Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. 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. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. 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. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. They rework our relationship to periods by creating a sort of ritual of cleaning the products, keeping them to reuse, and, in a lot of cases, putting them on display, said Siriouthay. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. There was a long period of time in my life where I all wanted to do was bleed out of my front hole, and catch it with a napkin. 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. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. It . Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. A new initiative called . Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . greenhithe village. I usually wear pads, just rather have the . A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. 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). I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. The data (probably) doesn't lie. 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. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having penetrative sex, and both having sex and using tampons are totally personal decisions. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. 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. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. Toxic shock syndrome. She also sent a broader message that elite sport and menstruation can coexist. Pads can come in different sizes. 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. What was this cramp? Pros. 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. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. 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. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. 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. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. 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 amount and duration of your period is determined by a variety of factors and usually does not change with free bleeding. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? 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. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. 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. Some women strongly prefer tampons over menstrual cups, and there's nothing wrong with thatjust be sure to bring enough tampons to last for your trip. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used tampons and pads . Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. A place where period activism is out, is proud. 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. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. 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). 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. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. If youre just starting out, you might find it easier to use an applicator which is a plastic or cardboard tube that helps you guide the tampon into your vagina., Tampons usually have a string attached to one end. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! How do I choose the right pad for me? Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. 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. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. In 2015, Euromonitor(Opens in a new tab), a market research firm, discovered that women aged 12-54 bought(Opens in a new tab), on average, 111 maxi pads in 2014 but just 66 tampons. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. 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. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . 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. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. Your email address will not be published. Perhaps it's because menstrual pads, unlike tampons, bring the user into closer contact with their own menstrual fluids -- one of the most despised fluids on the planet. VanLeeuwen C, et al. All Rights Reserved. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. Steps for removing tampons: Your email address will not be published. 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. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. Ive not been able to locate any data on whether the 90s was a particularly bumper decade for the syndrome, but women my age are quick to whisper about the toxic shock. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. 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. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? 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. 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. If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Sit on the toilet. Additionally, some people may be worried about the potential for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although this is very rare and modern tampons must meet strict safety regulations to prevent it. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. oklahoma state verbal commits . Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. 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. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! 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. 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. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. I had enough reasons to hate them. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Let's start by explaining what each one is. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. Like other menstrual products, cups have their pros and cons, but the pros are pretty impressive. Pads have the advantages of being easy to use and better for heavy periods, but you can't swim in them and they may be visible under certain types of clothing. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. 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. 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 . Its not a biological description of our vaginas. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. How often should I change my pad? We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. 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. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo.
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