There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. Getting toxic shock syndrome through tampon usage is rare, however. 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. 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. Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. The amount and duration of your period is determined by a variety of factors and usually does not change with free bleeding. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Your email address will not be published. They were artificially . 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. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. 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). Dried blood is potentially infectious. 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. (2018). Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? 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. Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. 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. 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. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. 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 tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Let's start by explaining what each one is. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. All rights reserved. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. Yes, tampons can stop period flow. Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. 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.". A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. 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. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. 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. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. The answer could be a mix of the two. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. How often you change your pad depends on how heavy your flow is, but a good rule of thumb is to change it every three to four hours. In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. A new initiative called . Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. 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. The answer to this question depends on the individual. (2017). Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. Sit on the toilet. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. Required fields are marked *. Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. (2018). Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. 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, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. If you need help, tell a parent. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All Rights Reserved. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! 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.. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Others may feel more secure and less exposed with pads, since tampons are internally worn and can be difficult to locate if they are accidentally forgotten inside. 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. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. 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. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? 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. 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. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual fluid and can be a very effective means of controlling the level of flow during a menstrual cycle. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. (2018). Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. 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). VanLeeuwen C, et al. 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. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. They cost less than some other reusable period products. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. Pros. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. Chris, 35. 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. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. 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. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . A pad may feel bulky to some girls. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. 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. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. 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. tampon loyalists will ask. 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. 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. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. How do I choose the right pad for me? Cramps Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Cons. Some people find that using tampons can actually reduce cramps because using a tampon applies gentle pressure on the lower abdomen and can take the focus off the cramp. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. Most tampons are generally the same length. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? They rework our relationship to periods by creating a sort of ritual of cleaning the products, keeping them to reuse, and, in a lot of cases, putting them on display, said Siriouthay. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having penetrative sex, and both having sex and using tampons are totally personal decisions. If you are uncomfortable with using them, there are plenty of other menstrual products that can be used instead, such as menstrual cups or pads. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. Incontinence pads are an economic, comfortable, discreet solution for many customers, but if you need more absorbency or prefer the security that full protection provides, a brief might be the best option.Like the Nexwear pads, our underwear provides no-fail protection, comfortable and . Just dont!. 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. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. 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!) Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. 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. 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. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Each of these options is reusable, meaning they have less of an environmental impact than disposable pads and tampons. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . 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. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. See you at your inbox! Even though I didn't have my period at the time, I wanted to impress the other girls and show that I, too, was one of the cool ones, capable of getting knocked up by one of the popular loud boys. 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. Relax and you'll be able to find it. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. 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. Wings are extra material on the sides of the pad that you can fold over the edges of your underwear to keep the pad in place and to prevent blood from spilling onto your underwear and clothing. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. Ross A, et al. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. She let women in China know that, yes, there are ways to swim while you have your period. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. They arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. But they still can't get lost in your body. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Tampons were always uncomfortable. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. 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. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. Overall . Where they differ are . How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? 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. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. It is important to remain aware of proper hygiene while swimming on your period and take steps to prevent discomfort and the spread of bacteria. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! 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. 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. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). Can a tampon get lost inside my body? This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. 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. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. You can't see it as you would with a pad, so be sure to remember when it's time to change to prevent spotting and leaks on your underwear. Additionally, the hymen can sometimes be a barrier when first attempting to put in a tampon due to it being a thin membrane-like tissue located at the opening of the vagina. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. 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. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. Natural pads may be more comfortable and provide healthier options than those containing chemicals. .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? Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. 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. (2016). 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. 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. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. Finally, if it is difficult to locate the opening of the vaginal canal, this could also explain why insertion is difficult. If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. 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.