3 toxic shock syndrome facts. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. 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. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. Pros. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. 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. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. How often should I change my tampon? If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. The 6 Best Pads For A Heavy Flow, According To Gynecologists A period so heavy that it prevents you from doing everyday activities isnt, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. 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. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. 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. Most don't. I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies - KidsHealth 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). Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. The directions inside the box will explain how to do that. 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. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Where to Buy Tampons Online Right Now, Amid the Shortage - SELF Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA Could I have it, too? 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. Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. Most tampons are generally the same length. That depends. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. Though people have been doing it for ages, the free bleeding movement has been receiving mainstream attention since Kiran Gandhi ran the London Marathon while free bleeding in 2015. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. 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. 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. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. Reusable cloth pads are washable pads that work like regular disposable pads, only you dont throw them out. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. All rights reserved. In 2011, when I was writing a book about menstruation, women through zero prompting on my part would share their period stories and ask me incredibly elaborate questions (mistakenly under the impression I know anything at all about whats going on). Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! 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. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. Most Americans who have their periods use pads, not tampons, or diva cups, or Thinx underwear, a heroic new underwear that lets you bleed into your pants. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. Thanks for signing up. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. 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. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Why we prefer sanitary pads to tampons - Nigerian women The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. How do I choose the right pad for me? We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. tampon loyalists will ask. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. 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. 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. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. The data (probably) doesn't lie. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. 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. Share on Facebook (opens in a new window), Share on Flipboard (opens in a new window), Stock images perpetuate the myth that women are weaker when they're on their period, YouTube's favorite ghoul boys, Shane Madej and Ryan Bergara, tell us what they've been watching, Now you can pause your Snapchat Streak without any stress, Dictionary.com defines the times with 1,500 new words, revisions, The TikTok 'bold glamour' filter is going viral for its wildly unrealistic beauty standard, TikTok Visionary Lynae Vanee is a 'content creator down for the cause', A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' charity auction raised over $500,000, How to watch 'The Weekend: Live From SoFi Stadium' and bring the concert experience home, Pedro Pascal narrated an audiobook if you want 8 straight hours of his voice, It's time to put 'The Bachelor' out to pasture, Warner Bros. July 1, 2020. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. 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. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. 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. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Others find menstrual pads less comfortable. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. 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. Nonfoux L, et al. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. Pad users, in their minds, are . Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. 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. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. 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. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. Young Men Are Learning How Menstrual Pads Work on TikTok - Glamour Washable Pads. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. 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. Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used tampons and pads . And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. The Best Period Underwear, Cups, Pads, and Products (2023) - WIRED Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . 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. 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. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. 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. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. A fellow Mashable employee who genuinely asked to be called "Padable" shared this experience with me: "I havent been shamed a lot for using pads, but I also dont bring it up a lot because I always felt it was weird. 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. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. Nemours Children's Health and KidsHealth are registered trademarks of The Nemours Foundation. Should I use bladder pads or disposable briefs for my - Nexwear 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. 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. 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. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. Pads can come in different sizes. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. All rights reserved. Why men should buy tampons - BBC News Theyre also less visible under clothing.