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Like other menstrual products, cups have their pros and cons, but the pros are pretty impressive. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. 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. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. Ross A, et al. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. 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. Why do I prefer pads over tampons? - remodelormove.com Nonfoux L, et al. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. 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. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Should I use bladder pads or disposable briefs for my - Nexwear Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Tampon versus pad: why more women still choose the - The Conversation This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. 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. Additionally, the hymen can sometimes be a barrier when first attempting to put in a tampon due to it being a thin membrane-like tissue located at the opening of the vagina. 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. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. A small minority reject the binary and use both tampons and maxi-pad, or even diva cups and period underwear, alternating based on the flow of their period or how sexy they're feeling that day. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. The data (probably) doesn't lie. 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. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. 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. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. 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. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. 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. Toxic shock syndrome. Padable told me. Should I use scented pads? Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. If a person experiences a heavy flow, it may be better to use a combination of tampons and pads, with tampons as the primary form of absorption and pads as extra absorption in the event of leaks. The answer to this question depends on the individual. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. Girl Talk: How to Handle Your Period in the Backcountry 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. Ultimately, talk to your GP to find the best and safest product for you. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Theyre also less visible under clothing. The 6 Best Pads For A Heavy Flow, According To Gynecologists Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. 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. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. 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. Pad users, in their minds, are blind to social norms and addicted to the pleasures of the napkin, a disposable mattress for the vagina. 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. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. 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. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. 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!) For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. I didn't die. oklahoma state verbal commits . ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". (2018). A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. Why Don't Mexican Women Like Tampons? - Dallas Observer Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. How Many Women Don't Use Tampons? | FiveThirtyEight 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). If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart. Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. Pros. This string is meant to sit outside your body so you can use it to pull it out when your tampon is full and needs changing., How do I choose the right tampon for me? In 2011, when I was writing a book about menstruation, women through zero prompting on my part would share their period stories and ask me incredibly elaborate questions (mistakenly under the impression I know anything at all about whats going on). 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. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. 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. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Steps for removing tampons: Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. 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. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). We may earn commission from the links on this page. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. If you need help, tell a parent. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. tampon loyalists will ask. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw pads away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Some have extra material on the sides (called "wings") that fold over the edges of your underwear to better hold the pad in place and prevent leaks. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. 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. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. While diva cups produce minimal amounts of waste, the average woman trashes up to 250 - 300 lbs(Opens in a new tab) of "pads, applications, and tampons" over the course of their lifetime. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. How often should I change my pad? Ultimately, what you need to know when it comes to different tampon sizes is that the size refers to its absorbency, not the actual length or width of. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). How do I use tampons, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups? A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. 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. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. For feminists who spend any time online, the idea of period talk being forbidden is hilarious. You can't see it as you would with a pad, so be sure to remember when it's time to change to prevent spotting and leaks on your underwear. Your email address will not be published. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. 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.. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Only use tampons when you have your period. Pads can come in different sizes. Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. Cramps . Can a tampon get lost inside my body? That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. 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. Sit on the toilet. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. 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. If you are uncomfortable with using them, there are plenty of other menstrual products that can be used instead, such as menstrual cups or pads. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. 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. How often should I change my tampon? Some have extra material on the sides (called "wings") that fold over the edges of your underwear to better hold the pad in place and prevent leaks. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. 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. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Washable Pads. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. I don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA The amount of flow can vary from person to person and is affected by menstrual cycles, but a flow that is too heavy for a tampon can cause frequent changing, discomfort, and even leaks. (2017). Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. 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. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. All rights reserved. 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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. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. "I am PROUD of my pads!" Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. Tampons Vs. Pads: Which is better for your period? When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? Times have changed. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. They arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. 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. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. Overall . 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. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? 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. How do you know which one is right for you? For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. mess. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. 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. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Ross E. (2015). 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 also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina.