[cb2]

Hi
This is rather embarassing to ask and I am so glad I can ask you lovely ladies in cyberland and not face to face.

I have always used pads and continue to do so. I will be starting swimming lessons with my LO and realise that the only way I can get in the water when I have AF is to use a tampon.

Now I have never ever used one and don 't like pap smeras at the best of time so don't like inserting things.

My questions are:

Do they hurt?
Are they easy to insert?
Also which is the best and most comfortable brand?

I am already getting anxious about having to use them silly I know!
Thank-you for your assistance and I am very sorry to ask such embarrassing questions that I feel silly about

[mchelen]

Use ones that come with an with an applicator and read the instructions carefully you should be fine. Don't bother with the little ones without applicators in my opinion :-)

[Sassy Dingo]

They're smaller in width than your finger so shouldn't hurt at all - you can't feel them if they're inserted properly.

Just grab a pack of any regular tampon from the shop. I don't have any brand loyalty so just go for carefree tampons (they have trivia on the packs so that's why I like them ). Wash your hands before inserting. I would estimate you only need to insert up to the knuckle on your index finger - so maybe an inch and a half. Make sure the string is hanging out.

You're not supposed to leave them in for more than 4 hours, however I have forgotten one over night and it was all good.

Hope that helps.

[Amy 1976]

Don't stress out. With a bit of practice you'll be using them like a pro in no time at all.

Start with a mini ones and use a bit of lube. There are instructions in the box which explain the best method of insertion.

Try a few different brands until you figure out which are best for you. I personally like Carefree Flexia but Tampax with an applicator might be good to start with if you're nervous.

The best tip I can give you is practice when you don't have your period as it will be less messy. Just make sure you use plenty of lube while you're practicing (KY Jelly or such like).

It won't hurt if you are relaxed and start with the mini ones.

[Sassy Dingo]

Really? I've never used an applicator, never seen the need. I didn't even realise you could get those in Australia. I know in the US they're popular but I've always seen that as "ewwww, I don't want to touch my vagina" sort of reaction.

How do they work? Sort of like a sleeve? Insert tampon using applicator and then slide applicator out? Do you reuse it, or do you get a new one for each tampon? The things I learn on here.....I'm only just getting over diva and moon cups.

[GlitterFarts]

look into Moon cups or Diva cups - IMO less chance of leaking due to wicking:)

[Lulu_R_S]

they can be a little tricky at first but they dont hurt if you insert them right. Also, and it will be easier said than done, it's better to relax when you insert them as if you are tense it's more difficult and may cause a bit of pain. I've been using them for years now and personally i find the carefree ones are the most comfortable and easy to use. You can also get ones with an applicator which makes it easier when you're first starting. This is what i did when i started using tampons. Dont practice when you dont have af as it will hurt and not work. Take your time and dont worry if you need to take it out and try with a new one a few times as it's normal. I still get them in the wrong place sometimes and I've used them for about 14 years now. :-) Dont be embarrassed to ask, that's how we find things out and using tampons is a skill like any other lol. Hope that helps and feel free to ask any more questions.

[Jax12]

If you find that you are uncomfortable or in pain it's not inserted correctly. You shouldn't be able to feel it at all once it's in right. Have a read through of the little direction pamphlet that comes in the box - there's usually a dodgy stick figure diagram showing how to insert it with a leg up on the bath or similar. Good luck

Oh, and for PP, I've also only ever used an applicator when I've borrowed a tampon from a friend. They are like a little hollow cardboard tube (from memory) and the tampon is at the bottom inside. You place the tube at the entrance to your vagina, then you push on the top and something slides down, pushing the tampon in...

Sorry for that jarbled description, I was about 15 at the time and I was a bit amazed by it all!

[The Old Bag]

Applicator tampons suck, unless you're fond of scraping your insides with cardboard.

I agree with practising with the mini size to start with, towards the start of your period as it gets trickier and more uncomfortable as things get drier.

[mummabear]

I also would recommend starting out with applicators. Very user friendly for first timers. I moved onto normal tampons when I was confident with the applicators.