They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. Pads are worn in your underwear, completely outside your body. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). They cost less than some other reusable period products. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. Only use tampons when you have your period. 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. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. You can expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. 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. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. Do you ever forget about a tampon? greenhithe village. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. Dried blood is potentially infectious. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. What You Need to Know About Vaginal Discharge, All of Your Questions About Hymens, Answered, The Average Age Teens Are Losing Their Virginity, Why Your Vagina is Dry and What to Do About It, Experts Weigh In on How to Use a Vibrator. Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. 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. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. So my bulky menstrual pad and I sat in the heat on the side of that crystal blue water as my friends urged me to jump in. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. All rights reserved. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. 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. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. Could I have it, too? The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. She cautioned, however, to remember never to use a tampon with a higher absorbency than you need, and to make sure to change your tampon every four to eight hours to reduce your risk of TSS. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. And my experience was shared by others. July 1, 2020. 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. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. 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). It used to be primarily associated with using super-absorbent 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. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. 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. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. Other . If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. 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. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. 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. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Pad users, in their minds, are blind to social norms and addicted to the pleasures of the napkin, a disposable mattress for the vagina. A fellow Mashable employee who genuinely asked to be called "Padable" shared this experience with me: "I havent been shamed a lot for using pads, but I also dont bring it up a lot because I always felt it was weird. Impact of currently marketed tampons and menstrual cups on Staphylococcus aureus growth and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 production in vitro. Toxic shock syndrome. How Often Should You Condition Your Hair? University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Though theres still have a lot of work to do, more and more companies are taking a more inclusive approach in the design and marketing of their products. Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. I had my periods when I was 13! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. 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. 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. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. We avoid using tertiary references. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. 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. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. Tampons and pads are two of the most common menstrual products, and there is an unending debate about which is better for your time of the month. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. There is archaeological evidence of women using tampon-like instruments to help stem menstrual flow dating back to Ancient Egypt, where women used material from the papyrus plant to stop period blood. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. The period game is about more than tampons vs. pads. After you remove a pad, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash can (or if you're in school or another public restroom, use the special disposal box found in most stalls). The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. 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. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. All rights reserved. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. 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.