Theyre also less visible under clothing. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. 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. 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. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. 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. Pads can come in different sizes. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. What was this cramp? 11 Lack of Confidence. (2019). 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. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. 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. Chris, 35. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. She also sent a broader message that elite sport and menstruation can coexist. While diva cups produce minimal amounts of waste, the average woman trashes up to 250 - 300 lbs(Opens in a new tab) of "pads, applications, and tampons" over the course of their lifetime. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. (2017). Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. 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. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. 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. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. 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. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. 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. Many young girls/teens after starting their period have to use pads in the beginning, so in their mind, they connect "wearing pads" with the shame, embarrassment, awkwardness, etc they associated their periods with in the beginning. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? 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. They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. "I am PROUD of my pads!" To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. 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. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. Insert the tampon: Gripping the applicator with your thumb and middle finger, push the smaller tube of the applicator with your index finger to move the tampon into the vagina. The amount of flow can vary from person to person and is affected by menstrual cycles, but a flow that is too heavy for a tampon can cause frequent changing, discomfort, and even leaks. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. The Nemours Foundation. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. 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. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! .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? Menstrual pads are apparently an extremely confusing product for young men, according to one of the latest viral trends sweeping TikTok right now. 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. Most tampons are generally the same length. 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. You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. Let's stop playing and make it happen. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. Finally, if it is difficult to locate the opening of the vaginal canal, this could also explain why insertion is difficult. I had my periods when I was 13! Being reusable means you save a lot of money. Tampons, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. 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. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. The answer to this question depends on the individual. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. Relax and you'll be able to find it. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. If you need help, tell a parent. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . When it comes to comparing tampons and pads, both are generally seen as safe and healthy options for managing menstrual flow. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. 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. See you at your inbox! . Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. This is when the female body prepares itself for. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. But I could never use tampons . Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Your email address will not be published. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Your email address will not be published. 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. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. 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. Spread your knees farther apart than you usually might, so that you have maximum access and visibility while you figure this out, or you can squat and sit like a frog on the toilet seat. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. How do you know which one is right for you? ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. How often should I change my pad? A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. But a tampon looks like a small tube. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? Nonfoux L, et al. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. 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. It is important to take the time to get comfortable, to use the right size tampon for your body, to use a water-based lubricant, and to practice relaxation techniques. 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. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. All rights reserved. (2018). This makes them great for heavier days and overnight use, as well as saving time and money on the need for frequent change. A period so heavy that it prevents you from doing everyday activities isnt, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. 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. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? Each of these options is reusable, meaning they have less of an environmental impact than disposable pads and tampons. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. All rights reserved. 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. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. 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. Many girls switch back and forth: Sometimes they use tampons and sometimes they use pads, depending on the situation, where they're going to be, and their menstrual flow. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. 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. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. I had enough reasons to hate them. 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.". They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. Others find menstrual pads less comfortable. Required fields are marked *. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. 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. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. Required fields are marked *. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. 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. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Public Goods asked Maddy Siriouthay, co-founder and Chief Content Officer at Ovee, a brand promoting health for people with vaginas, about the differences between tampons vs pads, and the pros and cons of each. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. 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. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. Can a tampon get lost inside my body? We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. 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). Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. For feminists who spend any time online, the idea of period talk being forbidden is hilarious. It's fully inside your body with the exception . Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. Cons. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. VanLeeuwen C, et al. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. 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. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. . We take your words seriously. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. 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). Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne.