[aj2sheds]

I only recently started trying to use tampons seriously; I played with them a little bit when I was younger but they hurt too much and I couldn't get them in. Once I started having sex I realized that if a guy could fit in there, a tampon certainly could as well, and when my pads started to give me a little bit of irritation a few months back I figured I'd start going the tampon route more often. The problem is that although the first one I put in each day seems to have no problems, once I go to change it the second one doesn't want to go in - I can't seem to push it far enough up, and it's kind of painful to insert; once it's in it's like I can feel it throughout my whole pelvic region. It's just really uncomfortable, both when I'm static and up and walking around (especially when I'm walking) and it doesn't seem to make sense since the first one seems to go in alright.

Has anyone else experienced this? Should I lubricate it or something before putting it in? It feels so ridiculous that I'm 22 and can't do tampons properly, lol. Any help or advice would be very much appreciated

[caterpillar79]

I'm 32 and I only used a tampon during an emergency (no pads available) when I was at work, and mind you, I had to ask a female co-worker how to work it (*blushes).

Honestly, with tampons, you are more prone to vaginal infections, i.e. yeast, UTI, vaginitis, among others, especially if you do not change it more often than you should. With sanitary pads, there is more room to "breath" and the blood flows out and not "get trapped' inside your cavity.

If it is uncomfortable to change your tampon the second time, why not revert to unscented, hypo-allergenic brand of sanitary pads? What are you allergic with on the pads, if I may ask?

Do you shave or wax your pubic hair? Do you use a feminine wash or a douche once in a while? (Those are no-nos if you are sensitive).

[aj2sheds]

The pads I have are one of those hypo-non-everything kinds but I think they've been rubbing up against my vaginal lips; there's a spot that gets really uncomfy but goes away when nothing's rubbing up against it. I wash daily with gentle, non-everything soap, and I do shave but lately very seldomly (the only benefit to being in an LDR ). Could it be the tampon brand, perhaps? The only reason I'm even trying to get used to them is to avoid that irritation.

[caterpillar79]

There are different types of tampon - for heavy days, regular, light days. Try the regular or the lighter. I think those are smaller or thinner - not sure. Got to check it myself.

[LanaBear]

This sometimes happens to me... The second one in for the day is a bit more difficult. For me, it is because my vaginal muscles are still clenched from the previous one being in there. Take a deep breath and relax. The more you are relaxed the easier inserting the tampon will be. Pads tend to rub me raw most times, so I can understand the irritation issue you have with them.

Also, experiment with different varieties and brands of tampons. If you go to their websites you can request samples so that you are not spending money on a box when you find after one, you can't use them. Try the sports ones, try the light ones. Tampax has regular "slender" ones that may be better for you. You may find plastic applicators are easier than the cardboard ones, etc. Like I said, go to the Playtex and Tampax websites and request samples.

[Katsaly]

I find that later in the day tampons don't go in as smooth because the last one dried things up in there. This will be particularly true if you change them too often.

Also, I've found that o.b. tampons are overall the best I've tried and I've been able to get free samples more than once, so there's another option add to what LanaBear said.

[aj2sheds]

Thanks for the input you guys - I should probably experiment a little bit with the brands and such. Over here there don't seem to be as many options as back home, and I almost think that might be part of the problem with the pads - I can't get the brand that I really like so I've been settling for less-awesome ones. A little while I back I found some of my sister's tampons in my bag and I liked those a lot better than the ones I've been using, but I can't find them . . . but I'm only here for another couple months so maybe the entire situation will improve once I get back to the US. The idea about things being more dried up inside does make a lot of sense, though.

I know my mom uses those little tiny OB ones without applicators but I've never tried them (mostly because I always go for applicator ones) but I will look into those when I'm feeling braver

[Mes T]

Are they getting inserted far enough? I ask because you shouldn't ever actually feel it.

Also, as someone previously mentioned, you might just be too dry up there for another tampon. May I ask, how heavy is your flow, what size tampons do you use, and how often do you change them?

I always use tampons, they are so much better than pads for ME. But, during the last couple of days of my cycle, even I have trouble inserting them due to the dryness, so I stick with a little panty liner instead.

[aj2sheds]

I just figured that they were far enough because I always push the applicator in as far as the first portion will go, but it always seems to "settle" a little bit and feels like it slides down a little more before it comes to rest. I dunno how to get it far enough that I won't feel it 'cause I always feel it; even when it's not particularly uncomfortable I always can feel it.

My flow is usually pretty heavy so I tend to use a bigger tampon size and change it about every three hours. I'm just worried that if I use a smaller size I'll have to change them constantly. Even with a big tampon I still have to use a pantyliner 'cause it leaks a bit.

[Katsaly]

Getting the tampon in far enough with an applicator is harder than it should be! If the tampon bunches up when it goes it, it'll settle lover down. There's nothing more uncomfortable than walking around when your tampon is just barely inside! You can try adjusting it with your finger, but unless it's designed to be inserted with your finger, it can be pretty tough to push it in properly.