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. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Required fields are marked *. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. You can try doing a skin prick test to figure out if youre allergic to some material in the tampon, and then make sure you go with a different option that is more suitable for your body. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. 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. 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. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. 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 you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. (n.d.). They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. However, some brands of pads can contain synthetic materials and fragrances, which can lead to skin irritation or hypersensitivity reactions depending on the users skin type. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Ultimately, it is your choice as to which type of protection you prefer. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. Disposable Tampons and Pads. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Public Goods asked Maddy Siriouthay, co-founder and Chief Content Officer at Ovee, a brand promoting health for people with vaginas, about the differences between tampons vs pads, and the pros and cons of each. . And my experience was shared by others. Required fields are marked *. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Finally, if it is difficult to locate the opening of the vaginal canal, this could also explain why insertion is difficult. Tampons were always uncomfortable. Could I have it, too? 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. How often should I change my pad? And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. 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. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. Yes, tampons can stop period flow. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. They are also especially great for overnight use. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. Yuanhuis story stood out for me not because of the cramps, but for the swimming-while-bleeding possibility. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet 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. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. 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? 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. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. 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. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? 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). For feminists who spend any time online, the idea of period talk being forbidden is hilarious. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. A picture of a 15-year-old boy from the US clutching sanitary pads and saying he wants to help girls with periods has gone viral. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. mess. Female swimmers will often take precautions when they experience their period while swimming, such as wearing special period-proof swimwear, using special tampons designed for swimming, or using a menstrual cup. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Warner Bros. 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. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. Change the pad about every 34 hours. You cant swim in them. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. 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. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. 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. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. 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. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Other girls like pads because they're easy to use, and it's easier to remember when to change them because you can see the blood on them. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. 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. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Some people simply may feel uncomfortable with inserting a foreign object into the body and prefer to use other forms of feminine hygiene products such as pads. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. In the broader world, however and most certainly in the blokey realm of professional sport to bring blood out of the bathroom and into a mixed-company, live Olympic broadcast was outright shocking. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. The answer to this question depends on the individual. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the 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. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. Pros. 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. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? Steps for removing tampons: For example, if youre going for 6 hours without needing to change your tampon, you may need to switch to a tampon for a lighter flow.. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. 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. 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. 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. Then try a pad. Change to a new tampon at least every 4 to 6 hours. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. 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. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. 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 your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. All rights reserved. To use a pad, peel the adhesive strip off and press it on to your underwear. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. 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. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. "Super" generally means that variety is for heavy flow. Or maybe it's because tampons are sleek and sexy, built like supermodels, and pads are broad-shouldered, aka, "body positive.".
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