They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. What was this cramp? The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. Most don't. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. You can try doing a skin prick test to figure out if youre allergic to some material in the tampon, and then make sure you go with a different option that is more suitable for your body. But they still can't get lost in your body. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. 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. We take your words seriously. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. 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. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". Required fields are marked *. 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. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. 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 was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Wings are extra material on the sides of the pad that you can fold over the edges of your underwear to keep the pad in place and to prevent blood from spilling onto your underwear and clothing. Pros. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. Cramps risk of developing TSS is lower in women who use menstrual pads, 9 reasons why your period may be late, including stress, changes to sleep schedule, and more, The 4 best home remedies for period cramps, The truth about period syncing and the real reason you may be experiencing it, What everyone should know about birth control, from the types to effectiveness, How birth control pills work by tricking the body into thinking it's already pregnant. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Instead of segregating ourselves into pad and tampons camps, or even other hygiene products like diva cups and Thinx, we can build a common cultural conversation around the issues that really matter: Ruined underwear, painful cramps, or accidentally bleeding all over your office chair while you're at work. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. 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. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Pads are much more environmentally . There are, however, some common considerations that menstruators may want to think about when choosing the best products for them, including safety, comfort, lifestyle, and environmental impact. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. Because pads are simpler to use for menstruators who may not be comfortable inserting hygiene products into their vaginas, they are often the first menstrual hygiene products we are introduced to. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. 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). What You Need to Know About Vaginal Discharge, All of Your Questions About Hymens, Answered, The Average Age Teens Are Losing Their Virginity, Why Your Vagina is Dry and What to Do About It, Experts Weigh In on How to Use a Vibrator. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. 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. In the broader world, however and most certainly in the blokey realm of professional sport to bring blood out of the bathroom and into a mixed-company, live Olympic broadcast was outright shocking. How often should I change my pad? And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. Other . Just dont!. 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. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. 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. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. 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. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. Washable Pads. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. If you have a heavy flow like me, I would suggest a system like this or wear an extra absorbent, extra-long pad, she said. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. 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. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. Tampons and pads aren't the only two options by any meanssome girls prefer to use .css-lec2h6{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient( to bottom, rgba(241, 220, 225, 1), rgba(241, 220, 225, 1));-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-top:0.05rem;padding-bottom:0.05rem;}.css-lec2h6:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;}menstrual cups or even period pantiesbut they're certainly the two most common ways to handle your period. 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. 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. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. Theyre also less visible under clothing. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. 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. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. If youre going to try menstrual sponges, be sure you buy natural sea sponge, as some retailers sell synthetic sponges that are dyed and not necessarily safe. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. 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. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. 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. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Tampons were always uncomfortable. Your email address will not be published. They were artificially . Should I use scented pads? Sit on the toilet. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. They are also especially great for overnight use. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. 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. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. 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. Ross E. (2015). Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. 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. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Its not a biological description of our vaginas. More U.S. women use pads than tampons, according to a survey of 739 women conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. Your email address will not be published. Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. 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. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. You can expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. They have a big environmental impact, with, They can sometimes irritate and dry out your vagina, making it, need something you can throw in your pocket. Ross A, et al. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. You can find super-absorbent pads that are very thin so you dont have an uncomfortable feeling between your legs all the time., Even though pads can also cause toxic shock syndrome, the risk is much less compared to tampons. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. 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. (n.d.). Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! However, tampons can be a great option for those who are more active and want to enjoy activities such as swimming without having to worry about leaks. You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. 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 . They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. 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. The directions inside the box will explain how to do that. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd. Chinese Olympic viewers were shocked Fu Yuanhui was swimming while she had her period since many have never heard of tampons. We avoid using tertiary references. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. (2018). Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. 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. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. 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. Pros. Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. Nonfoux L, et al. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. 1. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. 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.