Tampons (TMI like whoa)

[MorgnsGrl]

I'd like to change from using kotex tampons (with a plastic applicator) to ones with no applicator at all (like o.b.). I've always preferred plastic applicator tampons since I started using them as an older teenager -- they're what I'm used to. But now I feel guilty about all that plastic and I want to stop using them.

The problem, and one of the reasons I've stuck with plastic-apps for so long, is that since DS was born, I've been really, really dry. Except for the few days of my period in which I have an incredibly heavy flow, the thought of trying to stick a dry cottony tampon up there makes me wince. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, how did you get around it? Any suggestions?

[Christi]

the thought of trying to stick a dry cottony tampon us there makes me wince. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, how did you get around it? Any suggestions?

Okay, this is really embarrassing and I can't believe I'm going to post it. Please ignore me if you think it's disgusting.

I have been known to lick them.

{Runs from forum and may not return for a long time! LOL}

[Christi]

I have been known to lick them.



Okay, I feel like I need to clarify that I don't slobber all over them. I just barely lick the end. Running away again now!! :embarass:

[Gargoyle]

Okay, this is really embarrassing and I can't believe I'm going to post it. Please ignore me if you think it's disgusting.

I have been known to lick them.

{Runs from forum and may not return for a long time! LOL}

I use Instead and am soon to switch to a UK Moon cup. LOL I have always licked the Instead before putting it in. I need it to be a bit more slippery. I've never licked an OB. They always went right in for me. They do have cardboard inserts too. I'd have to lick that one a bit to get it a bit slippery as it would be really not going anywhere.

[Hawthorne]

ROFL! Christi! I am going to try that now!

Amy, I use O.B. and was thinking of switching *back* for the reason of which you speak, but I have the same guilt! LOL Maybe we need to keep some lube in the bathroom with the tampons. hehe

[MorgnsGrl]

Amy, I use O.B. and was thinking of switching *back* for the reason of which you speak, but I have the same guilt! LOL Maybe we need to keep some lube in the bathroom with the tampons. hehe

Maybe I'll just try lube and see how that works. I have a hard time finding lube that I don't react to, but I seem to have found one now (no glycerin as an ingredient seems to be the key). I'm a little afraid that if the tampons are too 'slippery' with lube they might, well, just come shooting back out again if my flow is a little heavier than I was anticipating! :gross:

[collier]

I'd like to change from using kotex tampons (with a plastic applicator) to ones with no applicator at all (like o.b.). I've always preferred plastic applicator tampons since I started using them as an older teenager -- they're what I'm used to. But now I feel guilty about all that plastic and I want to stop using them.

The problem is, and one of the reasons I've stuck with plastic-apps for so long, that since DS was born, I've been really, really dry. Except for the few days of my period in which I have an incredibly heavy flow, the thought of trying to stick a dry cottony tampon us there makes me wince. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, how did you get around it? Any suggestions?

No licking here :p I would recommend a more subtle change to a cardboard applicator. And using a smaller tampon. And using Vaseline.

I use Light Flow tampons throughout my period and just change them more often, because I have a hard time getting a larger tampon in. The applicator is smooth, but still cardboard. It can be flushed, although I don't at home because I am afraid of harming our pluming.

If you are having a hard time getting the cardboard ones in, I would use a smaller tampon. And I would also coat with Vaseline. The Vaseline trick was what enabled me to use tampons in the first place. I had such a hard time, and my mother :rolleyes: well, not so sympathetic! (She needs help with her bedside manner)

It is good to make the shift, I think. I don't use OB, because I just seems so messy to me. I think that after a few times of using the cardboard, it will be like old hat to you.

Best!

[hamamelis]

I use a mooncupUK and just rinse it before insertion, if I'm not already in the shower. I really, really like the cups and they're not going to dry you out even more, like a tampon would. You should give it a try. I liked the original keeper, but it started breaking down. I switched to Diva and hated it. It was so hard to remove. So I ordered the mooncupUK and love it lots. I guess keeper has their own "mooncup" but started making and marketing it after the mooncupUK came out. Bad business move IMO and would not recommend them because they stole the name. :dunno:

[bannanabette]

I use a mooncupUK and just rinse it before insertion, if I'm not already in the shower. I really, really like the cups and they're not going to dry you out even more, like a tampon would.

I was going to suggest this too. I use a Diva cup and I like it (although if it ever breaks down I will order a Mooncup - but I think the Diva cup will outlast my era of fertility :P) and I just get the edge a little wet with water and put it in. I don't get dried out with it at all (and I do get that way with tampons)

[Rosemary]

I'd like to change from using kotex tampons (with a plastic applicator) to ones with no applicator at all (like o.b.). I've always preferred plastic applicator tampons since I started using them as an older teenager -- they're what I'm used to. But now I feel guilty about all that plastic and I want to stop using them.

The problem is, and one of the reasons I've stuck with plastic-apps for so long, that since DS was born, I've been really, really dry. Except for the few days of my period in which I have an incredibly heavy flow, the thought of trying to stick a dry cottony tampon us there makes me wince. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, how did you get around it? Any suggestions?

and I use OB.

[Kathy 4J mom]

I never liked Tampon brand or Playtex or any of the "applicator" ones b/c they expand vertically for me and seem to be "falling out" quickly. I use OB when I use tampons or a keeper (I haven't had a need since I got my Mirena at the end of 2004.)

Kathy

[Ali]

I never liked Tampon brand or Playtex or any of the "applicator" ones b/c they expand vertically for me and seem to be "falling out" quickly. I use OB when I use tampons or a keeper (I haven't had a need since I got my Mirena at the end of 2004.)

Kathy

I thought it was just me and how I was made, cause this same thing happens to me! I couldn't ever use OB's, either, like Amy I can't get them in.

[Bickery]

Hi Kathy!

[Kathy 4J mom]

Hi Kathy!

Why Hello!

I have been so crazy busy working. I'm trying to take the whole summer off. I'm gonna go pm you :-)

[Bickery]

Why Hello!

I have been so crazy busy working. I'm trying to take the whole summer off. I'm gonna go pm you :-)


Great idea! I'm debating that myself.

[MorgnsGrl]

I use a mooncupUK and just rinse it before insertion, if I'm not already in the shower. I really, really like the cups and they're not going to dry you out even more, like a tampon would. You should give it a try. I liked the original keeper, but it started breaking down. I switched to Diva and hated it. It was so hard to remove. So I ordered the mooncupUK and love it lots. I guess keeper has their own "mooncup" but started making and marketing it after the mooncupUK came out. Bad business move IMO and would not recommend them because they stole the name. :dunno:

I have to admit I'm scared to try a menstrual cup. I'm worried it will be too hard to put in, and that it will leak, and that it'll be hard to get back out without making a huge mess. :eek:

[Brenda]

I'd like to change from using kotex tampons (with a plastic applicator) to ones with no applicator at all (like o.b.). I've always preferred plastic applicator tampons since I started using them as an older teenager -- they're what I'm used to. But now I feel guilty about all that plastic and I want to stop using them.

The problem, and one of the reasons I've stuck with plastic-apps for so long, is that since DS was born, I've been really, really dry. Except for the few days of my period in which I have an incredibly heavy flow, the thought of trying to stick a dry cottony tampon up there makes me wince. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, how did you get around it? Any suggestions?

I use sea sponge tampons. They are slightly damp when going in, making it easy.

[Kerry]

A potential concern about lubing the tampon is that it will coat it and possibly interfere with absorption.

I really liked sea sponges when I used them, too.

[~PQ]

I use OB, and have since I was a teenager when they came out- I hated applicators! TBH I mostly use pads anyway, tampons make me feel like my womb is about to fall out, but when I must wear one for swimming or a skimpy outfit or something, I use OB, its the kindest brand I've found. You just stick your finger in the back end of the 'pon, and sort of fan it a little, then insert. Easy-shmeasy. :) OB is very firm and smoothish, not very fuzzy or anything.

[Storymama]

Easy, unless you have mutant short fingers that leave it half hanging out.

I'm just sayin' :p.

[MorgnsGrl]

I use OB, and have since I was a teenager when they came out- I hated applicators! TBH I mostly use pads anyway, tampons make me feel like my womb is about to fall out, but when I must wear one for swimming or a skimpy outfit or something, I use OB, its the kindest brand I've found. You just stick your finger in the back end of the 'pon, and sort of fan it a little, then insert. Easy-shmeasy. :) OB is very firm and smoothish, not very fuzzy or anything.

I would totally use pads if I could, I like the idea of them better than shoving something up inside me, but I just can't use them anymore. I end up with wicked skin reactions (sometimes herpes outbreaks, but other rashes and things too) no matter what kind I use, even the reusable cloth kind. It was like torture. I hate tampons, too, though. Sometimes I react to the STRING. Stupid female parts. :P

[Storymama]

Is something like a Keeper or Mooncup out of the question? (I'm sorry if you said elsewhere and I missed it!) That's exactly what drove me to get one - I had BV every freaking month from reacting with (I suspect) the gel they put in tampons and pads to make them Super Absorbant. After several years away, I can tolerate a tampon now if I must (though I heart my Mooncup.) Using something inert was exactly what I needed, and there's no waste on top of that, which was the thrust of your OP I think?

[MorgnsGrl]

Is something like a Keeper or Mooncup out of the question? (I'm sorry if you said elsewhere and I missed it!) That's exactly what drove me to get one - I had BV every freaking month from reacting with (I suspect) the gel they put in tampons and pads to make them Super Absorbant. After several years away, I can tolerate a tampon now if I must (though I heart my Mooncup.) Using something inert was exactly what I needed, and there's no waste on top of that, which was the thrust of your OP I think?

It's only out of the question because I'm scared to try them! I've never had anything like that (in my mind I sort of put the menstrual cups in the same category as a diaphragm, which I've never used either) and I'm afraid I won't be able to get one in, that I won't be able to get it in RIGHT and it will leak everywhere, that I won't be able to get it out, that I won't be able to get it out without making a huge mess everywhere, etc etc. I fear new things! I don't do well with change!

[hamamelis]

It's only out of the question because I'm scared to try them! I've never had anything like that (in my mind I sort of put the menstrual cups in the same category as a diaphragm, which I've never used either) and I'm afraid I won't be able to get one in, that I won't be able to get it in RIGHT and it will leak everywhere, that I won't be able to get it out, that I won't be able to get it out without making a huge mess everywhere, etc etc. I fear new things! I don't do well with change!

There is a bit of a learning curve but it's not hard, just different. There's a great great livejournal on cups and a VERY helpful yahoolist called moonkeeperdivas. The women on that email list are very informative- I joined when I was looking for a new one and found the mooncupUK thanks to them.

I usually take mine out when I'm in the shower so I don't worry about the mess too much. I've only had a couple of instances over the 8 years of using one that it was really messy, but that was because I was rushing. Really, give them a try. Your vagina and the planet will thank you for it. :bag:

[Gargoyle]

Easy, unless you have mutant short fingers that leave it half hanging out.

I'm just sayin' :p.

LOL Et tu? I have long fingernails to help my mutant short fingers look a bit more long and girly. :spinning:

[Storymama]

...which would be a good plan, if I could grow fingernails LOL! I have super baby soft fingernails that fold and tear (seriously, like baby nails) if I let them get longer than about 2-3 millimeters. I mostly keep them filed off. Some of that is just nature, they've never been great - but I also take a medication that dissolves them :gross:. (Biotin vitamin keeps that at bay, though, so that I do at least HAVE nails.) I also have leopard spots all over, because I have vitelego - so some of my hands are normal Mandi color, and some are just albino. It's super attractive, LOL!

Amelia got the lion's share of nails in this family. She could seriously be a hand model, her hands and nails are beautiful and she never even shapes them - they just grow like that! I try not to hate her because her hands are beautiful :p.

[Vicky]

some of my hands are normal Mandi color, and some are just albino. It's super attractive, LOL!

How many hands do you HAVE? Come to think of it, I have never seen a full photo of you to my recollection. Hmm. {imagines Mandi as Lakshmi}

[Storymama]

OMG, that made me laugh to re-read. Uh, I did not sleep well last night, and had not had any coffee yet this AM when I typed that. I knew what I meant :embarass:.

Some OF THE SKIN on my hands is normal Mandi color, and some OF THE SKIN on my hands is albino, LOL!!!