Washable Pads. I usually wear pads, just rather have the . By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). 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. It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. 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. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. why do some women "pad shame/bully" women for using pads? (n.d.). It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. Warner Bros. 13 Reasons Why You Should Never Wear Maxi Pads Again All rights reserved. The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. 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. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. Many young girls/teens after starting their period have to use pads in the beginning, so in their mind, they connect "wearing pads" with the shame, embarrassment, awkwardness, etc they associated their periods with in the beginning. 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. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. Additionally, it could be that the act of putting a tampon in is calming to some people and may temporarily reduce the activity of the hormones controlling your menstrual cycle, resulting in a lightening or stopping of your period. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. Let's stop playing and make it happen. 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. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. (2016). Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. Getting toxic shock syndrome through tampon usage is rare, however. 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. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. But a tampon looks like a small tube. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. 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. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Dont leave your tampon in for longer than 8 hours! advised Siriouthay. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! If you need help, tell a parent. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. 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. For far too long, people who use menstrual pads have been doubly stigmatized: first for their periods, and second, for their feminine hygiene product of choice. 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. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Again, regular changing usually can manage any odor concerns. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. 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. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Toxic shock syndrome. Tampons are a good option because they are small, nearly invisible, and swim-safe but they can be hard to insert and may carry the risk of vaginal irritation or toxic shock syndrome. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. 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. Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). You cant swim in them. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. 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. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. tampon loyalists will ask. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Times have changed. Pads are also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. 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. Many people with vaginas have been brought up to experience shame around our menstruation. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. 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. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. 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. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. 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. 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. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. 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. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. 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. 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. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. I had my periods when I was 13! I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Tampons and pads are both disposable products. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. Girl Talk: How to Handle Your Period in the Backcountry Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. 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Should I use bladder pads or disposable briefs for my - Nexwear Tampons, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. They rework our relationship to periods by creating a sort of ritual of cleaning the products, keeping them to reuse, and, in a lot of cases, putting them on display, said Siriouthay. I ended up finding out on my first visit to the gynecologist that my vaginal opening is pretty small, which explained to me why tampons never felt right. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. 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. Do guys prefer pads or tampons - tuep.luistreeservices.us The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. 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. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. 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. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. 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. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. 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. How to Use a Tampon (with Pictures) - wikiHow Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. . They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . This is when the female body prepares itself for. Required fields are marked *.