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. 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. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. She also sent a broader message that elite sport and menstruation can coexist. I ended up finding out on my first visit to the gynecologist that my vaginal opening is pretty small, which explained to me why tampons never felt right. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. They cost less than some other reusable period products. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. They are also especially great for overnight use. (2016). 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. 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. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. 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. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Plus, today you can find reusable cups, washable pads, and period-proof panties, among other things. Deciding which one to use doesnt have to be hard. 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. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. VanLeeuwen C, et al. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Tampons and pads aren't the only two options by any meanssome girls prefer to use .css-lec2h6{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient( to bottom, rgba(241, 220, 225, 1), rgba(241, 220, 225, 1));-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-top:0.05rem;padding-bottom:0.05rem;}.css-lec2h6:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;}menstrual cups or even period pantiesbut they're certainly the two most common ways to handle your period. No, it is not weird to use pads instead of tampons. They can stain if you dont rinse them right away. You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. On the other hand, with pads you don't have to worry about the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome when you use it overnight. Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. 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. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. Pros. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. Prior to joining Mashable, Heather wrote regularly for UPROXX and GOOD Magazine, was published in The Daily Dot and VICE, and had her work featured in Entertainment Weekly, Jezebel, Mic, and Gawker. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. 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. Toxic shock syndrome. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. 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. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. It . Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. But they still can't get lost in your body. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. Additionally, it is important to note that tampons are not meant to be worn for more than eight hours at a time and that wearing one for longer can increase the risk for toxic shock syndrome. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. Given their way, this sisterhood might even deify Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Fu Yuanhui. This is when the female body prepares itself for. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Double! Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Let's start by explaining what each one is. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. If youre a woman who enjoys this activity, tampons may be a better option. (n.d.). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. If a person experiences a heavy flow, it may be better to use a combination of tampons and pads, with tampons as the primary form of absorption and pads as extra absorption in the event of leaks. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. Let's stop playing and make it happen. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used 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. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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.". 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. (2019). If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. 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. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. Doing so effectively can only be done with quality information. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. 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. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Tired of tampons? This can also happen from using pads, but it is much more rare. We take your words seriously. 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. 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. Pads can come in different sizes. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. Yes, tampons can stop period flow. Most tampons are generally the same length. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. They rework our relationship to periods by creating a sort of ritual of cleaning the products, keeping them to reuse, and, in a lot of cases, putting them on display, said Siriouthay. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. . Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. 1995-2023. This stops the blood from spilling and leaking. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. You cant feel them when theyre in properly. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. They sometimes minimize the dangers of toxic shock syndrome and refuse to acknowledge that the pantyliner they have in their underwear to catch "excess flow" is actually just a glorified menstrual pad. 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. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. 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We avoid using tertiary references. Overall . Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . 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. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. Where they differ are . Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. mess. 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. 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. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. 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. If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. When it comes to comparing tampons and pads, both are generally seen as safe and healthy options for managing menstrual flow. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Change the pad about every 34 hours. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). I always carry about 3-5 on me.. They have a big environmental impact, with, They can sometimes irritate and dry out your vagina, making it, need something you can throw in your pocket. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Theyre also less visible under clothing. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Insert the tampon: Gripping the applicator with your thumb and middle finger, push the smaller tube of the applicator with your index finger to move the tampon into the vagina. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. Additionally, since they are absorbent, they minimize the risk of leaking or staining clothing or other fabrics. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. Most don't. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. Because you can see it, it's also easy to remember when you have to change it. When you change your pads regularly, you stop harmful germs called bacteria from growing in them. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. There are several different factors that go into every menstruators product choice. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. Dont leave your tampon in for longer than 8 hours! advised Siriouthay. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. They can accommodate a light to medium flow. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. Nonfoux L, et al. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. find tampons hard to insert or uncomfortable to wear, wear tampons but want some back-up protection against leaks. You can squat, put one leg up, or sit on the toilet with your knees apart. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. 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? 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. 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. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? If youre just starting out, you may have to try a few sizes to see which one fits you the best. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. 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 don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. 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. They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Pad users, I learned, belonged to an abject underclass: a derelict group of pseudo-humans who enjoyed sitting in "mushy blood diapers" every 28 days. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. I had my periods when I was 13! (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). "I am PROUD of my pads!" Pads have the advantages of being easy to use and better for heavy periods, but you can't swim in them and they may be visible under certain types of clothing. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. (2017). They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. 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!) 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. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. Changing pads often can cut down on any odor. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? 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. 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. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. 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. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. 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. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. 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.