Tampons and pads aren't the only two options by any meanssome girls prefer to use menstrual cups or even period pantiesbut they're certainly the two most common ways to handle your period. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? I always carry about 3-5 on me.. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. (2016). Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Pros. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? But what is better: tampons vs pads? This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. You cant feel them when theyre in properly. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. Dried blood is potentially infectious. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Double! 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. These little cotton cylindrical pads that fit inside your vagina are currently the most popular menstrual product. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. 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. If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. Many girls switch back and forth: Sometimes they use tampons and sometimes they use pads, depending on the situation, where they're going to be, and their menstrual flow. Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 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. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. 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. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Tampons were always uncomfortable. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? 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. Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. (2018). Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. 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. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart. VanLeeuwen C, et al. Your email address will not be published. For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. Most tampons are generally the same length. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. 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. 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. . 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. Only use tampons when you have your period. 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.". Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. 1. Let's start by explaining what each one is. We may earn commission from the links on this page. How often should I change my tampon? Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . 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. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. 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. "I am PROUD of my pads!" 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. Thanks for signing up. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. 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. That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. 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. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. Pads can also have "wings." Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. Could I have it, too? Review the pros and cons for pads and tampons and decide which one works best for based on your lifestyle and personal choice., Cleveland Clinic: "Are Scented Tampons and Pads Bad for You? Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. 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. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. No, but seriously: These guys don . document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. 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 risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. .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? 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. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. 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!) Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. 11 Lack of Confidence. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. How do you know which one is right for you? Other . Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. All Rights Reserved. No, free bleeding does not make your period end faster. 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). We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). 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. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. I didn't die. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. 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. 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. Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. They are also especially great for overnight use. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in.
The House of the Lord Christian Church