Monthly periods can make us feel very uncomfortable. From painful bloating to horrible cramps, the period can be unforgiving. But there is one thing that should never cause pain during your period: inserting a tampon.
If wearing a tampon makes us feel pangs, something is up. It's important to know why we can develop discomfort when using tampons and what we can do to ease the pain (because periods are pretty unpleasant on their own).
Causes
If it hurts to try to insert a tampon, it is recommended not to force it in. Doing so can only increase pain or potentially damage the inner walls of the vagina. We must recognize any of these factors or go to the doctor.
Vaginal dryness
If we have vaginal dryness, inserting or removing a tampon can cause increased friction and discomfort. Sometimes dryness just happens when the flow is light. And wearing a tampon tends to make it worse. The purpose of tampons is to absorb blood during the menstrual period, but they can also absorb moisture in the vagina and exacerbate vaginal dryness.
When the flow is lighter or we are at the end of the period, we can switch to a smaller tampon and apply a small amount of lubricant to the plastic applicator (or to the vaginal opening) to make it easier to insert. But if you'd rather throw out the tampon altogether, pads and period underwear are great alternatives.
However, if vaginal dryness lasts for more than a few days or seems to be a chronic problem, it could be the result of stress, hormonal changes, or even certain medications. In this case, it is best to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of the dryness.
imperforate hymen
An imperforate hymen may be hindering the ability to painlessly apply a tampon. The hymen is a thin membrane that usually covers part of the vaginal opening, but some people are born with an imperforate hymen, which covers the entire vaginal entrance.
As a result, inserting tampons can be painful because the membrane, which covers the vaginal opening, causes the space is too small for a tampon to enter. Also, people with imperforate hymen often experience abdominal and pelvic pain.
This problem usually arises in adolescence, around the time that the period begins. The imperforate hymen can also affect the flow of menstruation, blocking the outflow of blood. It is recommended to go to the doctor to perform a physical exam and determine if you have an imperforate hymen. In the meantime, menstrual pads or panties are a great option.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus, a condition in which the vagina spasms or contracts involuntarily, can cause significant pain when a tampon is inserted.
These involuntary muscle contractions They can occur any time something foreign (a tampon, penis, finger, or medical instrument) enters the vagina. Although it is not clear why some people experience this painful vaginal problem, vaginismus usually begins after the body has experienced physical trauma, change, or pain.
If we suspect that we have vaginismus, we will talk to a gynecologist. The doctor may recommend vaginal dilation therapy (the use of tube-like devices to help stretch the vagina to make vaginal penetration more comfortable) or refer us to a physical therapist who can teach us how to relax the muscles of the vagina. pelvic floor (that tightens during penetration).
In the short term, we can try using a thin tampon and inserting it while lying down, which can make it easier for the muscles to relax. If it is still too painful, we can use a compress or underwear for menstruation.
vulvodynia
A burning or stinging sensation with tampon insertion could be a sign of vulvodynia, a condition characterized by chronic pain (lasting at least three months) in the vulva with no identifiable cause.
Although vulvar pain can be caused by penetration of the vagina with a tampon, finger, penis, or medical instrument, even long periods of sitting can cause burning or irritation.
No one should suffer in silence with this painful condition. It is advised to speak with an OB-GYN, so that they can help identify or rule out underlying problems and provide treatment options. Certain medications, including steroids, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, local anesthetics, and nerve block injections, can help relieve pain.
In addition, it is key to avoid triggers and take care of the vulva delicately. For example, certain materials and fabrics can be irritating. That is why it is advisable to use 100% cotton underwear and pads.
Cysts
A vaginal cyst could be the source of the pain you feel when inserting a tampon. Usually occurring on or under the vaginal lining, a cyst may fill with air, fluid, pus, or other material. The most common types (called vaginal inclusion cysts) usually form due to a injury during childbirth or after surgery.
Although vaginal cysts usually cause no symptoms, some can become painful if they grow too large or become inflamed. When this happens, a cyst can block the vaginal opening and make inserting a tampon or having sex very uncomfortable.
If we have a vaginal cyst, a doctor may choose to perform minor surgery to remove or drain the cyst, or prescribe an antibiotic if you have an infection. In addition, it is recommended to avoid tampons and use menstrual pads or underwear until the cyst has been adequately treated.
vaginitis
Vaginitis, which involves the inflammation of the vagina, tends to cause pain when a tampon is placed inside. Although there are many reasons for vaginitis, the most common types are bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.
Depending on the underlying cause of the vaginal inflammation, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications to resolve the infection. We may want to avoid tampons until we have received proper treatment.
Cervical inflammation
Cervical inflammation, also known as cervicitis, may be causing tampon-related pain. This inflammatory problem occurs when the cervix becomes irritated or infected. It is caused by sexually transmitted infections, allergic reactions, or bacterial vaginosis. There may be pain when a tampon is inserted due to swelling and irritation.
Treatment for cervicitis may include antibiotics if the underlying cause is an STI. Also, we should not use tampons while receiving treatment for cervical inflammation. Instead, pads, menstrual panties, and menstrual cups/discs can be used because they do not come in contact with the cervix.
Endometriosis
Experiencing debilitating discomfort with tampon insertion could also indicate endometriosis. A painful disorder, endometriosis occurs when uterine-like cells grow outside the uterus. These misplaced cells cause inflammation, swelling, and scarring, especially during menstruation.
Treatment of endometriosis depends on the stage and severity of the disorder. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other over-the-counter pain relievers) or hormone-based therapy to relieve symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical removal of the endometrial tissue may be necessary.
But if tampons are terribly uncomfortable, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups may be better options.
Wrong size
The size of the tampon depends entirely on how heavy the flow is. Everyone's period is unique, and we may find that some days are heavier than others.
Usually the first few days of the period are heavier and we may soak through a tampon faster. We might consider using super, super plus, or super plus extra tampons if we are quickly soaking through a regular size tampon.
Towards the end of the period, the flow may be lighter. This means that we may only need a light or junior tampon. Light or junior tampons are also great for beginners, as their small size makes them a bit easier to insert and remove.
inadequate buffer
If inserting a tampon is uncomfortable, it may be due to the tampon itself. If we experience uncomfortable friction when inserting and removing the tampon, we may be using too high an absorbency for flow.
We can try lowering one absorbency level and see if that helps with insertion. If we experience skin sensitivity when using tampons, it may be the result of fragrances, dyes, or synthetic materials in the tampon. We will always try to buy tampons with transparent ingredient lists, and if we experience any irritation, we will try 100% organic cotton tampons to see if the condition improves. If irritation persists, it is best to consult a doctor.
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but very dangerous type of blood poisoning. Causes a sudden surge of symptoms including: sudden high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, rash similar to a sunburn, muscle aches, dizziness, or fainting.
When people think of toxic shock syndrome, they often think of tampons, but it can also be contracted through wounds or surgeries where bacteria have entered. To prevent this, we will not use high absorption tampons unless necessary. Leaving tampons in for a long time can also cause toxic shock, so make sure you change them regularly.
Tips for introducing it
There are a few reasons why we might experience tampon-related discomfort. To begin with, it is possible that we are inserting the tampon incorrectly. If we want to do it right we must follow these steps:
- To insert the tampon, we will use clean hands to remove it from its packaging.
- Next, we will find a comfortable position. We will use one hand to hold the tampon by its applicator and the other hand to open the labia (the folds of skin around the vulva).
- We will gently push the tampon into the vagina and push the plunger up to release the tampon from the applicator.
- If it's not far enough in, we can use our index finger to push it all the way in.
- If we are not sure if we have entered it correctly, we will refer to the instructions that come with each box. This will have the most accurate information tailored to the specific type we are using.
Before inserting, we will take several deep breaths to relax the muscles. If the body is stressed and your muscles are tense, it could make it difficult to insert the tampon. Also, we will want to find a comfortable position for insertion. This usually involves sitting, squatting, or standing with one leg in the corner of the toilet. These positions tilt the vagina for optimal insertion.
What size to use and when?
The size of the tampon depends entirely on how heavy the flow is. Everyone's period is unique, and we may find that some days are heavier than others.
Usually the first few days of your period are heavier and you may find yourself soaking through a tampon faster. We might consider using super, super plus or super plus extra tampons if we are quickly soaking through a normal size tampon.
Towards the end of the period, the flow may be lighter. This means that we may only need a light or junior tampon. Light or junior tampons are also great for beginners, as their small profile makes them a bit easier to insert and remove.
If you're still not sure which absorbency to use, there's an easy way to check. If there are a lot of untouched white areas on the tampon after 4-8 hours of removal, we'll try a lower absorbency tampon. On the other hand, if we bleed it whole, we will opt for a higher absorbency. It may take some testing to get the correct absorbency. If we are concerned about leaks while we are still learning to flow, we will use a daily protector.
Tampon Alternatives
If tampons are still uncomfortable, there are other menstrual products that we can use.
For starters, there compresses. These stick to underwear and trap menstrual blood on a padded surface. Some options have wings that fold under the underwear to prevent leaks and stains. Most of them are disposable, but some are made from organic cotton materials that can be washed and reused. This type of pad usually does not adhere to underwear and instead uses buttons or snaps.
The most sustainable options are underwear for period, which uses an ultra-absorbent material to trap period blood. And there are also the menstrual cups. These cups are made of rubber, silicone, or soft plastic. They sit inside the vagina and collect menstrual blood for 12 hours. Most can be emptied, washed, and reused.