[Teelana]

The "age old" question (debate) amongst women. I'm in my 30's and have always used pads. Until a couple months ago when I discovered the brand I had bought for over 20 years contained a scented oil, I was loyal to one product. Now, due to some irritation and other issues "down there" (see my thread in the Gyn section), I'm wondering if trying a tampon might be a good idea. Are they less irritating than pads?

I admit to trying one for only the second time in my life last cycle. I made the first mistake of doing so towards the end of my period, when flow was very light. Probably that combined with being nervous made the tampon (it was a regular one) burn/hurt like all heck going in. I got it in (my fingers were touching my vaginal entrance, so I'm assuming I did it right). And then, lol, like a deer in the headlights, I freaked. Because it hurt, I wanted it out asap. Mistake #2. I ended up forcing the thing out. Of course that really was no fun because the tampon had not yet absorbed anything.

Other than lowest absorbency, relaxing, and "practicing" when flow is heaviest, any tampon tips? I know it's not necessary the safest of idea to "practice" angle/placement with a Q-Tip, but could that help, at least a couple times?

Thank you. It's so great to be able to ask such questions among virtual friends.

[Little.Chuck]

have you tried reading the little intruction book which you get with the tampons?

[Mes T]

Just give it another shot, once you get the hang of it it'll be easy peasy and you'll never want to go back to pads. As for irritation, not sure which one is less or more irritating, I guess it just depends on you and on the specific brands. Try with a smaller tampon next time and make sure the applicator is plastic as opposed to cardboard. I prefer the cardboard ones because you can flush them down the toilet, but they can be more difficult to use. Also make sure you place it all the way in. If it's in far enough, you won't be able to feel it and that's the goal.

[Teelana]

Little Chuck, I read the instructions. I probably should have gone for a "Light" (at that point) instead of the "Regular." Also, next time I buy some tampons, I'll "waste" one by running water on it so I can actually see/get a sense of how it expands and how that works.

Thanks, Mes T.

[Counting Calories]

If pads are working for you, you can always just stick with using them but getting a brand that doesn't contain any irritating oils. I have used pads since I first got my period, but on occasion I'll use a tampon when I'm going to be doing strenuous activities. I prefer pads because in my case, tampons just don't work. I think it the consistency of my menstrual blood might be different from most other people, because it doesn't get absorbed by the tampon... Within an hour, the blood just sort of goes around the tampon, down the string, and onto my panties. All brands and absorbancies do this with me, even though I am 100% certain I am using them correctly. The blood just doesn't get absorbed. With pads I don't have that problem at all, the blood gets absorbed completely. For years I assumed that tampons did this to everyone and I couldn't comprehend why anyone would want to use them. Apparently most people don't have this issue, so go ahead and give them a try if you want. But for me, pads have always worked well and I don't really see any reason to use tampons more than once in a while.

[Teelana]

Counting Calories, thanks for that. As weird as this may sound, good to read a "pro pad" post. I know and well believe that what works for me, works for me but so many women sing the praises of those tampons. I do think there are times when a tampon could be handy such as on a longer drive or, any time when it might be a while before you can change, along, with of course, swimming and other sports. I did find a brand (IWe are not supposed to post brand names, are we)? of pads that are unscented as well as oil free, the only "problem" is it looks like they (I had saved by buying the 48 count instead of 24) have been "updated." Packaging exactly the same except for the color. I bought as pack yesterday in advance, to make sure it would be okay and lol talk about a diaper! That thing, was a few inches longer than the "older" version and seemed bulkier too. Luckily I was able to get credit back and that store location had the "old" kind in the 24 pack--so I got 2 24's for a few cents more than 1 48. If the "older" are obsolute I'll have to check into others. On my heaviest days/nights I do tend to go through pads very quickly, another reason I though trying a tampon might be a good idea. At any rate, thanks for your two cents.