Question For Female Members.

[macca]

Thanks @HelenB and @rightkindofme - I appreciate your answers!

 

[Mayday]

I didn't have any problems using tampons for a long time, but since a few years ago, when I started to, not quite remember, but I realised a few things about my early experiences, I haven't been able to wear them very much. Occasionally I can, but most of the time I don't bother now, I just use pads. I may check out some of the links about the sea sponge and natural pads. I also didn't bleed at all, or even really feel anything during my supposed first time.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

I do understand about the tampons. It might also be your muscles. If you are tense and worried then your muscles will tighten up so of course the tampons would be harder to use.

I remember when I first started my period and used pads, and like others said they chafed. Chafed BAD! But then I changed brands (Kotex to Always) and I don't have that issue anymore. For some reason the 13 or 14 year old me didn't ask for different pads and just put up with it, not sure why...Thank God for being an adult now, where I can go into a store and try all the brands I want. :rolleyes:

Also tampons was something that took practice and I didn't start using until years after I started. I remember my mother always bought 'ob' tampon which confused me (still confuses me to be honest) becasue they don't have applicators. You are supposed to use your finger?! But I do remember when I first tried tampons, they did hurt, like having a stomach ache. I really think in my case, it was my body tighten up, almost like my body saying "No." and then I didn't use them for awhile.

I will switch out during my period between tampons and pads. It's just healthier and safer for my body. I don't have an issue with either anymore, but I think it might depend on the person using it. Try a different brand maybe?

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I can only use OB. No applicator, and they're smaller (shorter) than every other brand I've tried. They're the only ones that aren't painful for me. (Don't get the "comfort" ones because they have a perforated plastic coating and are uncomfortable because they slip.) No applicator, so no pain there, either.

 

[DMerish]

Never had the issues with tampons.

A bit off topic: the only issue I've had and still have is that I hate, really hate, elastic around the top of my thighs. I wear cotton/stretch bike shorts, silk culottes or go "commando" :cool:

 

[Julesnaz]

I've tried using tampons and just can't. I was on vacation once at the beach and couldn't get it out, my mom had to come in and pull it out for me. Never again. I felt it the entire time and it was aweful.

About the underwear thing. I found years ago boy shorts that look like men's boxer briefs. Love them and now I can't find them again. Very sad. I found those and ones that look like guys tighty whiteys, so comfy. Wish I could find them again. I looked online and everything seems to be lower quality now.

 

[Definitely..maybe]

I have what's called 'pelvic floor disorder', it was something my body developed as a way to protect itself from rape. Basically I am super tight.

I've never been able to wear tampons and this makes it so much worse.

But yes, it's a very real thing!

 

[Ice_Fire]

Same here, but with perseverance I've got better with the tampon thing. They're just way more convenient and that won out in the end I guess!

As for underwear, you can't beat boxers! Seriously, my other half was like 'why do you wear those uncomfy things all the time?' referring to women's underwear and to be honest, now I've tried it I have no idea why I did either! Stuff the gender norms! :p

 

[Hashi]

Why do so many people think women's underwear has to be uncomfortable? I'm really puzzled by this. Scratchy lace thongs, sure, but there are alternatives! And not just twisty men's boxers with seams :wacky: or jockeys with too much going on at the front! Especially given that I have hips and go in at the waist, I like my underwear to be anatomically correct. ;)

The tampon thing was hard for me too, but like Ice Fire the practical aspects motivated me to get beyond it. I understand there can be more long-term issues. In my case, when I've had problems it's always been due to current tension and kind of panicking so I don't put them in right as a result. In that context, it has actually felt good to address it and be able to use them.

@SweetLullaby I really like the idea of the sea sponges but can't cope with the idea of no string. Partly that it feels a step too far in terms of squeamishness but also practicality - I have no faith in my practical skills that I would ever be able to retrieve one.