A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. It is important to remain aware of proper hygiene while swimming on your period and take steps to prevent discomfort and the spread of bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome. Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. 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). Washable Pads. Required fields are marked *. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. They're also less visible under clothing. 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. They cost less than some other reusable period products. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. Natural pads may be more comfortable and provide healthier options than those containing chemicals. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. (n.d.). DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. 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. See you at your inbox! The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. 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Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. 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. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. It's fully inside your body with the exception . Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important for individuals to experiment with different menstrual products and discuss their experiences with their health care provider to determine which product is right for them. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). All rights reserved. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. Additionally, the hymen can sometimes be a barrier when first attempting to put in a tampon due to it being a thin membrane-like tissue located at the opening of the vagina. Ross A, et al. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. 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. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. 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. But a tampon looks like a small tube. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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. If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Tampons are much less bulky and less likely to move, so you can feel confident while you're out and about! Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. 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). 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. 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. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. If you have a heavy flow like me, I would suggest a system like this or wear an extra absorbent, extra-long pad, she said. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. Let's start by explaining what each one is. 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. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. 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. 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. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. 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). Yes, tampons can stop period flow. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. Should I use scented pads? Times have changed. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. The amount and duration of your period is determined by a variety of factors and usually does not change with free bleeding. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Pads are much more environmentally . Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. 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. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. 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. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The data (probably) doesn't lie. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. We include products we think are useful for our readers. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Chris, 35. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. They are also especially great for overnight use. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. Cons. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. Pad users, in their minds, are . Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. I'd always offer the sexy super maxi pads I stole from my mom's bathroom to the popular girls in the locker room after they complained about this beautiful, mysterious ailment they called "cramps.". Double! 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. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. tampon loyalists will ask. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having penetrative sex, and both having sex and using tampons are totally personal decisions. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications 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. To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. risk of developing TSS is lower in women who use menstrual pads, 9 reasons why your period may be late, including stress, changes to sleep schedule, and more, The 4 best home remedies for period cramps, The truth about period syncing and the real reason you may be experiencing it, What everyone should know about birth control, from the types to effectiveness, How birth control pills work by tricking the body into thinking it's already pregnant. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. How often should I change my pad? Required fields are marked *. 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. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. 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. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. All rights reserved. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. Next up: her own show. tampon loyalists will ask. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. find tampons hard to insert or uncomfortable to wear, wear tampons but want some back-up protection against leaks. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. 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. 1995-2023. Other . 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. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. 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. Tampons, on the other hand, are less bulky and tend to stay in place, meaning you dont have to worry as much about potential leaks. Pads can also have "wings." Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. Luckily, that can't happen. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. July 1, 2020. 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. Relax and you'll be able to find it. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. 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.
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