Thanks in advance to the wonderful mamas out there. I never had this problem before giving birth (DD is now 14 mo.s), but since then tampons have been painful when they get close to full. I have a very heavy period so with a super plus tampon this is about 1.5 hours. The problem, I think, is scar tissue. Sex was painful for about 10 months (!?) and my OB GYN said this was due to scar tissue and that he could prescribe a series of dilators but continuing to have sex would likely work just as well. It did, but tampons are still very uncomfortable, and without them I am changing a pad every time I turn around. So my question is- has anyone had this problem and found a brand that expands more comfortably as it absorbs, or something like that? Will this get better like sex has?
I have had a similar problem. I have found that the Tampax brand is the most comfortable. I also only use the regular size as the super plus are just uncomfortable all the time. You can buy small travel sizes to try or go to the website to order a free sample. Good Luck
Have you ever thought about trying a reusable menstrual cup? (The disposable ones are very difficult to master and I do not recomend trying them..) They do not dry out your tissues like tampons do, and hold a lot more. I have an average flow and I only need to dump my cup once in the morning and once in the evening. I've never had a leak with it either. I absolutely adore it. Most cups are made from silicone and have no added chemicals like the cotton in tampons. So they wouldn't irritate your scar tissue. Here's a couple links, if you're interested or have questions, feel free to email me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup
http://www.divacup.com/
I second the menstral cup suggestion. You can't tell you are wearing them and they are not bad for your body like tampons are. They also save a TON of money in the long run because they last 10 years. I have Lunette and would NEVER go back! Best purchase I ever made!
I found that for quite a while after delivery I had a similar problem with tampons being very uncomfortable when removing them. It's like everything is just shaped a little bit differently down there now. It has gradually gotten better. Wish I could give more advice but I'm still figuring it out myself. However, I'll definitely say that playtex seems to be the most comfortable in comparison with a few of the others. Good luck!
I would get a second opinion. I had painful intercourse for about a year after giving birth, but I had two episotmoies and a major rip that went up into my anus, so there was an obvious reason for that. With healing, and liberal use of KY Jelly, it did get better.
I also have heavy periods, and they are caused by a fibroid. Is that heavy a period your normal period, or not? There could be something that is causing that. You can also lubricate the tampon prior to insertion, if you use one without an applicator, like OB. I use the OB ultra for the best protection during my heavy flow.
Does it only hurt as you remove the tampon, or when it gets full?
Good luck, and hope this misery is over soon for you.
Hi Lisa, you might want to ask your doctor about Vagifem, an estradiol(estrogen)vaginal tablet. I was having a similar problem with pain, so my OBGYN gave me a few samples to use a few times a week after the birth of my second child. He thought that since I was nursing, my body was lacking estrogen and that the tablets should help with the pain. It did. And as for your heavy periods, are you currently on birth control? I had the Mirena put in(an IUD) and my periods are almost non-existent. It is great! Just a few ideas for you to think about!!
I'm sorry that you're having such a difficult time. I would, as others suggested, get a second opinion. I do wonder if it might be beneficial for you to be on a light dose birth control pill to help slow your flow. I've had a tubal ligation but my doc put me on birth control for cysts, ruptured cysts, and ovarian pain. It has made my cycles so much easier to deal with. I never did well on birth control before so it was really something trying to find one that would work for me. But we finally did and I couldn't be happier. I don't worry so much about the heavy bleeding or the "when is it coming" saga. I know when I'm due, my cycles are much more regular, my cramping has eased, etc. etc. I hope this helps. I was a very heavy bleeder my whole life and only just found some relief from that within the last year. I'm sorry I can't tell you more about the pain issue. I do think a second opinion is required. Just doesn't sound quite right to me. T. M.
I prefer OB tampons. They seem to be more compact and don't bother me as much. Another option is to get a diva cup. They are green, reusable, sterilizable, and they are supposed to be very comfortable. When I run out of my stock of tampons, I'm going to get one.
Check them out here:
http://www.divacup.com/
Good Luck!
**EDITED**
I just found this page for alternatives to tampons:
http://www.gladrags.com/category/menstrual-cups?osCsid=50...
Try Playtex Sport.
