[Anonymous]

I know because I've put the word ladies in the title, a couple of guys will probably decide to click the link anyway, but this is a bit icky so beware.

I'm travelling to India on Friday and that's also the day I'm going to have my period during its heaviest flow. I have to take four flights, and overall it's around 20 hours of travelling, during which I'll be wearing pads the entire way which won't be the greatest feeling. I am terrified of leaking, and I know the toilets in India won't be the nicest either.

I've tried using tampons many times but I can only insert it half way before it begins to hurt, and refuses to go any further. I've read a lot of tips on how to insert tampons, and I've made sure I'm relaxed and I am using the smallest ones. I've gone through almost an entire 16 packet just trying to insert the darn things in, and now I'm a bit desperate. Being able to use tampons would make the travel much easier, but is it even possible for me? I've tried so many times, I'm beginning to think maybe tampons just aren't for me. I've only tried the non-applicator ones so far though, although I'm not sure if the applicator type would make much of a difference. Is there anything else I could do to try and make insertion easier? Or will I just have to travel with pads and constantly run to the toilets to make sure I haven't leaked?

[knight9434]

(Original post by Anonymous)
I know because I've put the word ladies in the title, a couple of guys will probably decide to click the link anyway, but this is a bit icky so beware.

I'm travelling to India on Friday and that's also the day I'm going to have my period during its heaviest flow. I have to take four flights, and overall it's around 20 hours of travelling, during which I'll be wearing pads the entire way which won't be the greatest feeling. I am terrified of leaking, and I know the toilets in India won't be the nicest either.

I've tried using tampons many times but I can only insert it half way before it begins to hurt, and refuses to go any further. I've read a lot of tips on how to insert tampons, and I've made sure I'm relaxed and I am using the smallest ones. I've gone through almost an entire 16 packet just trying to insert the darn things in, and now I'm a bit desperate. Being able to use tampons would make the travel much easier, but is it even possible for me? I've tried so many times, I'm beginning to think maybe tampons just aren't for me. I've only tried the non-applicator ones so far though, although I'm not sure if the applicator type would make much of a difference. Is there anything else I could do to try and make insertion easier? Or will I just have to travel with pads and constantly run to the toilets to make sure I haven't leaked?

Have you tried using the lightest flow ones?? Ive recently been to India and your right the toliets are bad I would suggest taking nappy sacks and putting pads in there to put in bins because im not sure if the plumming would handle pads!

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my LT18i

[QI Elf]

I've never used non applicator ones so don't know how hard/ easy they are to use, but I would suggest you at least try the applicator ones. You never know you may find them easier and be able to use them.

I always use Tampax Compact as they are smaller than the usual ones.

[fredscarecrow]

I struggled with non-applicator tampons, but I found applicators really easy to use. Do you make sure you sort of squat, and aim towards your bum? Could be you're pointing it at the wrong angle. Are you a virgin (you don't have to answer) because that can complicate things sometimes, although not always.

You could always look into going to the doctors and asking for some norethisterone which will delay your period - even if you don't want to delay it for the entire duration of your trip, you could use it to delay the start/heaviest day away from the day you're doing so much travelling.

[kirino1]

How about packing 10 jumbo packs of Always nighttime pads.. You know.. The thick ones and then changing it Everytime you board a new plane.. I did this before and it worked!

Always are the way forward!

[hollo]

Applicator tampons are a lot easier to use and more comfortable than regular ones. The way that they are applied also means that you get them in high enough so they'll sit properly inside you. I'd definitely recommend giving them a shot before you go!! They were the first tampons I started using regularly and, although I now use nonapplicator sometimes, I would probably still be on pads if I hadn't tried them.

[Indieboohoo]

Tampons, the pill if you have time to quickly make an appointment with your GP between now and then it will stop your period but it'll be back when you stop taking it (it worked for me when I went on holiday), or put a couple of pads in a small bag next to you and change it when you go to the toilet.

[RibenaRockstar]

Personally I found that I could never use tampons at all, similar problems to what you describe, but once I'd lost my virginity it was fine.

Definitely try applicator tampons, and for next time you go away try the Pill, I've been doing this for holidays for about four years now.

[Tortious]

(Original post by Indieboohoo)
Tampons, the pill if you have time to quickly make an appointment with your GP between now and then it will stop your period but it'll be back when you stop taking it (it worked for me when I went on holiday), or put a couple of pads in a small bag next to you and change it when you go to the toilet.

Mmm, I've had this problem before and was prescribed norethisterone - you take it three days before your period's due to start and it delays it until three(ish) days after you stop taking it.

Having been to India, I think it's worth at least exploring this option. It's not always easy to find a toilet, and the last thing you want is to have to worry about "needing to go now"!

[Anonymous]

Definitely use the applicator ones, they're really easy - I've never had a problem with them at all, but I tried a non-applicator one once and couldn't get it in at all. I don't see why anyone would use those tbh, it's like 100x more difficult. Good luck with the flights x

[redwood_phoenix]

(Original post by knight9434)
Have you tried using the lightest flow ones?? Ive recently been to India and your right the toliets are bad I would suggest taking nappy sacks and putting pads in there to put in bins because im not sure if the plumming would handle pads!

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my LT18i

Our plumbing doesn't really handle pads anyway...

OP:

As others have suggested - it may be worth trying applicator tampons. Personally, I prefer the plastic applicators (compared to cardboard) so I would suggest Tampax Compact or the Lillets equivalent. If it's very heavy you could wear a tampon and a pad for added protection/peace of mind.

If tampons really don't seem to be an option and you can't get hold of norethisterone then just be prepared - take lots of pads and make sure you go to the loo regularly - at least while you're flying.

[knight9434]

(Original post by redwood_phoenix)
Our plumbing doesn't really handle pads anyway...

OP:

As others have suggested - it may be worth trying applicator tampons. Personally, I prefer the plastic applicators (compared to cardboard) so I would suggest Tampax Compact or the Lillets equivalent. If it's very heavy you could wear a tampon and a pad for added protection/peace of mind.

If tampons really don't seem to be an option and you can't get hold of norethisterone then just be prepared - take lots of pads and make sure you go to the loo regularly - at least while you're flying.

Didnt say it did I was just saying plumbing in India is no where near Englands

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my LT18i

[Dragonfly07]

When was a virgin I found it difficult to use normal tampons, but the applicator ones make it much easier.

If your flow is very heavy then I reccomend using both a tampon and a night pad and changing it often.

BUT, best solution for last: contraceptive pills. If you take them then you have complete control over when your period happens.

[TheSmithsIndeed]

There are pills that you can take for however long you need to delay your period for. It would probably be much easier to take these than to spend time worrying about it when you should be having fun. I took them for a couple of weeks, twice a day, whilst I was in a foreign country where the sanitation wasn't great and suffered no side effects.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the replies ladies, I appreciate the help.

(Original post by knight9434)
Have you tried using the lightest flow ones?? Ive recently been to India and your right the toliets are bad I would suggest taking nappy sacks and putting pads in there to put in bins because im not sure if the plumming would handle pads!

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my LT18i

Yeah I've tried the lightest flow ones, but it just seems to get stuck half way up. And thanks for the tip, I've been to India a few times now, so I can definitely understand what you're saying about the plumbing.

(Original post by fredscarecrow)
I struggled with non-applicator tampons, but I found applicators really easy to use. Do you make sure you sort of squat, and aim towards your bum? Could be you're pointing it at the wrong angle. Are you a virgin (you don't have to answer) because that can complicate things sometimes, although not always.

You could always look into going to the doctors and asking for some norethisterone which will delay your period - even if you don't want to delay it for the entire duration of your trip, you could use it to delay the start/heaviest day away from the day you're doing so much travelling.

Yeah, I do squat and try to aim it towards my lower back, but it still won't go in. I've tried pushing it in towards a few different angles but it refuses to budge. And yes I am a virgin, which I figured was probably the reason I was having so much difficulty with the tampons, but at the moment I'm kind of desperate.

My period started today so I don't think getting any sort of pill would help. That would have been a good idea to go to the GP beforehand, but my period came unexpectedly.
Thanks for the help though! I will try the applicator ones and pray that it works.

[Lovecraft243]

The only way I can get them in is if I do a REALLY deep squat with my legs as far apart as is possible before I fall over. Also, deep breathing before hand. A good minute of breathing to calm yourself down. I also have very heavy periods and I now buy pads that are 2 1/2 inches thick and incredibly long. I put them on and then wear another pair of knickers over my first pair to hold it in place (buying a larger size stops it being uncomfortable). Also dark clothing is a must! Good luck!

[Dollygirl]

When I first started using tampons I found the best way to insert them was to put on leg on the floor and the other on the toilet, this made it much much easier to do, and also applicator tampons are far better than no applicator, try the tampax compack ones, the plastic applicator really helps, and a tip I accidentally fell on (although never tried myself) is to rub some lubricant or vaseline onto the applicator before you insert it, so it slides in easier. If you're really worried about leaking and manage to use a tampon, wear a tampon and a sleep pad.
Good luck! xxx