This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. 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. They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. On the other hand, with pads you don't have to worry about the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome when you use it overnight. Others find menstrual pads less comfortable. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. . 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. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. 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. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. 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. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. I had my periods when I was 13! I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Pads can also have "wings." Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. Let's start by explaining what each one is. Luckily, that can't happen. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. A period so heavy that it prevents you from doing everyday activities isnt, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. We avoid using tertiary references. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. Why we prefer sanitary pads to tampons - Nigerian women Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. If you need help, tell a parent. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? When will tampon users stop shaming pad users? | Mashable Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. Tampons and pads are two of the most common menstrual products, and there is an unending debate about which is better for your time of the month. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. Pros. Yet walk into your hip start-up's office bathroom or your school nurse's bathroom and (if you're lucky) you'll find a free bucket of tampons. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. 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. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. She let women in China know that, yes, there are ways to swim while you have your period. July 1, 2020. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Your email address will not be published. Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies - KidsHealth oklahoma state verbal commits . Theyre more breathable than regular pads. That depends. No Tampons, No Problem: Alternative Products for Female Travelers The labelling on your pad's packaging will usually tell you details of the size and whether its right for light or heavy period blood flow.. 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. Tampons vs. Pads: Is One Better Than the Other? - Healthline 14 Men Share What It's Like to Buy Sanitary Pads and Why - VagaBomb 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. 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. Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. 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. 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. When it comes to comparing tampons and pads, both are generally seen as safe and healthy options for managing menstrual flow. Dried blood is potentially infectious. A place where period activism is out, is proud. 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. How often should I change my tampon? They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. 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 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. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. 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 . Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual fluid and can be a very effective means of controlling the level of flow during a menstrual cycle. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. 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. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. Should I use bladder pads or disposable briefs for my - Nexwear This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. 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. Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. See you at your inbox! Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. 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. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. How do I choose the right pad for me? They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. Tampon versus pad: why more women still choose the - The Conversation Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. 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. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA 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. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. You cant feel them when theyre in properly. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. She cautioned, however, to remember never to use a tampon with a higher absorbency than you need, and to make sure to change your tampon every four to eight hours to reduce your risk of TSS. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. 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 . Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. 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. 1 In 10 College Students Can't Afford Pads Or Tampons. Could - Forbes If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. .css-azif86{color:#000000;display:block;font-family:GTWalsheim,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-azif86:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}Are There Different Types of Vaginas? Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. 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. (2016). It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. 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 am PROUD of my pads!" All rights reserved. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. Padable told me. They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Young Men Are Learning How Menstrual Pads Work on TikTok - Glamour WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #623. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. Next up: her own show. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. 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. 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. 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. In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Tampons vs. Pads: Which Option is Better for You? | The Pill Club - Favor They are also especially great for overnight use. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Why do I prefer pads over tampons? - remodelormove.com Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. The answer could be a mix of the two. All rights reserved. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. All rights reserved. Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. 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. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. 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. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. If using a tampon, it is important to choose the right size, as well as keep up with changing and not letting the same tampon sit in the body for too long. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. 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. This makes them great for heavier days and overnight use, as well as saving time and money on the need for frequent change. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. How Many Women Don't Use Tampons? | FiveThirtyEight Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. 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. 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. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. Tampons are much less bulky and less likely to move, so you can feel confident while you're out and about! Its users choice, said Siriouthay. (2018). Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Tired of tampons? One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. (2017). Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. 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. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! 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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. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it.
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