Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. 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. Even if you haven't started your period yet, it's a good idea to be prepared by carrying a few pads or tampons with you, just in case. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. (2017). Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. 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. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Some women strongly prefer tampons over menstrual cups, and there's nothing wrong with thatjust be sure to bring enough tampons to last for your trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. You can expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. 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. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. 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. . Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . They cost less than some other reusable period products. Do you ever forget about a tampon? Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. Do you use pads or tampons for the most part and which do you prefer Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. 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. The average menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days, and the amount of time you bleed each month can vary as well, usually lasting for about 37 days. We include products we think are useful for our readers. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. 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. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. The answer to this question depends on the individual. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. All Rights Reserved. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. 5 Best Tampons - Mar. 2023 - BestReviews Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. 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. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News 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. Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. Like tampons, theres the environmental factor, though reusable options are now available (more on these later). Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. 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. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Allergies can also cause irritation, discomfort and other symptoms, so if you find that this is the case then its a good idea to consult your doctor. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. How often should I change my tampon? You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Ultimately, what you need to know when it comes to different tampon sizes is that the size refers to its absorbency, not the actual length or width of. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Tired of tampons? 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. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. 14 Tampon Size FAQ: Comparison Chart, Types, Fit, Ease of - Healthline When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. Tampons and pads are both disposable products. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Only use tampons when you have your period. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. If a person is scared or apprehensive about putting a tampon in, this can can make it difficult, as the body responds to stress by tightening the pelvic muscles and constricting the vagina. No Tampons, No Problem: Alternative Products for Female Travelers ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. 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. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. Young Men Are Learning How Menstrual Pads Work on TikTok - Glamour This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. 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. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! Others find menstrual pads less comfortable. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. 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 . Where to Buy Tampons Online Right Now, Amid the Shortage - SELF Cramps Why do I prefer pads over tampons? - remodelormove.com Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Steps for removing tampons: If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw pads away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Pads are much more environmentally . Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. 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. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. 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. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. Tampons Vs. Pads: Which is better for your period? Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #623. 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!) It's fully inside your body with the exception . For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. Incidents of TTS have dropped since then and are currently estimated to affect 0.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 people in the United States. 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. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. 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. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. find tampons hard to insert or uncomfortable to wear, wear tampons but want some back-up protection against leaks. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. 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. Do guys prefer pads or tampons - tuep.luistreeservices.us 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. 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. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! 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. 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). Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. The Nemours Foundation. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Could I have it, too? 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. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. Girl Talk: How to Handle Your Period in the Backcountry This makes them great for heavier days and overnight use, as well as saving time and money on the need for frequent change. Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Others may feel more secure and less exposed with pads, since tampons are internally worn and can be difficult to locate if they are accidentally forgotten inside. 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. The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. tampon loyalists will ask. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. How do I choose the right pad for me? This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Because pads are simpler to use for menstruators who may not be comfortable inserting hygiene products into their vaginas, they are often the first menstrual hygiene products we are introduced to.