Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! Other girls like pads because they're easy to use, and it's easier to remember when to change them because you can see the blood on them. When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News I had enough reasons to hate them. . While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having penetrative sex, and both having sex and using tampons are totally personal decisions. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than 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. 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. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Tampon users and pad users can get along. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. All Rights Reserved. Difference Between Pads and Tampons - WebMD Tampons vs. Pads: Which Option is Better for You? | The Pill Club - Favor ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. 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. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Cramps Dont leave your tampon in for longer than 8 hours! advised Siriouthay. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. 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. It is important to take the time to get comfortable, to use the right size tampon for your body, to use a water-based lubricant, and to practice relaxation techniques. Where to Buy Tampons Online Right Now, Amid the Shortage - SELF Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. 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. 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. Washable Pads. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . Enter your email for 25% off your first order. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. Tampons, on the other hand, are less bulky and tend to stay in place, meaning you dont have to worry as much about potential leaks. Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. (2016). 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. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. 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. So, "women buy disposable products when they can, but are often forced to rely on donations and/or to create make-shift pads and tampons for themselves, mostly out of toilet paper, tissue or paper towels, but also out of their kids' diapers, old socks, ripped T-shirts or rags." And for many poor moms, kids' needs come first. 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. Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. (2017). When it comes to comparing tampons and pads, both are generally seen as safe and healthy options for managing menstrual flow. 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. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. tampon loyalists will ask. "I am PROUD of my pads!" It . Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . Then try a pad. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . Tampons, Pads or Menstrual Cups? What's Right for You? If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. Additionally, the hymen can sometimes be a barrier when first attempting to put in a tampon due to it being a thin membrane-like tissue located at the opening of the vagina. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. tampon loyalists will ask. 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. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. This is when the female body prepares itself for. 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. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. 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. (2018). That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. Toxic shock syndrome. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. 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. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Sit on the toilet. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. 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. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. I didn't die. The Nemours Foundation. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. 1. Tampons are a popular menstrual product choice for women during their periods. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. Times have changed. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. 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 . Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. Why we prefer sanitary pads to tampons - Nigerian women She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Tampons Vs. Pads: Which is better for your period? Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. How do you know which one is right for you? Tampons are much less bulky and less likely to move, so you can feel confident while you're out and about! Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. 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. Similarly, some tampon users prefer them for movement-heavy activities like dancing or running, as sanitary pads can shift around and cause irritation or limit movement. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. 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!) According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. 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. 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. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. 1 In 10 College Students Can't Afford Pads Or Tampons. Could - Forbes For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. Try out different options to find what works best. I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Why Don't Mexican Women Like Tampons? - Dallas Observer Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. 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. I don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage 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. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. Tampons and pads both offer effective protection against menstrual flow, and which you choose depends largely on your own personal preference and lifestyle. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. (2019). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Review the pros and cons for pads and tampons and decide which one works best for based on your lifestyle and personal choice., Cleveland Clinic: "Are Scented Tampons and Pads Bad for You? But they still can't get lost in your body. The answer could be a mix of the two. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. 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? Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications VanLeeuwen C, et al. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. Steps for removing tampons: 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). We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. For far too long, people who use menstrual pads have been doubly stigmatized: first for their periods, and second, for their feminine hygiene product of choice. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. 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. 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. 11 Lack of Confidence. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. 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. 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. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For feminists who spend any time online, the idea of period talk being forbidden is hilarious. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Young Men Are Learning How Menstrual Pads Work on TikTok - Glamour Dear Chris, You're not so strange. They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. 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. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape.
