They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. Pros. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. Reusable products arent for everyone, however: Menstrual cups can be difficult to insert for menstruators who arent as comfortable touching their own vaginas, and period panties require easy laundry access. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. Double! She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. I usually wear pads, just rather have the . Its not a biological description of our vaginas. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. Ive not been able to locate any data on whether the 90s was a particularly bumper decade for the syndrome, but women my age are quick to whisper about the toxic shock. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. I had enough reasons to hate them. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. For example, if youre going for 6 hours without needing to change your tampon, you may need to switch to a tampon for a lighter flow.. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. Sit on the toilet. Additionally, it could be that the act of putting a tampon in is calming to some people and may temporarily reduce the activity of the hormones controlling your menstrual cycle, resulting in a lightening or stopping of your period. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw pads away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Pad users, in their minds, are blind to social norms and addicted to the pleasures of the napkin, a disposable mattress for the vagina. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. Figures are rubbery but in the United States it is estimated 42% of women use tampons (and likely not exclusively), compared to 62% using pads. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. You cant swim in them. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. Tampons and pads are two of the most common menstrual products, and there is an unending debate about which is better for your time of the month. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Figures are rubbery but in the United States it is estimated 42% of women use tampons (and likely not exclusively), compared to 62% using pads. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? While in the West its been a very long time since Courtney Cox taught us about internal protection, or since those so white horseriding and windsurfing commercials aired, many women in China report never having heard of tampons or, at the very least, not knowing anyone who uses them. Most Americans who have their periods use pads, not tampons, or diva cups, or Thinx underwear, a heroic new underwear that lets you bleed into your pants. While most people who menstruate have had that moment of awkwardness, we dont have to miss our favorite activities for a week every month if we dont want to. But a tampon looks like a small tube. You cant feel them when theyre in properly. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. greenhithe village. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Tampons are a good option because they are small, nearly invisible, and swim-safe but they can be hard to insert and may carry the risk of vaginal irritation or toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. Their size makes them small enough to fit in a tiny pocket or in the palm of your hand, so theyre convenient and discreet (not that menstruation is anything to be ashamed of). And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Required fields are marked *. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. One word of caution: frequently changing high-absorbency tampons can cause some vaginal chafing, so you may want to rely on high-absorbency pads or even menstrual cups. risk of developing TSS is lower in women who use menstrual pads, 9 reasons why your period may be late, including stress, changes to sleep schedule, and more, The 4 best home remedies for period cramps, The truth about period syncing and the real reason you may be experiencing it, What everyone should know about birth control, from the types to effectiveness, How birth control pills work by tricking the body into thinking it's already pregnant. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. Tampons, on the other hand, are less bulky and tend to stay in place, meaning you dont have to worry as much about potential leaks. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. The data (probably) doesn't lie. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. (2016). Most tampons are generally the same length. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. Just dont!. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. oklahoma state verbal commits . 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Theyre also less visible under clothing. However, some brands of pads can contain synthetic materials and fragrances, which can lead to skin irritation or hypersensitivity reactions depending on the users skin type. We may earn commission from the links on this page. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. mess. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Ross A, et al. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. tampon loyalists will ask. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. (2018). Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. Pads are much more environmentally . Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. 11 Lack of Confidence. They are also especially great for overnight use. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. The Nemours Foundation. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. We avoid using tertiary references. Tired of tampons? While its a medical malady easily avoided by not treating a tampon as a permanent resident, for example the Death From Tampon spectre still haunts. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. See you at your inbox! The directions inside the box will explain how to do that. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. Perhaps it's because menstrual pads, unlike tampons, bring the user into closer contact with their own menstrual fluids -- one of the most despised fluids on the planet. Nonfoux L, et al. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. It's fully inside your body with the exception . It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . Tampon users and pad users can get along. You can find super-absorbent pads that are very thin so you dont have an uncomfortable feeling between your legs all the time., Even though pads can also cause toxic shock syndrome, the risk is much less compared to tampons. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. She cautioned, however, to remember never to use a tampon with a higher absorbency than you need, and to make sure to change your tampon every four to eight hours to reduce your risk of TSS. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. Tampons and pads aren't the only two options by any meanssome girls prefer to use menstrual cups or even period pantiesbut they're certainly the two most common ways to handle your period. It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. (2018). Your email address will not be published. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. Some girls find that using an applicator-style tampon (especially one with a rounded top) and a slender-sized tampon makes it easier at first. If youre just starting out, you might find it easier to use an applicator which is a plastic or cardboard tube that helps you guide the tampon into your vagina., Tampons usually have a string attached to one end. Ultimately, its up to each individual to decide what works best for them and if tampons are a comfortable and suitable choice for their needs. Additionally, the hymen can sometimes be a barrier when first attempting to put in a tampon due to it being a thin membrane-like tissue located at the opening of the vagina. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. (2017). "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. All rights reserved. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . Relax and you'll be able to find it. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Cons. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. You can get all different kinds of pads, from panty liners to some heavy-duty ones, depending on your flow and how often you want to change them. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. Pad users, in their minds, are . So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Let's start by explaining what each one is. To help you decide which is right for you, we broke down the pros and cons of both options, but remember: ultimately, the decision is yours. Change the pad about every 34 hours. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. There is archaeological evidence of women using tampon-like instruments to help stem menstrual flow dating back to Ancient Egypt, where women used material from the papyrus plant to stop period blood. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Pros. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. But what is better: tampons vs pads? "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. Your email address will not be published. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. (n.d.). An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. Don't try to flush a pad down the toilet they're too big and may back up the toilet and make a huge (embarrassing!) Tampons post a slightly greater risk than pads, as theyve been linked to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal infection caused by a buildup of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the vagina. How often should I change my tampon? Just throw one in and you're good to go for a few hours, whether you're swimming, playing sports, or sitting down to take your final exams. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. Pads can come in different sizes. The labelling on your pad's packaging will usually tell you details of the size and whether its right for light or heavy period blood flow.. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. I think theres a lot of hesitation to try these products because of how were trained to think about our periods: dirty, shouldnt be seen, and evidence of having one should be discarded, said Siriouthay. Others may feel more secure and less exposed with pads, since tampons are internally worn and can be difficult to locate if they are accidentally forgotten inside. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). 1 in 10 college students struggle to afford panty liners, pads, tampons, and other menstrual hygiene supplies, according to a recent study in BMC Women's Health journal. Let's stop playing and make it happen. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. They sometimes minimize the dangers of toxic shock syndrome and refuse to acknowledge that the pantyliner they have in their underwear to catch "excess flow" is actually just a glorified menstrual pad. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. In 2015, Euromonitor(Opens in a new tab), a market research firm, discovered that women aged 12-54 bought(Opens in a new tab), on average, 111 maxi pads in 2014 but just 66 tampons. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. The average menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days, and the amount of time you bleed each month can vary as well, usually lasting for about 37 days. Then try a pad. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them.
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