Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. 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. All Rights Reserved. Tampons Vs. Pads: Pros, Cons, and Which Is Better for You - Insider Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Tampons vs. Pads: Which Option is Better for You? | The Pill Club - Favor For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. Change the pad about every 34 hours. oklahoma state verbal commits . Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. 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. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. How to Use a Tampon (with Pictures) - wikiHow 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). Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. The Nemours Foundation. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Pros. 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. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. Could I have it, too? Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. Theyre more breathable than regular 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. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! 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. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. Why we prefer sanitary pads to tampons - Nigerian women 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. Try out different options to find what works best. July 1, 2020. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. Dont leave your tampon in for longer than 8 hours! advised Siriouthay. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. 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. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. A new initiative called . Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Times have changed. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. 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. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Next up: her own show. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. 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. Pads can also have "wings." Theyre also less visible under clothing. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! Nonfoux L, et al. Thanks for signing up. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . Tampons Vs. Pads: Which is better for your period? If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Only use tampons when you have your period. How do you know which one is right for you? You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. How do I use tampons, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups? 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. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. 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. I didn't die. 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. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. 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 should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. How Many Women Don't Use Tampons? | FiveThirtyEight They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed. 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. They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. Insert the tampon: Gripping the applicator with your thumb and middle finger, push the smaller tube of the applicator with your index finger to move the tampon into the vagina. Warner Bros. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. 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 . 14 Men Share What It's Like to Buy Sanitary Pads and Why - VagaBomb I had my periods when I was 13! All rights reserved. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. Plus, today you can find reusable cups, washable pads, and period-proof panties, among other things. Do guys prefer pads or tampons - tuep.luistreeservices.us Tampons vs. Pads: The Pros and Cons - Seventeen If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. You can find super-absorbent pads that are very thin so you dont have an uncomfortable feeling between your legs all the time., Even though pads can also cause toxic shock syndrome, the risk is much less compared to tampons. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! Pads and Tampons (for Kids) - Nemours KidsHealth Let's stop playing and make it happen. This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. 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. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #623. The 6 Best Pads For A Heavy Flow, According To Gynecologists Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. greenhithe village. Why Don't Mexican Women Like Tampons? - Dallas Observer Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. 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. Chris, 35. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? 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 . See you at your inbox! No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. VanLeeuwen C, et al. What was this cramp? By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. 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. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. 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. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. 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. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. 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. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. When will tampon users stop shaming pad users? | Mashable Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. 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. Tampon versus pad: why more women still choose the - The Conversation Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. (2016). We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. If youre prone to waking up to sheets that resemble a crime scene, then the biggest pad with wings is probably at the top of the list. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Getting toxic shock syndrome through tampon usage is rare, however. 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. 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. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 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. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. 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. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. 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. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. Other . Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? You cant swim in them. 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. Disposable Tampons and Pads. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. No, it is not weird to use pads instead of tampons. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. 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.