserting the tampon while on the toilet, get up! The best way to insert with the least amount of resistance is to stand up. Better yet, stand up with one leg either on the toilet seat or side of a bathtub. Standing up can ensure that you have a nice, deep position that won't leave you uncomfortable needing to reinsert later.

The main cause for discomfort after insertion (aka feeling the tampons while inside) is a low position inside the vagina. Don't be afraid to push higher. Just make sure you do so slowly and steadily so as not to hurt yourself. The human vagina is made to be flexible and can accommodate much larger things than a tampon!

This tip should already be well known and that is to always use the lowest absorbency needed to absorb your flow. Using too large a tampon is a known risk factor for toxic shock syndrome. If you're using too large a tampon that is not becoming saturated, that makes insertion and removal that much more difficult.

That is why I stick to using my favorite Tampax lites. They are the only national brand that makes a full box of the lowest absorbency tampon available. The only other brand I know to sell them is Aldi and they are only available from that store.

As for light leakage, this comes with the territory. You'll know its time to change when the leak starts. It's better to use your choice of comfy pantyliner for those heavy days. I like Always ultra thins. They hold up better than 'traditional' pantyliners. Its better to do this because even if you change often before you begin to leak, there will be some flow that exits along with the removed tampon. Even if you wipe, you'd more than likely soil your panties anyway.

On a final note, there are definitely women who for experience abnormal pain and can't use tampons. They should be seeking medical advice for that problem. Having significant pain trying to insert a tampon (finger, speculum, or anything else) should NOT cause you to shriek with pain. This pain shouldn't be ignored while being content with never wearing tampons, getting a pap smear, or having sex. If you are experiencing that kind of pain, you should seek qualified medical advice and get a second opinion if your gyn cannot find a cause.