So… the idea of tampons etc has always just made me wildly uncomfortable and I never once pushed past that “oh it kinda hurts” to even get one all the way in. Never worn one, had sex, been to a gynecologist, etc. I probably have primary vaginismus. Of course my period has now aligned with a trip I was REALLY excited to swim on / there really won’t be easily accessible bathrooms to just water log a pad or go free for a little. At my ripe age it’s definitely time to figure this out 🥲.
Any advice for getting past that mental block and figuring out how to wear a tampon for the 1st time?
Comments
So I had to go to a pelvic floor specialist. The advice I got was to tummy breath and imagine my pelvis blooming like a flower. If you have tension it should feel quite relaxing.
This worked for me but could be an overstep from an internet Rando lol. Insert your thumb and imagine your entrance like a clock face. Hit each number on the clock for 5-15 second. There should be a mild ‘pain’ akin to like if you’re stretching a tight muscle but if you experience actual pain, pull back. Repeat until you can insert a tampon
Try it while you’re at home and comfortable,on a day when your flow is the heaviest, without cleaning yourself up first. The blood will act as a lubricant and make insertion much easier. Same for removal, wait until it’s full (so don’t chose one with a big capacity, although the bigger the tampon the easier it is to insert).
You answered it yourself, you probably have vaginismus. If you have access, you should go see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. Pain down there isn’t normal, even if it’s normal for you because you’ve always felt pain.
You need like a girl coach. With like Lesbian Gym Teacher Energy:
“Alright, champ. I hear you’re gearing up to face one of the many bosses of womanhood: the mighty tampoon!”
Gotta just take some deep breaths and completely relax. Standing with a leg up on the toilet I think gives better access but I think actually sitting on the toilet with your feet slightly lifted (like on a squatty potty) will probably help all the muscles to relax more
I’ve also heard people use period panties for swimming?? I can’t speak to this as I’ve never owned a pair myself but this may be also worth looking into. If your flow is heavy though it might not be a good option (again don’t know!!)
Try using some lube to help you. Use ones with a plastic applicator. I have to be standing and sort of squatting to get it in the right way. Think about aiming it “back” rather than “up”
Period bathing suit bottoms.
Playtex sport has a different shaped applicator.
Menstrual cup