Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. They are also especially great for overnight use. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. Tampons are a good option because they are small, nearly invisible, and swim-safe but they can be hard to insert and may carry the risk of vaginal irritation or toxic shock syndrome. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. 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. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. Padable told me. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. 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. Tampon users and pad users can get along. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. 1995-2023. Even though I didn't have my period at the time, I wanted to impress the other girls and show that I, too, was one of the cool ones, capable of getting knocked up by one of the popular loud boys. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. 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. Just dont!. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. 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!) Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. It . 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. Pros. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. July 1, 2020. I had my periods when I was 13! 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. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . 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. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. You can get all different kinds of pads, from panty liners to some heavy-duty ones, depending on your flow and how often you want to change them. Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than 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. From Super Light (half to a full tampon), Moderate-Heavy (2-3 tampons), to Maxi 24 hours (10 tampons), and levels in between, you can find exactly what you need for every day of your period. 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. Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. 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. 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. 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. Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. Chris, 35. Cons. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents). 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). You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. Sit on the toilet. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. Your email address will not be published. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. We avoid using tertiary references. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. 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. 1 in 10 college students struggle to afford panty liners, pads, tampons, and other menstrual hygiene supplies, according to a recent study in BMC Women's Health journal. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. Pads can come in different sizes. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. Thanks for signing up. They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. Figures are rubbery but in the United States it is estimated 42% of women use tampons (and likely not exclusively), compared to 62% using pads. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. A place where period activism is out, is proud. 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. Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. Nonfoux L, et al. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. 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. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? Your email address will not be published. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. 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. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Could I have it, too? All rights reserved. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. 1. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. 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. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. For feminists who spend any time online, the idea of period talk being forbidden is hilarious. Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you don't feel them the same way you do pads.. Figures are rubbery but in the United States it is estimated 42% of women use tampons (and likely not exclusively), compared to 62% using pads. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. But I could never use tampons . If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. 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. Then try a pad. 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. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. 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. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. 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.

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