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. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. 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. We take your words seriously. 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. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Tampons vs. Pads: Which Option is Better for You? | The Pill Club - Favor If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. How do you know which one is right for you? A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. It . Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. 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. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? oklahoma state verbal commits . Could I have it, too? Then try a pad. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. Their size makes them small enough to fit in a tiny pocket or in the palm of your hand, so theyre convenient and discreet (not that menstruation is anything to be ashamed of). Dont leave your tampon in for longer than 8 hours! advised Siriouthay. We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. Tampons Vs. Pads: Which is better for your period? ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. 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. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. Tired of tampons? Dried blood is potentially infectious. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. 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Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Why Tampons Have Yet to Catch On in China - #SixthTone Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. To help you decide which is right for you, we broke down the pros and cons of both options, but remember: ultimately, the decision is yours. Additionally, using menstrual cups, period underwear, and sponges to collect menstrual fluid is different from free bleeding, as these items are still effectively containing your period. 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. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. The data (probably) doesn't lie. 11 Lack of Confidence. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Change the pad about every 34 hours. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. 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. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. 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. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" 1 In 10 College Students Can't Afford Pads Or Tampons. Could - Forbes Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. 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. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). 13 Reasons Why You Should Never Wear Maxi Pads Again Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. Again, the decision is totally up to you and if you're still not sure which way to go, try out both and see what you like best. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. Why do I prefer pads over tampons? - remodelormove.com It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. 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. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. Tampon users and pad users can get along. I don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Some girls find that using an applicator-style tampon (especially one with a rounded top) and a slender-sized tampon makes it easier at first. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. The answer to this question depends on the individual. 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. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. (n.d.). VanLeeuwen C, et al. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. 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. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. The 6 Best Pads For A Heavy Flow, According To Gynecologists ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. They arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. 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. . Each of these options is reusable, meaning they have less of an environmental impact than disposable pads and tampons. Pros. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. Chris, 35. 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. Female swimmers will often take precautions when they experience their period while swimming, such as wearing special period-proof swimwear, using special tampons designed for swimming, or using a menstrual cup. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. Padable told me. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. This is when the female body prepares itself for. Reusable cloth pads are washable pads that work like regular disposable pads, only you dont throw them out. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. Pad users, in their minds, are blind to social norms and addicted to the pleasures of the napkin, a disposable mattress for the vagina. 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). 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. In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Some people simply may feel uncomfortable with inserting a foreign object into the body and prefer to use other forms of feminine hygiene products such as pads. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. 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 have a pet at home, make sure you throw pads away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. It is important for individuals to experiment with different menstrual products and discuss their experiences with their health care provider to determine which product is right for them. 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!) When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. 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 . They're also less visible under clothing. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #623. 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. Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. 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. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. All rights reserved. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. There are, however, some common considerations that menstruators may want to think about when choosing the best products for them, including safety, comfort, lifestyle, and environmental impact. 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. 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. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. All rights reserved. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. What was this cramp? There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. 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. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. Your email address will not be published. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. They cost less than some other reusable period products. Relax and you'll be able to find it. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. 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). If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. Where they differ are . In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Why Don't Mexican Women Like Tampons? - Dallas Observer 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.. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? Its not a biological description of our vaginas. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Because they are larger than tampons and can be worn for longer periods of time, they can typically absorb more blood than tampons. I had my periods when I was 13! (2016). (2017). We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Pads come in a number of different sizes, from light panty liners to long and thick overnight pads, and in a number of different materials, including synthetics, cotton, and banana leaf or bamboo. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. Pads are much more environmentally . 1995-2023. Pros. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. 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. It is 2018: time for menstrual pad users to reclaim their rightful role at the apex of the feminine hygiene product hierarchy and stand up for what they believe in. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A 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.". Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. Most tampons are generally the same length. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. 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 is archaeological evidence of women using tampon-like instruments to help stem menstrual flow dating back to Ancient Egypt, where women used material from the papyrus plant to stop period blood. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. 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. Pads and Tampons (for Kids) - Nemours KidsHealth Let's start by explaining what each one is. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. Though people have been doing it for ages, the free bleeding movement has been receiving mainstream attention since Kiran Gandhi ran the London Marathon while free bleeding in 2015. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. While there are a plethora of options to choose from, including period panties and menstrual cups, many first-time menstruators will begin with tampons and menstrual pads. While tampons can be a convenient option to wear during the day, they do carry the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) a rare but potentially severe complication caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Cons. Why we prefer sanitary pads to tampons - Nigerian women You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. 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. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. 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.