Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. But a tampon looks like a small tube. Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used tampons and pads . Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? 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. From Super Light (half to a full tampon), Moderate-Heavy (2-3 tampons), to Maxi 24 hours (10 tampons), and levels in between, you can find exactly what you need for every day of your period. 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. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. She let women in China know that, yes, there are ways to swim while you have your period. Required fields are marked *. Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. Pads have the advantages of being easy to use and better for heavy periods, but you can't swim in them and they may be visible under certain types of clothing. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . For far too long, people who use menstrual pads have been doubly stigmatized: first for their periods, and second, for their feminine hygiene product of choice. .css-azif86{color:#000000;display:block;font-family:GTWalsheim,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-azif86:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}Are There Different Types of Vaginas? Disposable Tampons and Pads. Additionally, it is important to note that tampons are not meant to be worn for more than eight hours at a time and that wearing one for longer can increase the risk for toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome. You cant swim in them. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. That depends. But what is better: tampons vs pads? 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. I'd always offer the sexy super maxi pads I stole from my mom's bathroom to the popular girls in the locker room after they complained about this beautiful, mysterious ailment they called "cramps.". Tampon users and pad users can get along. DOI: Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, And finally, gender-neutral menstrual products are now a thing, safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/healthandscience/cumulative-exposure-and-feminine-care-products/, health.clevelandclinic.org/is-toxic-shock-syndrome-still-a-risk-3-things-you-should-know/, unicef.org/press-releases/fast-facts-nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-menstruation, youngwomenshealth.org/2013/03/28/period-products/, health.clevelandclinic.org/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/, Menstrual Cups Work Just as Well as Tampons and Pads, How to Pick the Best Tampon Size for Your Needs. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. Ultimately, talk to your GP to find the best and safest product for you. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. Chris, 35. You may have trouble with fitting the cup if you have, Youll need to give it a thorough wash after each cycle, Though cheaper in the long term, the initial cost is roughly $25 to $40, depending on the brand, Some cups contain latex, so be sure to read the label if you have a, TTS from menstrual cups is possible when not used as directed, want to have sex during your period without the bleeding, are looking to reduce the environmental footprint of your cycle. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. I didn't die. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. Where they differ are . Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. tampon loyalists will ask. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Pad users, I learned, belonged to an abject underclass: a derelict group of pseudo-humans who enjoyed sitting in "mushy blood diapers" every 28 days. Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Let's stop playing and make it happen. 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. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Relax and you'll be able to find it. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. Aside from the benefits, some women may prefer a menstrual cup over tampons because they find it to be more comfortable, they are eco-friendly, and they are free of harsh chemicals. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Only use tampons when you have your period. The answer to this question depends on the individual. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. If you need help, tell a parent. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. 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. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Tampons and pads aren't the only two options by any meanssome girls prefer to use .css-lec2h6{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient( to bottom, rgba(241, 220, 225, 1), rgba(241, 220, 225, 1));-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-top:0.05rem;padding-bottom:0.05rem;}.css-lec2h6:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;}menstrual cups or even period pantiesbut they're certainly the two most common ways to handle your period. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Padable told me. But while Chinese women have embraced the convenience and comfort of the modern, disposable sanitary pad since its introduction to the Chinese mainland in the 1980s, tampons which by nature allow women to participate in more strenuous activities than pads have yet to catch on. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. All rights reserved. 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.. All rights reserved. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. If using a tampon, it is important to choose the right size, as well as keep up with changing and not letting the same tampon sit in the body for too long. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. Luckily, that can't happen. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. Deciding which one to use doesnt have to be hard. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. You cant feel them when theyre in properly. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. Menstrual pads, by contrast, are made for frumpy celibates who are too attached to their moms, hate the environment, and wear Costco branded underwear they bought on sale on Labor Day. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Some have extra material on the sides (called "wings") that fold over the edges of your underwear to better hold the pad in place and prevent leaks. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. Incidents of TTS have dropped since then and are currently estimated to affect 0.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 people in the United States. 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. Pros. Just dont!. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. find tampons hard to insert or uncomfortable to wear, wear tampons but want some back-up protection against leaks. 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. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Pads can also have "wings." But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. She also sent a broader message that elite sport and menstruation can coexist. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. (n.d.). Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. They cost less than some other reusable period products. You can reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome by using the least absorbent tampon required to manage your flow and changing your tampon regularly. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. If a person experiences a heavy flow, it may be better to use a combination of tampons and pads, with tampons as the primary form of absorption and pads as extra absorption in the event of leaks. 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. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. They have a big environmental impact, with, They can sometimes irritate and dry out your vagina, making it, need something you can throw in your pocket. Ross E. (2015). For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. 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. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. Pads can come in different sizes. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. Most don't. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Additionally, some people may be worried about the potential for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although this is very rare and modern tampons must meet strict safety regulations to prevent it. Getting toxic shock syndrome through tampon usage is rare, however. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? And my experience was shared by others. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. 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. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. Most tampons are generally the same length. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. If youre prone to waking up to sheets that resemble a crime scene, then the biggest pad with wings is probably at the top of the list. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. Though theres still have a lot of work to do, more and more companies are taking a more inclusive approach in the design and marketing of their products. I had enough reasons to hate them. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). Lauren Rosewarne does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Pad users, in their minds, are . (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. Sit on the toilet. You can try doing a skin prick test to figure out if youre allergic to some material in the tampon, and then make sure you go with a different option that is more suitable for your body. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. The cervix which is a tissue seen at the opening at the top of the vagina is too tiny for your tampon to pass through. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. After you remove a pad, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash can (or if you're in school or another public restroom, use the special disposal box found in most stalls). When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. 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. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. It's fully inside your body with the exception . Theyre also less visible under clothing. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. It is 2018: time for menstrual pad users to reclaim their rightful role at the apex of the feminine hygiene product hierarchy and stand up for what they believe in. Aside from the fact that picturing a hymen as a kind of football banner needing to be ploughed through is indicative of truly horrendous sex education, such an image perpetuates the harmful myth that virginity is all about an intact membrane. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. Your email address will not be published. It is important for individuals to experiment with different menstrual products and discuss their experiences with their health care provider to determine which product is right for them. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. Pad users, in their minds, are blind to social norms and addicted to the pleasures of the napkin, a disposable mattress for the vagina. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. 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. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. 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!) Then try a pad. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. 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. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. Other girls like pads because they're easy to use, and it's easier to remember when to change them because you can see the blood on them. Yet walk into your hip start-up's office bathroom or your school nurse's bathroom and (if you're lucky) you'll find a free bucket of tampons. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. Again, the decision is totally up to you and if you're still not sure which way to go, try out both and see what you like best. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. While there are a plethora of options to choose from, including period panties and menstrual cups, many first-time menstruators will begin with tampons and menstrual pads. A small minority reject the binary and use both tampons and maxi-pad, or even diva cups and period underwear, alternating based on the flow of their period or how sexy they're feeling that day. 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. If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . A picture of a 15-year-old boy from the US clutching sanitary pads and saying he wants to help girls with periods has gone viral. Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. 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. We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity.
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