Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. 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. 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. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. While there are a plethora of options to choose from, including period panties and menstrual cups, many first-time menstruators will begin with tampons and menstrual pads. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. Because they are larger than tampons and can be worn for longer periods of time, they can typically absorb more blood than tampons. Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used tampons and pads . Double! Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. Additionally, using menstrual cups, period underwear, and sponges to collect menstrual fluid is different from free bleeding, as these items are still effectively containing your period. 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.. Most tampons are generally the same length. oklahoma state verbal commits . Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. greenhithe village. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Toxic shock syndrome. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. 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. 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 . Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . This makes them great for heavier days and overnight use, as well as saving time and money on the need for frequent change. 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. Warner Bros. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. . All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. If you have a heavy flow like me, I would suggest a system like this or wear an extra absorbent, extra-long pad, she said. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. If youre prone to waking up to sheets that resemble a crime scene, then the biggest pad with wings is probably at the top of the list. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. 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. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. Dried blood is potentially infectious. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. (2016). July 1, 2020. Some girls find that using an applicator-style tampon (especially one with a rounded top) and a slender-sized tampon makes it easier at first. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? But what is better: tampons vs pads? They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. 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. The answer could be a mix of the two. Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. 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 need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. Theyre also less visible under clothing. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. If a person experiences a heavy flow, it may be better to use a combination of tampons and pads, with tampons as the primary form of absorption and pads as extra absorption in the event of leaks. 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. Pros. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. Ultimately, talk to your GP to find the best and safest product for you. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Yet walk into your hip start-up's office bathroom or your school nurse's bathroom and (if you're lucky) you'll find a free bucket of tampons. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. 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. "I am PROUD of my pads!" 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. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. It is important for individuals to experiment with different menstrual products and discuss their experiences with their health care provider to determine which product is right for them. This is when the female body prepares itself for. Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. Tampons and pads are both disposable products. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. 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. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. 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. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. Ross A, et al. While most people who menstruate have had that moment of awkwardness, we dont have to miss our favorite activities for a week every month if we dont want to. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. VanLeeuwen C, et al. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. 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. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. This string is meant to sit outside your body so you can use it to pull it out when your tampon is full and needs changing., How do I choose the right tampon for me? If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. What was this cramp? How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? There are, however, some common considerations that menstruators may want to think about when choosing the best products for them, including safety, comfort, lifestyle, and environmental impact. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. 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 can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. Tampons and pads both offer effective protection against menstrual flow, and which you choose depends largely on your own personal preference and lifestyle. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. 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. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd. Chinese Olympic viewers were shocked Fu Yuanhui was swimming while she had her period since many have never heard of tampons. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. 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. Let's stop playing and make it happen. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. I usually wear pads, just rather have the . Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Like other menstrual products, cups have their pros and cons, but the pros are pretty impressive. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. That depends. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. Try out different options to find what works best. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. 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. They are also especially great for overnight use. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. 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. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Tampons come in a range of sizes, from light to heavy absorbencies; can be scented or unscented (though most gynecologists advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons), and can be made of 100% organic cotton or cotton/synthetic blends. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. How do I choose the right pad for me? Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). No, free bleeding does not make your period end faster. For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. All rights reserved. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. Additionally, some female swimmers will choose to refrain from swimming during their period altogether, opting for other forms of physical activity such as yoga or light running. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Only use tampons when you have your period. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. 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. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. Pros. I had my periods when I was 13! Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta?