Only use tampons when you have your period. Pros. Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. July 1, 2020. This is when the female body prepares itself for. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent tampons. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. How often should I change my tampon? That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. Even though I didn't have my period at the time, I wanted to impress the other girls and show that I, too, was one of the cool ones, capable of getting knocked up by one of the popular loud boys. Finally, if it is difficult to locate the opening of the vaginal canal, this could also explain why insertion is difficult. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . 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.". 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. But I could never use tampons . Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. If using a tampon, it is important to choose the right size, as well as keep up with changing and not letting the same tampon sit in the body for too long. (2018). They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Pads can also have "wings." It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. (Take it from someone whos endured the horror of watching her pad float on by while swimming with friends.). People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. 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. 1. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your 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). University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. No, but seriously: These guys don . Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? 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. Ultimately, its up to each individual to decide what works best for them and if tampons are a comfortable and suitable choice for their needs. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. 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. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. Times have changed. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. A new initiative called . 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. Because they are larger than tampons and can be worn for longer periods of time, they can typically absorb more blood than tampons. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. 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. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. 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. Ross A, et al. 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. Pads are much more environmentally . Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. That depends. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. How do you know which one is right for you? 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. It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . Could I have it, too? They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. A place where period activism is out, is proud. 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. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. You cant swim in them. This article was medically reviewed by Irena Cabrera, MD, OBGYN at. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Either way, says Siriouthay, Periods shouldnt be taboo.. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. Let's stop playing and make it happen. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. 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. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. 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 it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. Other . They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. VanLeeuwen C, et al. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. 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. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. 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. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. While most people who menstruate have had that moment of awkwardness, we dont have to miss our favorite activities for a week every month if we dont want to. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. Cramps Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. 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 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. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Warner Bros. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. ", Sure, #NotAllTamponUsers discriminate. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Discovery to sue Paramount over 'South Park' streaming rights, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 3, Daters have a 'reality gap' about gender equality, Bumble says, The best Xbox controller out there is on sale get one while it lasts, Jenna Ortega channels Wednesday for 'Hot Ones', deadpans her way through spicy wings, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 4. Pads can come in different sizes. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both heavy and light blood flows. Reusable cloth pads are washable pads that work like regular disposable pads, only you dont throw them out. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne. 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. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. 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. Dont leave your tampon in for longer than 8 hours! advised Siriouthay. Ross E. (2015). The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. 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). The answer could be a mix of the two. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. Let's start by explaining what each one is. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. 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. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. All rights reserved. Should I use scented pads? We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. 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. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. One word of caution: frequently changing high-absorbency tampons can cause some vaginal chafing, so you may want to rely on high-absorbency pads or even menstrual cups. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you don't feel them the same way you do pads.. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. Your email address will not be published. Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. 1 in 10 college students struggle to afford panty liners, pads, tampons, and other menstrual hygiene supplies, according to a recent study in BMC Women's Health journal.