Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. This is when the female body prepares itself for. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. Why do I prefer pads over tampons? - remodelormove.com The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. 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? A picture of a 15-year-old boy from the US clutching sanitary pads and saying he wants to help girls with periods has gone viral. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. Some have extra material on the sides (called "wings") that fold over the edges of your underwear to better hold the pad in place and prevent leaks. 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. The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. 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. 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. Theyre also less visible under clothing. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News A place where period activism is out, is proud. Tampons, Pads or Menstrual Cups? What's Right for You? Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. How Many Women Don't Use Tampons? | FiveThirtyEight Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. (2017). "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. 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. Like tampons, theres the environmental factor, though reusable options are now available (more on these later). 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. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. oklahoma state verbal commits . Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. 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. 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. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. Warner Bros. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. She let women in China know that, yes, there are ways to swim while you have your period. How often should I change my tampon? Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. Overall . ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. Disposable Tampons and Pads. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Padable told me. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. 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. 14 Men Share What It's Like to Buy Sanitary Pads and Why - VagaBomb Most don't. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. It is very common for people to struggle when first putting in a tampon, especially for those who were not properly taught how to do it. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. Tired of tampons? Pros. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. .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? Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. 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. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pads can come in different sizes. 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. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. A picture of a 15-year-old boy from the US clutching sanitary pads and saying he wants to help girls with periods has gone viral. It's fully inside your body with the exception . 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. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. All rights reserved. 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. From Super Light (half to a full tampon), Moderate-Heavy (2-3 tampons), to Maxi 24 hours (10 tampons), and levels in between, you can find exactly what you need for every day of your period. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. 13 Reasons Why You Should Never Wear Maxi Pads Again Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Additionally, some people may be worried about the potential for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although this is very rare and modern tampons must meet strict safety regulations to prevent it. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. A new initiative called . Your email address will not be published. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne. (n.d.). Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. 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. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Dried blood is potentially infectious. They were artificially . Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Next up: her own show. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Let's start by explaining what each one is. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. Deciding which one to use doesnt have to be hard. Aside from the fact that picturing a hymen as a kind of football banner needing to be ploughed through is indicative of truly horrendous sex education, such an image perpetuates the harmful myth that virginity is all about an intact membrane. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. 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. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Just throw one in and you're good to go for a few hours, whether you're swimming, playing sports, or sitting down to take your final exams. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. tampon loyalists will ask. Tampons and pads are both disposable products. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. 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. After you remove a pad, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash can (or if you're in school or another public restroom, use the special disposal box found in most stalls). A small minority reject the binary and use both tampons and maxi-pad, or even diva cups and period underwear, alternating based on the flow of their period or how sexy they're feeling that day. The directions inside the box will explain how to do that. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Pros. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Menstrual pads are apparently an extremely confusing product for young men, according to one of the latest viral trends sweeping TikTok right now. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? why do some women "pad shame/bully" women for using pads? All rights reserved. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. Teaching Your Tween How to Use Tampons - Verywell Family 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. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used tampons and pads . Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. 5 Best Tampons - Mar. 2023 - BestReviews Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. Tampons Vs. Pads: Pros, Cons, and Which Is Better for You - Insider Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. When it comes to comparing tampons and pads, both are generally seen as safe and healthy options for managing menstrual flow. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. Tampons and pads both offer effective protection against menstrual flow, and which you choose depends largely on your own personal preference and lifestyle. Pads can also have "wings." There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. 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. Natural pads may be more comfortable and provide healthier options than those containing chemicals. 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. When will tampon users stop shaming pad users? | Mashable Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. Tampons vs. Pads: Is One Better Than the Other? - Healthline For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. Two-Thirds of Poor U.S. Women Can't Afford Menstrual Pads, Tampons Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. Most tampons are generally the same length. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News Your email address will not be published. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! You cant feel them once theyre in properly. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. The 6 Best Pads For A Heavy Flow, According To Gynecologists They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. 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. When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. 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.