Tampon - problem.

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Hi girls.

Next month I am going to vacation on the seaside and you quessed it - I will get my period then and I want to swim.

I used a tampon only twice before - when I was 17 year old and had a swimming pool school trip. It was fine then. On my first try I put the tampon wrong(I could feel it when walking) but the next one was fine. I swam in it a few hours and there was no problems at all.
They were easily getting in and out and nothing hurt. I don't remember what size it was but I know it was OB made in Germany. I brought OB made in Poland with me but I ended up borrowing the tampons from my german friend restroom because there was a visible difference in quality, despite the same producer. (polish tampon had some cotton strings sticking out, german was in one piece, polish was dull on tip, german had actual bullet shape)

Now I am 27(still a virgin) and I try to use tampons again. And I can't put them in(they are all made in Poland, have cotton sticking out and dull shape). My finger gets in easily but when I try to put a dry tampon in, it just won't enter.
I solved the issue using an applicator(the applicator gets in easily). I couldn't find any "mini" tampons with applicator though so I bought "normal" tampons with one and I am putting the mini tampon in using the bigger applicator after removing "normal" from it.

Yesterday(2nd day of menstruation) I tried it for the first time - The applicator went in surprisingly easily but I put the tampon too shallow(I didn't put the applicator deep enough) and I could feel the tampon while sitting so I had to remove it after 30 mins.

Today(3rd day of menstruation) I gave tampons another try. I believe I put it deep enough (almost whole applicator went in) but I still could feel it a bit when I was sitting(maybe it was just the string?) and I also felt nauseous. I was able to forget about it when I was walking and even when playing with my cat, though. Perhaps it was all in my head.

But then I went to restroom (just a pee and I did it carefully because it felt weird) and right after that I went shopping. There I realized I feel the tampon more. And after like 20 mins by tummy started to hurt (short and not to strong but sharp cramps once a min or so). I got sensory overload(or symtoms similliar to one, I couldn't focus on anything and I felt like crying or sleeping) and I was nuseous, my tummy and back hurt, I felt weak and I felt like I am having a fever (I checked later - just 36,8*C).
I took the tampon out in nearest restroom and used my pad instead. Tampon was inside only for 2,5h.

The symptoms are better now but I can still feel them although 4 hours passed since I removed the tampon.


Will I ever be able to use tampons? Should I try to use one tomorrow? Maybe I should use the "normal" tampon that comes with the applicator instead of using it to put a "mini" tampon there? But if I can feel "mini" tampon won't I feel "normal" tampon more? And "normal" tampon might be too big for 4th day of my menstruation. Maybe I should use different brand of "mini" tampons? The ones I used (OB) have some "silk touch" cover (similar to the "drynette" thing on some pads - which I can't use, my pads must be all cotton or it gets painful after a while so it's possible I am allergic to the thing).
I bought "mini" tampons of different brand today, but I am afraid of trying them...

What if my today's symptoms are beginning of TSS?

Any suggestions?

Maybe I should just try to get my period later next month instead of trying to learn using tampons? But how do I make my period late for 3-4 days? Is there any way?

For a long time I was afraid of using them. Personally, I hate OB. They are uncomfortable, never fit in well, and hurt going in and out. Personally I use Playtex Sports if I ever need to use them in the first place. I don't feel them even when I sit hunched forward, which used to be an issue with OB.

It takes a bit of time for TSS to set in. They say you have to have a tampon in for over seven hours to be at any kind of risk for TSS, but even not changing your pad for several hours can make you sick. I normally interchange between tampon and pad as that seems to be what works best for me and prevents any problems. I used tampons while virgin a long time ago and never had issues, so I feel that may not be a factor.

Definitely try going with a different brand if it seems right to you. After using Playtex I didn't have any more problems.

I really have to learn to browse English internet first.
I checked in Polish internet even if there was a forum of a girl mentioning the issue all answers were "You must be putting it in incorrectly, try putting it deeper" or "all tampon boxes mention TSS so it must be it, don't use tampons".
I checked English internet and instantly found forums about a lot of woman having problem with tampons causing cramps and while they won't tell how to solve it at least I know I am not alone and many woman have the issue and it isn't TSS.
And if TSS is caused by not changing pad for long I should have it by now(there was a lot of times when I kept pad on for over 12h) and I never had it so I am probably not prone to it.


Now I wonder which tampons I should try. I seem to have bought all brands that are in local shops... I have:
OB Normal (could be past expire date, I don't remember buying them and can't find the date on box, the box wasn't opened),
OB Normal ProComfort (mom bought them yesterday, I didn't use them because they seem quite big),
OB Mini Pro Comfort SilkTouch Cover (used those, got the cramps),
Linell Mini (almost past expire date, 2016-08, the box wasn't opened),
Bella Mini premium comfort (won't go in without applicator and seem to fall apart when I soak them in water so I am afraid a piece might stay inside me when they soak with blood),
Facelle Normal with applicator (I used the applicator to put the mini tampons in, I am afraid of using "normal" size tampons, but they seem quite well made and well. The brand makes very soft pads - my favorites),
Facelle Mini Comfort (bought them today, I wonder if I should use them and if so - if I should try using them with or the applicator from "normal" or not)
Naturella Mini (bought them today because they were on promotion but I don't like their pads - they make me itchy - so I am afraid of using their tampons, and the tampons have the same smell as their pads).

I will probably try the Facelle Mini first. If I get brave enough...
For now I still have some cramps and funny stomach from the incident 6 hours ago.

BTW. Could using an applicator bigger than the tampon be an issue? Maybe it makes the tampon get in incorrectly? If so - how do I make a dry tampon get in without an applicator? It seems to stick to my skin and won't move. Applicator gets in smoothly.

i'm not a fan of tampons either because of high sensitivity to foreign objects on/in my body, but there are some circumstances where they make the most sense...

i definitely think you should try the applicator with the correct size next time you can, possibly after your vacation. (and trust me, there is nothing to be scared of by using a regular sized tampon when you have medium+ flow. TSS is extremely rare and easy to cure if you're aware of the symptoms and get help asap. it develops from very specific bacterial infections that occur if the tampon is left in for more than 8 hours, which is hard to do, especially if you're sensitive to the feeling of tampons. its worth it to know what the symptoms are but its not worth it to worry about getting it.)

its most likely that your sensory response to the tampon is the only culprit, but you don't have enough time to ease yourself into the feeling before your vacation. so as far as the application process goes, i've never actually done this but have considered using a touch of water-based lube on my labia to make the insertion easier. this might help your problem with inserting sans applicator. and it REALLY helps to be relaxed. if you're tensed up it will be uncomfortable, so try to mentally prepare yourself pre-insertion. it also sometimes helps me to put one leg up on a higher object during insertion. and if you have an applicator, before pushing the tampon through try moving around a little to make sure its in a comfortable position.

i think you should only try again tomorrow if you feel ready both physically and mentally. if not, try not to worry about the swimming issue on your vacation. on all days besides your heaviest flow day(s) its not a problem to swim without backup as long as you change into/out of your bathing suit quickly, so if you can't wear a tampon you can still swim.

You might have a sensitivity to something in the tampon. I can't wear them comfortably at all. Have you considered using a menstrual cup? They are made of silicone and you insert it similarly like you would a tampon, only it basically cups your cervix inside to catch the blood. There is also no risk of TSS with them. I have found them to be much more comfortable and easy to use. You do have to do your research though- not all of them are the same.

I second the suggestion to try a cup. But if it's uncomfortable putting in a tampon, a cup might feel even worse. A cup is bigger. But unlike a tampon you can put lubricant on a cup which might make it easier to get in.

You might also try using a sea sponge.

I used tampons as a teenager, from the time I started menstruating. I started having heavy bleeding and cramping and I ended up going on the pill to make it easier. I believe now that the chemicals in disposable pads and tampons caused most of my problems, then going on and off the pill made it worse. I finally made the switch to using cloth pads and it is getting better. My periods are lighter and shorter and the cramping is very mild.

I don't recommend tampons. But if you must use them, please get organic ones with no chlorine.

Everyone is different and you may or not be someone who can use tampons. I would say try different brands and ones with or without an applicator, ones that are shaped different ways, different sizes. It might get a bit expensive trying all these brands but it's a worthwhile one-time expense to see if anything works for you.

Personally I was a lifelong tampon user with zero ill effects. Insertion certainly needs to be deep enough to go past the muscles in the initial 3rd of the vagina, nearer the opening. Those are like gatekeepers and once the tampon is past them completely, you shouldn't feel a thing (there are also few nerve endings in the innermost length of the vagina. )

Good insertion also needs the correct "aim." When I first tried a tampon I kind of went "straight up" when what's needed is more to point it toward more like your lower back just under the small of your back.

It's also said that if insertion feels too dry, a little dab of Vaseline on the tip helps it slide in and isn't harmful. Don't use it on the whole thing as that will block absorbing ability, but just on the tip is fine.

I have though about cups but I am worried I might not be able to take one out because I can't put 2 fingers in and the cups have no strings that go outside the body.
They are also expensive and I doubt I will be able to find any in the local shops - they are not popular in Poland.
I also never seen anything called "sea sponge" here either.

I am actually quite happy with my period. I get some cramps(I deal with them easily - just by controlling my breathing) and feel nauseous on the first day and pad can leak a bit then if I am not careful(I usually wake up after 6h and change the pad because I feel it is wet and I am worried I might dirty my bed).
But from 2nd day on I pretty much forget I am having my period. One pad is enough for about 10 hours (I try to change it every 6 hours but I often forget and after 10hours I feel it is getting wet and have to change).
And on the 4-5th day even 1 pad is enough for 24h because only a little bit of blood is there. I change pad before going to sleep and I am not bleeding during night on those days(a few drops on 4th night, none at 5th), and by the next evening the pad only has a small blood stain(on 5th day even a panty liner is often enough to hold it).

I didn't use a tampon today because I wasn't motivated. I might try to do it tomorrow because the weather is supposed to be nice and I have a swimming pool in garden. But there is a decent chance my period stops by then and even if it doesn't - won't a "mini" tampon be too much if just a panty liner is enough for 24 hours? But I don't want to make water in our swimming pool dirty with my blood... It's a new pool and it would be the first time anybody uses it and it is supposed to stay there for whole summer, without water change...

yes it will definitely be too much if one pantyliner is enough for 24 hours. taking a dry tampon out is a terrible sensation...

but you can really swim no problem especially since it's going to be so light. water doesn't completely "seal" the blood flow but it does to some extent due to counter pressure, and even if a little bit did happen to come out, it would be insignificant compared to an entire pool full of water. plus the chlorine kills off all biological contaminants anyways.
i've been swimming without barriers on light period days for years and it has never once been a problem. i just change into my bathing suit and immediately begin swimming, then afterwards i immediately change out of my bathing suit and shower or at least put on a fresh liner.

My period started 4 days late, on the last day of vacation. It also seems to be weaker than usual and will probably end soon, it's 3rd day and it already looks like 4-5th.
It was probably thanks to eating lots of Vitamin C, swimming in cold weather and lots of stress.
Lucky me.