We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. Next up: her own show. 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. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. 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. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. Many young girls/teens after starting their period have to use pads in the beginning, so in their mind, they connect "wearing pads" with the shame, embarrassment, awkwardness, etc they associated their periods with in the beginning. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. 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. 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!) tampon loyalists will ask. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. We include products we think are useful for our readers. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. 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. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Thanks for signing up. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. 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. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. Menstrual pads are apparently an extremely confusing product for young men, according to one of the latest viral trends sweeping TikTok right now. Chris, 35. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. The Best Period Underwear, Cups, Pads, and Products (2023) - WIRED If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. I didn't die. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. All rights reserved. That depends. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. Relax and you'll be able to find it. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. All rights reserved. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. It . It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. Prior to joining Mashable, Heather wrote regularly for UPROXX and GOOD Magazine, was published in The Daily Dot and VICE, and had her work featured in Entertainment Weekly, Jezebel, Mic, and Gawker. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. No, it is not weird to use pads instead of tampons. I always carry about 3-5 on 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. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. Do guys prefer pads or tampons - tuep.luistreeservices.us In the broader world, however and most certainly in the blokey realm of professional sport to bring blood out of the bathroom and into a mixed-company, live Olympic broadcast was outright shocking. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. Your email address will not be published. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. How to Use a Tampon (with Pictures) - wikiHow Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. find tampons hard to insert or uncomfortable to wear, wear tampons but want some back-up protection against leaks. Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. No, free bleeding does not make your period end faster. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Enter your email for 25% off your first order. 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. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! 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? "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. Each of these options is reusable, meaning they have less of an environmental impact than disposable pads and tampons. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. 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. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Dried blood is potentially infectious. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. 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. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA They can accommodate a light to medium flow. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. 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. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Ultimately, talk to your GP to find the best and safest product for you. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications Its not a biological description of our vaginas. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. A new initiative called . Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. 11 Lack of Confidence. 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. They were artificially . 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. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. Many girls switch back and forth: Sometimes they use tampons and sometimes they use pads, depending on the situation, where they're going to be, and their menstrual flow. 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 . Washable Pads. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. 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. 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. How Many Women Don't Use Tampons? | FiveThirtyEight ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. 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. However, some brands of pads can contain synthetic materials and fragrances, which can lead to skin irritation or hypersensitivity reactions depending on the users skin type. 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. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. While in the West its been a very long time since Courtney Cox taught us about internal protection, or since those so white horseriding and windsurfing commercials aired, many women in China report never having heard of tampons or, at the very least, not knowing anyone who uses them. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. See you at your inbox! (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. 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. No Tampons, No Problem: Alternative Products for Female Travelers Ultimately, its up to each individual to decide what works best for them and if tampons are a comfortable and suitable choice for their needs. Pad users, in their minds, are . She let women in China know that, yes, there are ways to swim while you have your period. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. It's fully inside your body with the exception . Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. Girl Talk: How to Handle Your Period in the Backcountry Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. "I am PROUD of my pads!" Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. 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. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. 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. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. July 1, 2020. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. greenhithe village. Padable told me. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. 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. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. She also sent a broader message that elite sport and menstruation can coexist. Reusable cloth pads are washable pads that work like regular disposable pads, only you dont throw them out. The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. 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. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. 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. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. They sometimes minimize the dangers of toxic shock syndrome and refuse to acknowledge that the pantyliner they have in their underwear to catch "excess flow" is actually just a glorified menstrual pad. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). 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. Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. Additionally, it is important to note that tampons are not meant to be worn for more than eight hours at a time and that wearing one for longer can increase the risk for toxic shock syndrome. This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. One version popularised by the fount of all quality urban legends: the world wide web claims theyre chock-full of asbestos, thus making you bleed more so you need to buy more tampons. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. 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. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. The answer to this question depends on the individual. 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. Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. 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. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Difference Between Pads and Tampons - WebMD Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. Required fields are marked *. When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. Most don't. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). The amount and duration of your period is determined by a variety of factors and usually does not change with free bleeding. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. The answer could be a mix of the two. Tampons, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. A 2000 study by Procter & Gamble found only 2 percent of women in Mexico plugged up during their time of month; the figure improved only slightly in a 1990 Public Health Report survey that showed . Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. 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. 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.". They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. 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. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. 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. 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. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. Do tampons really make cramps worse? Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Change the pad about every 34 hours. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. A place where period activism is out, is proud. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. 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. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. 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). Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies - KidsHealth And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! 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. Where they differ are . 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 cant swim in them. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. Nonfoux L, et al. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. They cost less than some other reusable period products. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. 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). Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. Pros. 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. This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.