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. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. 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.". Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. 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. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. Most Americans who have their periods use pads, not tampons, or diva cups, or Thinx underwear, a heroic new underwear that lets you bleed into your pants. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. 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.. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. (n.d.). The data (probably) doesn't lie. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. mess. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . (2018). The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic 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. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. 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. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Tampons, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. 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. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Dried blood is potentially infectious. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. The amount and duration of your period is determined by a variety of factors and usually does not change with free bleeding. 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. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . You can reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome by using the least absorbent tampon required to manage your flow and changing your tampon regularly. While its a medical malady easily avoided by not treating a tampon as a permanent resident, for example the Death From Tampon spectre still haunts. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Aside from the fact that picturing a hymen as a kind of football banner needing to be ploughed through is indicative of truly horrendous sex education, such an image perpetuates the harmful myth that virginity is all about an intact membrane. Pros. Overall . Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. I had my periods when I was 13! Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. The answer to this question depends on the individual. 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. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. I usually wear pads, just rather have the . Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. 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. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. 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. And my experience was shared by others. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. They're also less visible under clothing. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. 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 arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. 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. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. The Nemours Foundation. Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. It . Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. All rights reserved. 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. 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. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. 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. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. 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. Other . That depends. Deciding which one to use doesnt have to be hard. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. 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. 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. Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. Natural pads may be more comfortable and provide healthier options than those containing chemicals. 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. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. All rights reserved. Lauren Rosewarne does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. July 1, 2020. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. Next up: her own show. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 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. 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. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. Discovery to sue Paramount over 'South Park' streaming rights, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 3, Daters have a 'reality gap' about gender equality, Bumble says, The best Xbox controller out there is on sale get one while it lasts, Jenna Ortega channels Wednesday for 'Hot Ones', deadpans her way through spicy wings, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 4. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. We avoid using tertiary references. Let's start by explaining what each one is. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. 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. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. 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. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. I didn't die. 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. Pads are much more environmentally . You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that can cause itching, burning, redness in your vagina. Like tampons, theres the environmental factor, though reusable options are now available (more on these later). 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 . They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. 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. University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. Your email address will not be published. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . 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. Public Goods asked Maddy Siriouthay, co-founder and Chief Content Officer at Ovee, a brand promoting health for people with vaginas, about the differences between tampons vs pads, and the pros and cons of each. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. Warner Bros. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Do you ever forget about a tampon? So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. 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. Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. Tampon users and pad users can get along. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have.