Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. No Tampons, No Problem: Alternative Products for Female Travelers 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. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! Prior to joining Mashable, Heather wrote regularly for UPROXX and GOOD Magazine, was published in The Daily Dot and VICE, and had her work featured in Entertainment Weekly, Jezebel, Mic, and Gawker. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. 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. If you still struggle, you may want to visit a healthcare provider or take a class to learn more about proper insertion and to build your confidence. That depends. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Tampons, Pads or Menstrual Cups? What's Right for You? Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. I had enough reasons to hate them. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. How do I choose the right pad for me? They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents). Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. And my experience was shared by others. 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. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. These little cotton cylindrical pads that fit inside your vagina are currently the most popular menstrual product. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. why do some women "pad shame/bully" women for using pads? Instead of segregating ourselves into pad and tampons camps, or even other hygiene products like diva cups and Thinx, we can build a common cultural conversation around the issues that really matter: Ruined underwear, painful cramps, or accidentally bleeding all over your office chair while you're at work. 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.. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. One study found that women had to change the cup, on average, 2.8 times less frequently than when using tampons or pads, and that it leaked 0.5 times less often. There was a long period of time in my life where I all wanted to do was bleed out of my front hole, and catch it with a napkin. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. This is when the female body prepares itself for. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. 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. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. 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. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. 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. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. With pads, there is less of a risk for dryness, irritation, and exposure to toxic shock syndrome since the pad does not need to be inserted into your body as a tampon does. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. Tampons vs. Pads: Is One Better Than the Other? - Healthline Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. I ended up finding out on my first visit to the gynecologist that my vaginal opening is pretty small, which explained to me why tampons never felt right. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. If you have a heavy flow like me, I would suggest a system like this or wear an extra absorbent, extra-long pad, she said. tampon loyalists will ask. We include products we think are useful for our readers. 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. Overall . We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. In 2011, when I was writing a book about menstruation, women through zero prompting on my part would share their period stories and ask me incredibly elaborate questions (mistakenly under the impression I know anything at all about whats going on). The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. 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. All rights reserved. Like other menstrual products, cups have their pros and cons, but the pros are pretty impressive. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. 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. (2016). Let's stop playing and make it happen. Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. Discovery to sue Paramount over 'South Park' streaming rights, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 3, Daters have a 'reality gap' about gender equality, Bumble says, The best Xbox controller out there is on sale get one while it lasts, Jenna Ortega channels Wednesday for 'Hot Ones', deadpans her way through spicy wings, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 4. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. Your email address will not be published. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. It's fully inside your body with the exception . DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. 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. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. 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. This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. The directions inside the box will explain how to do that. 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. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. 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. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. 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. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed. When it comes to comparing tampons and pads, both are generally seen as safe and healthy options for managing menstrual flow. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. Steps for removing tampons: Should I use scented pads? 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. If you're willing to pay a little extra for convenience, extendable tampons will set you back between $0.19 and $0.23 per tampon. Could I have it, too? For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. . Pads can come in different sizes. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. But they still can't get lost in your body. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. Then try a pad. Your email address will not be published. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. Ross A, et al. A 2000 study by Procter & Gamble found only 2 percent of women in Mexico plugged up during their time of month; the figure improved only slightly in a 1990 Public Health Report survey that showed . Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. Tampons vs. Pads: Which Option is Better for You? | The Pill Club - Favor Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. 5 Best Tampons - Mar. 2023 - BestReviews More U.S. women use pads than tampons, according to a survey of 739 women conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tampons vs. Pads: The Pros and Cons - Seventeen They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Let's start by explaining what each one is. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. However, tampons can be a great option for those who are more active and want to enjoy activities such as swimming without having to worry about leaks. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Do you ever forget about a tampon? They arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. Where they differ are . Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. 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. That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Ultimately, what you need to know when it comes to different tampon sizes is that the size refers to its absorbency, not the actual length or width of. A fellow Mashable employee who genuinely asked to be called "Padable" shared this experience with me: "I havent been shamed a lot for using pads, but I also dont bring it up a lot because I always felt it was weird. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. They're also less visible under clothing. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections.