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. 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. 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. To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . 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. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. (2018). 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. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. While its a medical malady easily avoided by not treating a tampon as a permanent resident, for example the Death From Tampon spectre still haunts. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. I didn't die. July 1, 2020. Where they differ are . How often should I change my pad? It is very common for people to struggle when first putting in a tampon, especially for those who were not properly taught how to do it. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Additionally, it is important to note that tampons are not meant to be worn for more than eight hours at a time and that wearing one for longer can increase the risk for toxic shock syndrome. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). 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. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. Chris, 35. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. One study found that women had to change the cup, on average, 2.8 times less frequently than when using tampons or pads, and that it leaked 0.5 times less often. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Reusable cloth pads are washable pads that work like regular disposable pads, only you dont throw them out. 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. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Ultimately, talk to your GP to find the best and safest product for you. If you need help, tell a parent. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. The average menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days, and the amount of time you bleed each month can vary as well, usually lasting for about 37 days. No, it is not weird to use pads instead of tampons. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. 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!) They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. 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. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. Your email address will not be published. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? tampon loyalists will ask. 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. . (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. 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. Luckily, that can't happen. Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. Required fields are marked *. Tampon users and pad users can get along. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Lauren Rosewarne does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. 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 can reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome by using the least absorbent tampon required to manage your flow and changing your tampon regularly. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. Steps for removing tampons: 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. Cons. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. 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. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. 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. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. (2019). Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. All rights reserved. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. 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. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. Warner Bros. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. You cant swim in them. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. 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. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. 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. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. greenhithe village. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light. 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. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. Tired of tampons? If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore.