Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. .css-azif86{color:#000000;display:block;font-family:GTWalsheim,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-azif86:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}Are There Different Types of Vaginas? Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. 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. That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. greenhithe village. 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, 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 be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. To help you decide which is right for you, we broke down the pros and cons of both options, but remember: ultimately, the decision is yours. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! 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. A tampon is made of absorbent material similar to a pad. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that can cause itching, burning, redness in your vagina. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. Where they differ are . Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. 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. 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. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. 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. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? 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. It's fully inside your body with the exception . Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. Theyre also less visible under clothing. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. Washable Pads. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Pads can also have "wings." Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. 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. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. 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. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. 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. Chris, 35. All rights reserved. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. 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. 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. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. . Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. Other . Change the pad about every 34 hours. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. I didn't die. 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. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.". They come in lots of options to accommodate changes in your flow and activities. The answer could be a mix of the two. A 2000 study by Procter & Gamble found only 2 percent of women in Mexico plugged up during their time of month; the figure improved only slightly in a 1990 Public Health Report survey that showed . Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. 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. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. 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. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. 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 believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Pads can come in different sizes. 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. Each of these options is reusable, meaning they have less of an environmental impact than disposable pads and tampons. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. 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. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. 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. 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. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. 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. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. 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. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. If you menstruate but dont identify as female, this can cause some pretty unpleasant feelings of dysphoria and general discomfort. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. 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. Pad users, in their minds, are . You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. 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. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. 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. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. See you at your inbox! 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. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. We take your words seriously. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. 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.". Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? 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 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. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. 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. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. 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. July 1, 2020. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Theyre more flexible and less bulky than most pads. Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. Like tampons, theres the environmental factor, though reusable options are now available (more on these later). To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. You can get all different kinds of pads, from panty liners to some heavy-duty ones, depending on your flow and how often you want to change them. Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. But while Chinese women have embraced the convenience and comfort of the modern, disposable sanitary pad since its introduction to the Chinese mainland in the 1980s, tampons which by nature allow women to participate in more strenuous activities than pads have yet to catch on. If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean?