The Nemours Foundation. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. 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. 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. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. 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.. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. 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. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. All rights reserved. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. 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. Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. 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. But what is better: tampons vs pads? 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. "I am PROUD of my pads!" This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. 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. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Then try a pad. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. 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. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. 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. Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. Sit on the toilet. 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. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). You can expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . Cons. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. 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. 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. 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. Pads come in a number of different sizes, from light panty liners to long and thick overnight pads, and in a number of different materials, including synthetics, cotton, and banana leaf or bamboo. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. 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. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. Let's start by explaining what each one is. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. Tampons, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . Pros. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. 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. 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 . 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. 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). You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. Even though I didn't have my period at the time, I wanted to impress the other girls and show that I, too, was one of the cool ones, capable of getting knocked up by one of the popular loud boys. They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. Overall . Change the pad about every 34 hours. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. Your email address will not be published. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . Your email address will not be published. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . 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. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. 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. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. 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. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. How often should I change my tampon? But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. 1. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. But they still can't get lost in your body. Pads are a great option for women who dont like the idea of inserting anything inside their body. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. Steps for removing tampons: WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Again, the decision is totally up to you and if you're still not sure which way to go, try out both and see what you like best. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. What was this cramp? Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. You cant swim in them. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. This is when the female body prepares itself for. 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. 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 . Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. Do tampons really make cramps worse? Pads can also have "wings." Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. For feminists who spend any time online, the idea of period talk being forbidden is hilarious. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. How do you know which one is right for you? 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. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Chris, 35. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. 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. Thanks for signing up. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. (2018). 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. 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? For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? greenhithe village. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. 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. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. While tampons can be a convenient option to wear during the day, they do carry the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) a rare but potentially severe complication caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" Padable told me. 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. 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. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. 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). . 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. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Times have changed. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. Similarly, some tampon users prefer them for movement-heavy activities like dancing or running, as sanitary pads can shift around and cause irritation or limit movement. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. 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. Only use tampons when you have your period. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. 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. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. How often should I change my pad? "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. One version popularised by the fount of all quality urban legends: the world wide web claims theyre chock-full of asbestos, thus making you bleed more so you need to buy more tampons. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? Theyre also less visible under clothing. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. No, but seriously: These guys don . You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. No, free bleeding does not make your period end faster. 1995-2023. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. 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. Ross A, et al. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. (2018). Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). 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. To help you decide which is right for you, we broke down the pros and cons of both options, but remember: ultimately, the decision is yours. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. The answer to this question depends on the individual. (2018). If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. Tampons were always uncomfortable. Should I use scented pads? Plus, today you can find reusable cups, washable pads, and period-proof panties, among other things. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. (2016). Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. 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. We may earn commission from the links on this page. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. Like other menstrual products, cups have their pros and cons, but the pros are pretty impressive. Pros. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications 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. 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. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. 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. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. They arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. Toxic shock syndrome. Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. 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. They cost less than some other reusable period products. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only.