Pain with tampons
When you insert and wear a tampon (or menstrual cup), it should be a pain-free experience. Of course, when you first try, it can be a bit nerve-racking and strange – and maybe even a bit uncomfortable. But for some, it’s downright painful and stays that way.
Similarly, some people experience pain with medical vaginal examinations and ultrasounds. For various people, these problems have been lifelong, while for others, they develop after an infection, hormonal change or a negative experience. And it's an issue that's more common than you might think.
Unfortunately, many people endure this pain or discomfort for years, wrongly believing that nothing can be done. Without help though, it can become frustrating or even a little embarrassing. You might avoid going to the beach with friends, be nervous at period time or put off that vital health check.
Our caring team are here to help.
Fortunately, we have good news. Our team of caring, compassionate pelvic health physios can help treat this condition, and most people experiencing tampon pain can be helped. There’s absolutely no need to suffer in silence, so reach out and talk to one of our friendly team members today.
Inserting and wearing a tampon should be a pain-free experience. So should other activities, like vaginal examinations and ultrasounds. But if you experience pain, you’re not alone. And our experienced team has the knowledge and skills to help.
Common signs & symptoms of pain with tampons
Everyone is different, but if you suffer from tampon pain, some of the following situations could ring a bell:
- Pain or difficulty inserting a tampon
- Pain or difficulty with a vaginal ultrasound, examination or cervical screening
- Anxiety about using a tampon or being examined
- Avoiding exercise or socialising when you have your period
Risk factors & causes of pain with tampons
- Inexperience and reduced knowledge of your genital anatomy
- Fear and anxiety
- Pelvic floor muscle tightness and poor relaxation
- Cultural messages
- Infections such as thrush or STIs
- A sensitised nervous system
- Past experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Vulval skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and lichen sclerosis
- Hormonal changes, eg while breastfeeding or at menopause
- Perineal trauma, eg from childbirth or an accident
Our Proven Pathway for Treating Pain with Tampons
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
We begin by taking the time to learn all about you – as a whole person, not just a patient. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you and your pain. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes a vulval and pelvic floor examination.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your pain with tampons, we can explore how it all fits together. For example, being worried that it was going to hurt and being unfamiliar with your anatomy can cause difficulty relaxing and pain using tampons.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals, such as:
- Be able to use tampons so I can go to the pool and beach with my friends and not feel left out
- Be able to use tampons so I can play netball when I have my period and not be worried my pad is obvious
- Be able to have an ultrasound or cervical screening so I can look after my health
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
Step 2 is where the action happens. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn how your entire nervous system and body work together, what’s not working and what you can do to reduce tampon pain.
Next, you’ll learn how to break the pain cycle with strategies to calm your nerves, muscles and the connection with your thoughts and emotions. This might include activities like mindfulness or breathing exercises.
We’ll also begin pelvic floor muscle training. You’ll learn valuable new skills and connect with hidden muscles that you didn’t know you had. We’ll create an individualised program based on your needs, helping you relax your muscles. Of course, you’ll also be given excellent resources and tools to help you progress. You’ll be armed with all the things!
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
The final step is ensuring you achieve all the meaningful goals you set at the start of your journey. You might also find that you can embrace new possibilities you hadn’t considered, such as a day at the beach with friends. You’ll have all the valuable skills to ensure pain-free tampons in all situations – without always returning for regular appointments.
Sometimes, though, life’s crazy ways can throw things off track, and you might find yourself needing a little tune-up. A new life stage might offer new challenges, such as a different relationship or deciding to freeze your eggs. No matter what’s going on, just know – we’re always here for you, ready to help whenever you need it.
Read about Carmel 28 yrs, Ava 16 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au