We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. 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. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. No, but seriously: These guys don . 1. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. The answer to this question depends on the individual. 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.. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" 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. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. 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. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. 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. Natural pads may be more comfortable and provide healthier options than those containing chemicals. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. 5 Best Tampons - Mar. 2023 - BestReviews 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. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. 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. 14 Tampon Size FAQ: Comparison Chart, Types, Fit, Ease of - Healthline And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. They are also especially great for overnight use. 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. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. 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. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. The 6 Best Pads For A Heavy Flow, According To Gynecologists 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. Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents). They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. They arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. . We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. I don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. 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 . Tampons are a popular menstrual product choice for women during their periods. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. 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? When will tampon users stop shaming pad users? | Mashable For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. It's fully inside your body with the exception . The Best Period Underwear, Cups, Pads, and Products (2023) - WIRED All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. Just throw one in and you're good to go for a few hours, whether you're swimming, playing sports, or sitting down to take your final exams. Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. Dried blood is potentially infectious. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Required fields are marked *. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. We take your words seriously. 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. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. 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. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. How Many Women Don't Use Tampons? | FiveThirtyEight 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. 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. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having penetrative sex, and both having sex and using tampons are totally personal decisions. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. 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. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. Ross E. (2015). Padable told me. Relax and you'll be able to find it. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies - KidsHealth A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. 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. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. 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. It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. 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. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? 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. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. 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. Even if you haven't started your period yet, it's a good idea to be prepared by carrying a few pads or tampons with you, just in case. 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. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. 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. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. And if youre totally comfortable, you can choose applicator-free tampons, which are more compact and reduce menstrual waste. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. Yes, tampons can stop period flow. 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. Some people simply may feel uncomfortable with inserting a foreign object into the body and prefer to use other forms of feminine hygiene products such as pads. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Young Men Are Learning How Menstrual Pads Work on TikTok - Glamour They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you don't feel them the same way you do pads.. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. Most tampons are generally the same length. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. Menstrual pads are apparently an extremely confusing product for young men, according to one of the latest viral trends sweeping TikTok right now. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. Your email address will not be published. You may have trouble with fitting the cup if you have, Youll need to give it a thorough wash after each cycle, Though cheaper in the long term, the initial cost is roughly $25 to $40, depending on the brand, Some cups contain latex, so be sure to read the label if you have a, TTS from menstrual cups is possible when not used as directed, want to have sex during your period without the bleeding, are looking to reduce the environmental footprint of your cycle. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. They were artificially . Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? .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? Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. I think theres a lot of hesitation to try these products because of how were trained to think about our periods: dirty, shouldnt be seen, and evidence of having one should be discarded, said Siriouthay. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. 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. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. 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. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined 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. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. oklahoma state verbal commits . Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. (2018). On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. 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. 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. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? I had my periods when I was 13! They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Nonfoux L, et al. So, "women buy disposable products when they can, but are often forced to rely on donations and/or to create make-shift pads and tampons for themselves, mostly out of toilet paper, tissue or paper towels, but also out of their kids' diapers, old socks, ripped T-shirts or rags." And for many poor moms, kids' needs come first. How to Use a Tampon (with Pictures) - wikiHow They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. Overall . All rights reserved. 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. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. Pros. This makes them great for heavier days and overnight use, as well as saving time and money on the need for frequent change. 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. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. 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. These absorbent panties can hold as much as a couple of pads or tampons worth of blood, depending which ones you buy. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. Theyre also less visible under clothing. That depends. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. 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If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. 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. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. 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. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. All Rights Reserved. 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. greenhithe village. mess. After you remove a pad, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash can (or if you're in school or another public restroom, use the special disposal box found in most stalls). 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. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! Times have changed. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. But they still can't get lost in your body. 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. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. 1995-2023. Pads can come in different sizes. Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw pads away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . 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. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. 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. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Your email address will not be published. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. why do some women "pad shame/bully" women for using pads? Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. 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 youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. Tampons and pads both offer effective protection against menstrual flow, and which you choose depends largely on your own personal preference and lifestyle. 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. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Can a tampon get lost inside my body? Most don't. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. Tampons vs. Pads: Is One Better Than the Other? - Healthline This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. 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. 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.