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Many girls switch back and forth: Sometimes they use tampons and sometimes they use pads, depending on the situation, where they're going to be, and their menstrual flow. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. 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. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. You may need to test a few different sizes and experiment before picking the tampon thats right for you.. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. All Rights Reserved. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. Thanks for signing up. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. greenhithe village. Your email address will not be published. For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Tampon users and pad users can get along. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. You have to wash them, which can be an issue if you need to change them on the go. ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Nonfoux L, et al. Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you don't feel them the same way you do pads.. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. 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. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? Steps for removing 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. Review the pros and cons for pads and tampons and decide which one works best for based on your lifestyle and personal choice., Cleveland Clinic: "Are Scented Tampons and Pads Bad for You? This string is meant to sit outside your body so you can use it to pull it out when your tampon is full and needs changing., How do I choose the right tampon for me? Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. Tampons, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. (2016). If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. Allergies can also cause irritation, discomfort and other symptoms, so if you find that this is the case then its a good idea to consult your doctor. Most tampons are generally the same length. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. 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. 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. We take your words seriously. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. If a person is scared or apprehensive about putting a tampon in, this can can make it difficult, as the body responds to stress by tightening the pelvic muscles and constricting the vagina. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . 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The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. Padable told me. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. Like other menstrual products, cups have their pros and cons, but the pros are pretty impressive. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. 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. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. Pros. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. oklahoma state verbal commits . 1995-2023. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Pads can also have "wings." If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. 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!) Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. It is important to take the time to get comfortable, to use the right size tampon for your body, to use a water-based lubricant, and to practice relaxation techniques. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. Washable Pads. 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. Most don't. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. 11 Lack of Confidence. The answer could be a mix of the two. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. All rights reserved. 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. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! Where they differ are . Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. It is 2018: time for menstrual pad users to reclaim their rightful role at the apex of the feminine hygiene product hierarchy and stand up for what they believe in. 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. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. 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. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. 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. Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. That depends. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. 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. 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. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. tampon loyalists will ask. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. 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. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. Aside from the benefits, some women may prefer a menstrual cup over tampons because they find it to be more comfortable, they are eco-friendly, and they are free of harsh chemicals. 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. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. 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. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. 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. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. Your email address will not be published. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. No, it is not weird to use pads instead of tampons. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons.