Big 2nd degree tear after 4 months... Question for the Ladies.

[Anonymous]

So I knew it would happen... I got my period, BFing didn't hold it off for 6 months but that is OK. What isn't OK, however, is the irritation caused by the tampon string. It feels like it's going to rub the area where I tore absolutely raw. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you have any advice?

I have been trying to use a pad but it makes me feel dirty and I hate it. I am using Tampax regular tampons. I am really not prepared to go the Diva Cup route, DH and I haven't even had sex yet because I am terrified it will be painful, NOTHING is going up there besides junior-sized tampons.

[Anonymous]

I sympathize, OP, tore second degree below and first degree above. Am also at 4 months post-partum, and no intercourse. No tampons, but then have always hated them, so do not mind using a pad.
Can you try inserting a tampon veeeery gently and see? At four months, that area should be definitely healed and not be raw anymore, but probably will be dry because of breastfeeding.
If not, I recommend Always, the thin pads - they do not feel wet at all. Change them frequently.

[Anonymous]

OP here, the area is completely healed and has been since my 6 week check-up. It feels like the tampon string may rub the area raw. I think it is just a very sensitive area. I don't know exactly how bad the area tore (other than 2nd degree) because the doctor would not tell me, she just kept saying she was putting in "one more stitch... one more... one more to go," as she proceeded to stitch me up for 45 minutes. Ugh. No local. No epidural. That whole thing is an entirely different story, though.

I guess what I am really asking is what tampon is best for sensitive skin? I don't want to go out and buy every tampon on the market to find the one with the least abrasive string.

[Anonymous]

If you pull the applicator into its two parts and then kind of squish up the string then put the bottom part back on you basically insert the string as well then it doesn't hang out to irritate you.

Please don't try Always if you are having irritation from this -- that is by far the most commonly irritating brand of pads.

[Anonymous]

Also, speak to your doctor -- if you're having that much discomfort at that point you might need some sort of treatment like estrogen cream that could potentially help quit a bit.

[Anonymous]

er, quite. Sorry.