It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. . It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. 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. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Relax and you'll be able to find it. 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. Pads can come in different sizes. 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. They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. Yes, tampons can stop period flow. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Next up: her own show. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Luckily, that can't happen. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. 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. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. 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. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . (2017). 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. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". 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). Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. July 1, 2020. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. These little cotton cylindrical pads that fit inside your vagina are currently the most popular menstrual product. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! (n.d.). 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. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Let's start by explaining what each one is. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. 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You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. 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. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Others find menstrual pads less comfortable. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. 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. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. 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. 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. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. Should I use scented pads? If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. Do tampons really make cramps worse? 1995-2023. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . 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. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. Then try a pad. 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. 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. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. How often should I change my pad? An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. 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. 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. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. Discovery to sue Paramount over 'South Park' streaming rights, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 3, Daters have a 'reality gap' about gender equality, Bumble says, The best Xbox controller out there is on sale get one while it lasts, Jenna Ortega channels Wednesday for 'Hot Ones', deadpans her way through spicy wings, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 4. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. Try out different options to find what works best. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Where they differ are . When it comes to comparing tampons and pads, both are generally seen as safe and healthy options for managing menstrual flow. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. 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. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. 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. Pads are much more environmentally . That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. Pros. She let women in China know that, yes, there are ways to swim while you have your period. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. 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. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. All Rights Reserved. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. A new initiative called . Ross A, et al. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. Washable Pads. 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 . They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Tampons were always uncomfortable. 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. 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. (2016). People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. 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. Pros. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. Change the pad about every 34 hours. Aside from the benefits, some women may prefer a menstrual cup over tampons because they find it to be more comfortable, they are eco-friendly, and they are free of harsh chemicals. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. Due to their size and the way that they are inserted, tampons can only hold a limited amount of menstrual blood before needing to be changed. Ross E. (2015). Tampon users and pad users can get along. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. Tampons and pads both offer effective protection against menstrual flow, and which you choose depends largely on your own personal preference and lifestyle. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. 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 were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! While its a medical malady easily avoided by not treating a tampon as a permanent resident, for example the Death From Tampon spectre still haunts. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. 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. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. 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. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. They cost less than some other reusable period products. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. 1. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. The answer to this question depends on the individual. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. find tampons hard to insert or uncomfortable to wear, wear tampons but want some back-up protection against leaks. A place where period activism is out, is proud. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. Each of these options is reusable, meaning they have less of an environmental impact than disposable pads and tampons. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. Tired of tampons? Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. This makes them great for heavier days and overnight use, as well as saving time and money on the need for frequent change. Your email address will not be published. That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. Cramps What You Need to Know About Vaginal Discharge, All of Your Questions About Hymens, Answered, The Average Age Teens Are Losing Their Virginity, Why Your Vagina is Dry and What to Do About It, Experts Weigh In on How to Use a Vibrator. Do you ever forget about a tampon? Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. It . Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . But while Chinese women have embraced the convenience and comfort of the modern, disposable sanitary pad since its introduction to the Chinese mainland in the 1980s, tampons which by nature allow women to participate in more strenuous activities than pads have yet to catch on. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. Could I have it, too? For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. 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. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. 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.
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