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. Can a tampon get lost inside my body? 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. 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. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. tampon loyalists will ask. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. 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. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. However, tampons can be a great option for those who are more active and want to enjoy activities such as swimming without having to worry about leaks. In order to be effective, however, it is important to select the right size and absorbency for your flow and to change the tampon regularly (at least every four to eight hours). All Rights Reserved. Tampon users and pad users can get along. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. 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? In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Do you use pads or tampons for the most part and which do you prefer Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. 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. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! 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. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. 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. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. One study found that women had to change the cup, on average, 2.8 times less frequently than when using tampons or pads, and that it leaked 0.5 times less often. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Why do I prefer pads over tampons? - remodelormove.com Being reusable means you save a lot of money. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? Sit on the toilet. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. 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. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. Tampons and pads are both disposable products. They are also especially great for overnight use. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Teaching Your Tween How to Use Tampons - Verywell Family One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. You cant swim in them. 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. 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. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. 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. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. 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. 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. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. 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. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. .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? (2017). To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. 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 6 Best Pads For A Heavy Flow, According To Gynecologists Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? But what is better: tampons vs pads? If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. Tampons vs. Pads: Is One Better Than the Other? - Healthline Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. 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.. 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. Padable told me. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. 11 Lack of Confidence. They were artificially . It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. The cervix which is a tissue seen at the opening at the top of the vagina is too tiny for your tampon to pass through. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. 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. 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. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. Some women strongly prefer tampons over menstrual cups, and there's nothing wrong with thatjust be sure to bring enough tampons to last for your trip. The data (probably) doesn't lie. Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used tampons and pads . Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! Pros. Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. I didn't die. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? These little cotton cylindrical pads that fit inside your vagina are currently the most popular menstrual product. 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.". When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. 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. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. This makes them great for heavier days and overnight use, as well as saving time and money on the need for frequent change. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. 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. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. Toxic shock syndrome. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. Tampons, Pads or Menstrual Cups? What's Right for You? Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. We include products we think are useful for our readers. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . How to Use a Tampon (with Pictures) - wikiHow Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. You can try doing a skin prick test to figure out if youre allergic to some material in the tampon, and then make sure you go with a different option that is more suitable for your body. 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. 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. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. 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 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. 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. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. Cramps It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. The answer could be a mix of the two. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. Disposable Tampons and Pads. Pad users, in their minds, are blind to social norms and addicted to the pleasures of the napkin, a disposable mattress for the vagina. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. 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. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Other . There was a long period of time in my life where I all wanted to do was bleed out of my front hole, and catch it with a napkin. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. Next up: her own show. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. greenhithe village. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. Luckily, that can't happen. 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. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Nonfoux L, et al. Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. How do you know which one is right for you? Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. Let's start by explaining what each one is. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. 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. Ive not been able to locate any data on whether the 90s was a particularly bumper decade for the syndrome, but women my age are quick to whisper about the toxic shock. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. 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. Tampons vs Pads: Which Menstrual Product is Right for You? Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. Tampons Vs. Pads: Pros, Cons, and Which Is Better for You - Insider 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. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Getting toxic shock syndrome through tampon usage is rare, however. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo.
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