Monthly periods can make us feel very uncomfortable. From painful bloating to horrible cramps, the rule can be unforgiving. But there is one thing that should never cause pain during your period: inserting a tampon.
If using a tampon makes us feel tingling, something is wrong. It is important to know why we can develop discomfort when using tampons and what we can do to relieve the pain (because periods are unpleasant enough in themselves).
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 the dryness just happens when the flow is light. And using 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 prefer to ditch 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 have a doctor visit to determine the underlying cause of the dryness.
imperforate hymen
An imperforate hymen may be hampering the ability to apply a tampon painlessly. 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 opening.
As a result, inserting tampons can be painful because the membrane, which covers the vaginal opening, makes the space too small for a tampon to fit. Additionally, people with an imperforate hymen often experience abdominal and pelvic pain.
This problem usually arises in adolescence, around the time the period starts. The imperforate hymen can also affect the flow of menstruation, blocking the outflow of blood. It is recommended to see a doctor for a physical exam to 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 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 speak with a gynecologist. Your 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 you to a physical therapist who can teach you how to relax your vaginal muscles. pelvic floor (to squeeze 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 pad or underwear for menstruation.
Vulvodynia
A burning or stinging sensation with the insertion of a tampon 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. Talking to an OB/GYN is advised, so they can help identify or rule out underlying problems and give 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 gently. 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 can fill with air, fluid, pus, or other material. The most common types (called vaginal inclusion cysts) usually form due to injury during childbirth or after surgery .
Although vaginal cysts usually don’t cause 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. Also, it is recommended to avoid tampons and wear pads or underwear for menstruation until the cyst has been properly treated.
vaginitis
Vaginitis, which involves 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 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 swelling
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. Pads, menstrual panties, and menstrual cups/disks can be used instead 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 medications (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. Every person’s period is unique and you’ll probably 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 extra super plus tampons if we are quickly soaking through a regular sized 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 little easier to insert and remove.
Tips to introduce it
There are a few reasons why we might have discomfort related to tampons. For starters, we may be 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 deep enough, we can use our index finger to push it all the way down.
- 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 your body is stressed and your muscles are tense, it could make it difficult to insert the tampon. In addition, we will want to find a comfortable position for insertion. This usually involves sitting, squatting, or standing with one leg on the corner of the toilet. These positions tilt the vagina for optimal insertion.
Tampon Alternatives
If tampons are still uncomfortable, there are other menstrual products that we can use.
For starters, there are compresses. These stick to underwear and trap menstrual blood on a padded surface. Some options have wings that fold under 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 does not usually adhere to undergarments and uses buttons or snaps instead.
The most sustainable options are period underwear , which uses an ultra-absorbent material to trap period blood. And then there are 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.
