Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. 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. They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. 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. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Washable Pads. For feminists who spend any time online, the idea of period talk being forbidden is hilarious. 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. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. On the other hand, with pads you don't have to worry about the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome when you use it overnight. Are you comfortable inserting something inside yourself, or would you rather let the blood collect into a pad? Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Then try a pad. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. See you at your inbox! They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? 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. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. 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. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. (2018). People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Try out different options to find what works best. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Overall . 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). Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. Menstrual pads are apparently an extremely confusing product for young men, according to one of the latest viral trends sweeping TikTok right now. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. 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. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Most don't. 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. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. 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. Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. 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. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. They're also less visible under clothing. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Tampons are a popular menstrual product choice for women during their periods. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. 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. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. 1. Let's start by explaining what each one is. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. These little cotton cylindrical pads that fit inside your vagina are currently the most popular menstrual product. 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. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. (2018). But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. 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. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. 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. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. 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. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. 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. Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Could I have it, too? What was this cramp? Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. 11 Lack of Confidence. All rights reserved. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of 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. In 2015, Euromonitor(Opens in a new tab), a market research firm, discovered that women aged 12-54 bought(Opens in a new tab), on average, 111 maxi pads in 2014 but just 66 tampons. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. greenhithe village. She also sent a broader message that elite sport and menstruation can coexist. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. 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 Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. Insert the tampon: Gripping the applicator with your thumb and middle finger, push the smaller tube of the applicator with your index finger to move the tampon into the vagina. That depends. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. 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. 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. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Other . That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Public Goods asked Maddy Siriouthay, co-founder and Chief Content Officer at Ovee, a brand promoting health for people with vaginas, about the differences between tampons vs pads, and the pros and cons of each. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you don't feel them the same way you do pads.. Only use tampons when you have your period. You cant feel them when theyre in properly. 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. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. 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. 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. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. All Rights Reserved. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. You cant swim in them. Pros. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. Pros. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. Yes, tampons can stop period flow. It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. (n.d.). Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Due to their size and the way that they are inserted, tampons can only hold a limited amount of menstrual blood before needing to be changed. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. Tampons and pads are both disposable products. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Tampons and pads both offer effective protection against menstrual flow, and which you choose depends largely on your own personal preference and lifestyle. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. 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. (2019). Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents). Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. Relax and you'll be able to find it. We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. 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. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Luckily, that can't happen. 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. 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. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. 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). All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. 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). 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. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. 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. Aside from the fact that picturing a hymen as a kind of football banner needing to be ploughed through is indicative of truly horrendous sex education, such an image perpetuates the harmful myth that virginity is all about an intact membrane. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. 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. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. We take your words seriously. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. 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. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. 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.