Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. 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. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. VanLeeuwen C, et al. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? 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. Disposable Tampons and Pads. A place where period activism is out, is proud. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. Tampons are often the dreaded marker of womanhood, but you'll soon learn there's nothing to be afraid of and they actually make life much easier during your time of the month. Warner Bros. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. 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. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. 5 Best Tampons - Mar. 2023 - BestReviews This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. Why Tampons Have Yet to Catch On in China - #SixthTone Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. All Rights Reserved. Change the pad about every 34 hours. 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 . Luckily, that can't happen. 13 Reasons Why You Should Never Wear Maxi Pads Again Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The answer could be a mix of the two. Pads come in a number of different sizes, from light panty liners to long and thick overnight pads, and in a number of different materials, including synthetics, cotton, and banana leaf or bamboo. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. 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. 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. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. 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. Ultimately, talk to your GP to find the best and safest product for you. To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. But what is better: tampons vs pads? A new initiative called . Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. 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). If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. 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 had enough reasons to hate them. Do you ever forget about a tampon? You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. Just as Americans are often horrified to arrive in Australia and discover that we mostly go applicatorless, for many women even those who have read the Female Eunuch there just isnt a desire to get closer to ones uterus lining. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. The amount and duration of your period is determined by a variety of factors and usually does not change with free bleeding. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! It is very common for people to struggle when first putting in a tampon, especially for those who were not properly taught how to do it. 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.. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. oklahoma state verbal commits . why do some women "pad shame/bully" women for using pads? They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. 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. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. 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. 1 In 10 College Students Can't Afford Pads Or Tampons. Could - Forbes How often should I change my tampon? Some people simply may feel uncomfortable with inserting a foreign object into the body and prefer to use other forms of feminine hygiene products such as pads. If you need help, tell a parent. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. Female swimmers will often take precautions when they experience their period while swimming, such as wearing special period-proof swimwear, using special tampons designed for swimming, or using a menstrual cup. 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.". Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. 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. 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 vs. Pads: The Pros and Cons - Seventeen 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. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. If youre going to try menstrual sponges, be sure you buy natural sea sponge, as some retailers sell synthetic sponges that are dyed and not necessarily safe. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. 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. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! You cant feel them when theyre in properly. . Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". 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. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. 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, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Tampons vs. Pads: Which Option is Better for You? | The Pill Club - Favor 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. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. So, "women buy disposable products when they can, but are often forced to rely on donations and/or to create make-shift pads and tampons for themselves, mostly out of toilet paper, tissue or paper towels, but also out of their kids' diapers, old socks, ripped T-shirts or rags." And for many poor moms, kids' needs come first. (2016). While tampons can be a convenient option to wear during the day, they do carry the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) a rare but potentially severe complication caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. 1995-2023. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. 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. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. Tampons, Pads or Menstrual Cups? What's Right for You? One version popularised by the fount of all quality urban legends: the world wide web claims theyre chock-full of asbestos, thus making you bleed more so you need to buy more tampons. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. So my bulky menstrual pad and I sat in the heat on the side of that crystal blue water as my friends urged me to jump in. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. 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. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? 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. 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. If a person is scared or apprehensive about putting a tampon in, this can can make it difficult, as the body responds to stress by tightening the pelvic muscles and constricting the vagina. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. 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. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. Padable told me. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. 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. All rights reserved. Cramps Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. 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. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. Similarly, some tampon users prefer them for movement-heavy activities like dancing or running, as sanitary pads can shift around and cause irritation or limit movement. 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. Should I use scented pads? If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. Because pads are simpler to use for menstruators who may not be comfortable inserting hygiene products into their vaginas, they are often the first menstrual hygiene products we are introduced to. Tampons were always uncomfortable. 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. 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. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Cons. When will tampon users stop shaming pad users? | Mashable Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. How do I choose the right pad for me? We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. Next up: her own show. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. I usually wear pads, just rather have the . In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. 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. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither!