# Stupid damn tampon! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 7, 2003, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486 "2003-08-07T01:37:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Marlitharn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/779978/32.png) [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/41 "2003-08-09T03:05:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by avabeth \* > \*\*Ever done that weird wiggling in your seat to try and get it to go back up? > > Ava \*\* Ahh, the Dance of the Prolapsed Tampon… ---
**Author:** ![leechbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@leechbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leechbabe)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/42 "2003-08-09T03:11:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by nuthinboutnuthin \* > \*\* > Side note: I am and will forever be, pissed off at the prices of tampons and pads > \*\* Here in Australia we have to pay GST on tampons and pads. When GST was first introduced the government decided not to tax ‘essential items’ but for some reason tampons and pads are not considered essential. Thus I now pay 10% more for my ‘non-essential’ tampons. ---
**Author:** ![capybara](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/capybara/32/202_2.png) [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/43 "2003-08-09T03:20:41Z")
Don’t you hate it when you are sitting on the bus or in class or something and SOMEONE’S little plastic-wrapped tampon has fallen out of their pocket and is rolling up and down the aisle (as the bus moves, for example) and everyone pretends to not notice the accursed object, as everyone’s convinced that it must be THEIRS? And knows that everyone KNOWS it is theirs? Or the fear that when you drag your pen, keys, or cash out of your pocket that the accursed object will shoot across the room? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/44 "2003-08-09T03:42:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by avabeth \* > \*\*Problem is, I _am_ on the Pill and my periods seem to be getting longer and more painful. I have a feeling it’s a sign of my endometriosis getting worse, which means I’m probably going to have to go for surgery within the next year, which sucks. But it’d be nice to go back to those 3 day periods I had when I first started the Pill - those had manageable cramps, unlike my first three days of seven off the Pill, when I would lay in bed and cry for a day, then throw up, then manage to move the second and third day but still be in immense pain. > > Ava \*\* Have you looked into [Endometrial Ablation?](http://home.att.net/~endometrial_ablation/) It sounds like a great alternative to hysterectomy. No babies after it, however. The uterine lining should be pretty much removed by the procedure. I personally think every woman who has decided not to have children should have one of these. I’m going to get up the nerve to ask my doctor about getting one some day. ---
**Author:** ![leechbabe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@leechbabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leechbabe)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/45 "2003-08-09T03:44:54Z")
I once pulled out a tampon thinking it was my lipstick. Took me a while to figure out what was wrong. Felt like a right idiot rubbing a tampon against my lips. ---
**Author:** ![Ms\_Macphisto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@Ms\_Macphisto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms_Macphisto)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/46 "2003-08-09T03:47:59Z")
**Leechbabe** , we’ve got exactly the same thing here in Canada, except our GST is “only” 7%. On what planet are pads and tampons “non-essential”? I guess they must think we buy them for fun or because we like the packaging or something. ---
**Author:** ![soulburnz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@soulburnz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soulburnz)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/47 "2003-08-09T03:56:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ArtyDooDoo \* > **I did smoke the wrong end of a cigarette once. But I was drunk.** ::hoping I don’t grab a renegade tampon out of my purse next time I’m looking for a smoke:: 😃 After reading the last few **threads** (how appropriate!) on our monthly treasures… I decided to try OB’s again. I had used them before and thought what the hell. They had the nifty little carrying case shrink wrapped to the outside of the package - kewl. And they were cheaper. But… I couldn’t get the damn things in far enough. I almost broke out my “emergency” supply of astroglide from my purse. It pissed me off - cause I like the shape of them - they do seem to fit better. I did have one of the “pristine” ones too. It’s gotta be a conspiracy. Thanx for the laughs - educating and entertaining. ---
**Author:** ![Hamadryad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6de8d8/32.png) [@Hamadryad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamadryad)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/48 "2003-08-09T03:57:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\*Nobody mentioned the “sneaky” period. > You know the one… the one that comes back two days later after you thunk you were done… shitdamnhell:mad: \*\* Urgh. I get those every time. Thing is, there used to be one day of nothing, then a day of dribble, then I was done. As I age, though, my body has no idea what to do with itself. Sometimes the gap is two days. Sometimes it’s only from, say, 9am to 7pm. I have no idea when or where it’s going to spring up…and that’s how it always comes back. Not “peep peep, lookie me…” Ohhhh, no. I get “HEY THERE, HEY! Oh rats. You’re not wearing white pants. I guess I’ll just hafta…FUCK UP YOUR JEANS! Hey, YEAH! No one will mistake THAT for a spilled drink! AAAAHAHAHAHA! VICTORY FOR THE BLOODMONSTER!” And I start in a few days. You people really know how to make a gal’s night. ---
**Author:** ![Wikkit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c0e974/32.png) [@Wikkit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wikkit)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/49 "2003-08-09T04:54:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by chaoticdonkey \* > \*\*i should have averted my eyes after reading the thread name. or any of the posts. i’m glad i’m a guy sometimes. \*\* Don’t be such a weenie. There are more good sig lines in this one thread than in the last week of posts in all the pit. ---
**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/50 "2003-08-09T04:55:11Z")
Can I just say that upon reading this my appreciation and respect for the oposite sex has increased?, hats off ladies. ---
**Author:** ![Tinkertoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f19dbf/32.png) [@Tinkertoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinkertoy)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/51 "2003-08-09T05:08:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by featherlou \* > \*\*Have you looked into [Endometrial Ablation?](http://home.att.net/~endometrial_ablation/) It sounds like a great alternative to hysterectomy. No babies after it, however. The uterine lining should be pretty much removed by the procedure. I personally think every woman who has decided not to have children should have one of these. I’m going to get up the nerve to ask my doctor about getting one some day. \*\* I had an endometrial ablation five weeks ago. I was bleeding for 15 to 17 days a month, and drugs didn’t help. Developed anemia and had to get several blood transfusions. I have a heart condition so my doctor didn’t want to put me out for a hysterectomy. So far no bleeding, however about 40 percent of the women who have them still get small periods. The doctor I went to used the NovaSure process and I didn’t even need to take pain pills after. While you may not bleed after you still have your hormones, so still get PMS and cramps. ---
**Author:** ![drgnlvr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/85e7bf/32.png) [@drgnlvr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drgnlvr)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/52 "2003-08-09T05:08:30Z")
Okay, I just gotta add my own tampon story. I was taking a class, and we were on free study time at the moment. One of my instructors had come into the room, and I was away from my purse doing something (I don’t exactly remember what). Anyhow, the zipper was not closed, and a small light blue box was peeking out. He saw it, and started to pull on it. I just watched him, knowing what he was going to find. And out comes my box of tampons.:eek: I don’t think I ever saw a man turn so red in my life. He thought it was a box of candy and was going to mooch. Taught him a lesson in poking in women’s purses. Really, he was a very nice guy, and normally he never did anything like that as long as I knew him. I guess he never did anything like that again, either. ---
**Author:** ![Tinkertoy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f19dbf/32.png) [@Tinkertoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinkertoy)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/53 "2003-08-09T05:08:33Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by featherlou \* > \*\*Have you looked into [Endometrial Ablation?](http://home.att.net/~endometrial_ablation/) It sounds like a great alternative to hysterectomy. No babies after it, however. The uterine lining should be pretty much removed by the procedure. I personally think every woman who has decided not to have children should have one of these. I’m going to get up the nerve to ask my doctor about getting one some day. \*\* I had an endometrial ablation five weeks ago. I was bleeding for 15 to 17 days a month, and drugs didn’t help. Developed anemia and had to get several blood transfusions. I have a heart condition so my doctor didn’t want to put me out for a hysterectomy. So far no bleeding, however about 40 percent of the women who have them still get small periods. The doctor I went to used the NovaSure process and I didn’t even need to take pain pills after. While you may not bleed after you still have your hormones, so still get PMS and cramps. ---
**Author:** ![chaoticbear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f07891/32.png) [@chaoticbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaoticbear)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/54 "2003-08-09T11:30:15Z")
i guess you’re right. ---
**Author:** ![pencilpusher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d6d6ee/32.png) [@pencilpusher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pencilpusher)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/55 "2003-08-09T12:11:16Z")
I feel SOOO lucky. I don’t have regular menses. In fact… since I had my baby in February I havent had any bleeding (after stopping bleeding from the birth which took FOREVER) I usually only have a period every 6-8 months but then I’m going for 3-5 WEEKS ☹ I haven’t used tampons since high school. I only use pads now because the thought of something like THAT in THERE is horrible to me. I get the creeps every time I think about it. EEWWW. (that and I REALLY hate the whole pulling it out, wrapping it in tissue and throwing it away process too GROSS) I will be SO glad when I reach the point in my life where I don’t have to worry about the damn thing EVER. ---
**Author:** ![vanilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f19dbf/32.png) [@vanilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanilla)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/56 "2003-08-09T20:13:33Z")
Honestly, I’ve had 3 day periods for over 20 years (only been on pills for a year). ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2003, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/57 "2003-08-09T21:42:44Z")
**soulburnz** , try the applicabor OBs. Definitely worth it. It’s sure fun to know that all the crap I’ve had go to through as a Little Moon Maiden is stuff that everyone goes through! You know, when they ushered us sixth grade girls into the auditorium, locked the door, and posted a guard in case a \ MAN walked by as they showed us the Uniformly Useless Movie, they never told me ANY of this stuff would happen. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2003, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/58 "2003-08-10T14:14:01Z")
Sisters, we should go on an international strike to protest the GST on tampons by refusing to wear any “feminine protection” at all. Who needs the drama of violent strikes when we could just let nature provide the theatrics? We could go to work, ride the bus, cheer on our football teams au natural, with blood just running down our legs while wearing white t-shirts and shorts that say “No to the Tampon Tax!” I suspect it would be the quickest strike ever staged. ---
**Author:** ![Honeydew\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e19b73/32.png) [@Honeydew\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honeydew_1)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2003, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/59 "2003-08-10T19:17:41Z")
OB’s I assume are an American brand? They sound good but, of course, you can’t get them here. For any Irish or UK dopers, I’d suggest Boots own brand… I’ve found them the best. I don’t have problems with my periods (very lucky as my three sisters suffer horribly) thank God and since being on the pill, they’ve been even easier. However, I do think that tampons and all sanitary protection should be free of charge - Goddamnit, if men had periods, you just KNOW, they’d be sooooooooooooooo free… grrrrrrrrrrrrr… lol… ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2003, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486/60 "2003-08-11T05:37:17Z")
About the problem inserting ob’s sometimes – the thing is, you must not change the tampon too soon. ob’s are so great at absorption that they suck up every drop until they can’t hold more. So if you take one out ‘early’, it leaves the walls of your vagina bone dry, and then trying to shove an uncovered super-absorbent chunk of cotton up a tight dry passage…impossible. If you wait until a change is ‘needed’, a small amount of blood is left coating your vagina. This acts as lube and the new one slides in easily. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-damn-tampon/193486.md?page=4)