Yes, dilation can be messy. In early recovery, I changed pads, at least every toilet stop or approx 2-3 hours, which ever came first. I did use maxi-pads initially when I was super messy. As you progress you will find a suitable lubricant level and it will feel comfortable inserting. But, I suggest being this early in recovery, change pads reguarly to help keep rash away, also during daytime when resting, I did lay on protective sheet with no panties, which
I thought helped a little,but I found it horrible to feel leaking out and then dripping down around my bottom. But as healing progresses you will not be tender and sore and you can experiment a little on what feels right and then you can really test on how much lubricant you need as you don't have the fear or tearing or damaging your vagina as you will start feel it is part of your body
Nowdays, when I dilate, I wipe with non-scented baby wipes, while still laying down and hold there for a few minutes and then slide up my legs bending my knees and then wipe again with a fresh wipe and then use ultrathin pantyliner until next toilet stop, no problem. BUT wait, the big mess I have is after sex, as we are in a long term live in relationship after he unloads inside me, along with the moisture I produce and lube and I find the vaginal entrance stays freely open for sometime, that is when I really leak.But wearing a pad because I have had sex, seems to make me feel warm and glowing, if I feel it or have pick my panties out of my bottom due to pad scrunching, especially if having sex at bedtime and I sleep with a pad
So sorry after my little rave on about my life I don't really have an answer
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