Do any of you ever experience vaginal irritation during/after your period? It seems like this has been happening to me lately; the only thing I've changed is switching to O.B. tampons, so maybe it's the tampon. I might try switching back to Playtex next go-round to see if there's a difference.

In the meantime, my lady bits are irritated like a mofo and I don't know how to relieve the discomfort. There's no odor or abnormal discharge; I think it's just irritation. I don't have anything like Vagisil on hand; is there anything "around the house" that can be used without making things worse?

I would say vaseline but I think it is too old-fashioned to keep around the house anymore. If you have natural yoghurt that could help.

Of course with either choice you are putting up with sticky or gooey on your girlies :-)

witch hazel... or just sitting in a warm/hot bath.

I used to get irritation when using tampons, switched to the Diva cup years ago, and have had no issues since.

What kind of "soap" do you use? Try Ivory. Esp. during "that time of month".

I'm using Wal-mart brand Dove body wash, the original kind. I bought that cause it was cheaper, but I generally use Dove soap all around. Maybe I should keep the unscented/sensitive kind around for TOM?

I second the cup recommendation. I find tampons irritating as well. And you really shouldn't use any soap at all, as I understand it. Just rinse very, very well.

Unscented/sensitive skin dove is actually a lot harsher and more drying than the regular dove. I found this out after my husband had a reaction. I googled and found out it is a common problem.

Menstrual cups, all the way. They are MUCH less irritating than tampons, I find them more hygienic (no peeing on the string, for one!) and they work better, too. Lunette is my favorite, but Divacup is more common.

Another cup user here. Last cycle I started my period unexpectedly when out of town and had to use tampons for a few days - they were so uncomfortable and irritating, I don't know how I put up with them for so long.

So, these cups you all speak of, you have to get them from your dr? I've never seen such a thing on the market, but it sounds like something I'd be interested in.

Lauren - if you recently switched brands, that very well may be it!

No, not from the doctor. I bought mine online, but they are available for purchase in places like Whole Foods.

http://www.amazon.com/Diva-Internati...rds=diva+cup+2

I highly recommend using a cup instead of the traditional women's sanitary products.

Wow. I'm sold. THANKS!

Another cup user! Love them and will never go back to tampons.

Amazon, all the way. Just be aware if you don't like the way the cup fi's, many different brands are shorter/longer/wider/different materials, etc. Rarely is it a cup issue, but just finding the right cup for you.

livejournal has an awesome menstrual cup group that has answered every question imaginable regarding cups, wearing tips and tricks, where to buy, of name it. I highly recommend that group when you're getting started!