An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. 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. Ive not been able to locate any data on whether the 90s was a particularly bumper decade for the syndrome, but women my age are quick to whisper about the toxic shock. They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. 1. You can wear them as extra leak protection with pads and tampons at night or on heavy days. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. Relax and you'll be able to find it. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. The answer to this question depends on the individual. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. While in the West its been a very long time since Courtney Cox taught us about internal protection, or since those so white horseriding and windsurfing commercials aired, many women in China report never having heard of tampons or, at the very least, not knowing anyone who uses them. mess. 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. (2018). 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. Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. 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 . We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. 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. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. How do you know which one is right for you? You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! Yes, tampons can stop period flow. Tampons are much less bulky and less likely to move, so you can feel confident while you're out and about! 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. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. A new initiative called . 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. That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw pads away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. 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. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. While there are a plethora of options to choose from, including period panties and menstrual cups, many first-time menstruators will begin with tampons and menstrual pads. 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. Should I use scented pads? When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. 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. 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. Pads are much more environmentally . Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. 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. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. How do I choose the right pad for me? One version popularised by the fount of all quality urban legends: the world wide web claims theyre chock-full of asbestos, thus making you bleed more so you need to buy more tampons. She loves small terrible dogs and responsible driving. (2018). They were artificially . 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.". Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. 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. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you don't feel them the same way you do pads.. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. But a tampon looks like a small tube. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that can cause itching, burning, redness in your vagina. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. July 1, 2020. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. DOI: Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, And finally, gender-neutral menstrual products are now a thing, safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/healthandscience/cumulative-exposure-and-feminine-care-products/, health.clevelandclinic.org/is-toxic-shock-syndrome-still-a-risk-3-things-you-should-know/, unicef.org/press-releases/fast-facts-nine-things-you-didnt-know-about-menstruation, youngwomenshealth.org/2013/03/28/period-products/, health.clevelandclinic.org/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/, Menstrual Cups Work Just as Well as Tampons and Pads, How to Pick the Best Tampon Size for Your Needs. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. 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. Padable told me. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Just throw one in and you're good to go for a few hours, whether you're swimming, playing sports, or sitting down to take your final exams. I don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. 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. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. Wear a pad and you can be (relatively) assured that you won't ruin a whole set of underwear. Your email address will not be published. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Yet walk into your hip start-up's office bathroom or your school nurse's bathroom and (if you're lucky) you'll find a free bucket of tampons. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. If you prefer pads to tampons or aren't yet ready to try a menstrual cup, washable pads are another alternative. I always carry about 3-5 on me.. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. Natural pads may be more comfortable and provide healthier options than those containing chemicals. See you at your inbox! Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. It . But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. I didn't die. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. What's the Link Between Tampons and Cramps? Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. 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. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. 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. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! 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. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. 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. 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). If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. And 70 per cent of women said they were comfortable with continuing to use the cups. (2016). If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. The cervix which is a tissue seen at the opening at the top of the vagina is too tiny for your tampon to pass through. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. 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. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. 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. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. That includes non-menstrual cases, too. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. 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). Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. 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? If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. Spread your knees farther apart than you usually might, so that you have maximum access and visibility while you figure this out, or you can squat and sit like a frog on the toilet seat. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Others find menstrual pads less comfortable. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. We never have to repeat those early teenage memories of being too ashamed of our menstruation to spend a day at the pool. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. Tampon users and pad users can get along. They can shift out of place and wrinkle up in the center when youre moving. In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. What was this cramp? 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. Sit on the toilet. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. I had enough reasons to hate them. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . Let's stop playing and make it happen. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. 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. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. Lets face it: Most menstrual products are pretty female-centric, from their packaging and marketing to their incompatibility with boxers. Pads are directly placed onto the underwear and are designed to catch and absorb menstrual blood. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! A pad may feel bulky to some girls. Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. There are so many reasons I, and millions like me, choose the pad. Nonfoux L, et al. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Alternate between tampons and pads when your flow is light. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. "I am PROUD of my pads!" Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. 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. Pads come in a number of different sizes, from light panty liners to long and thick overnight pads, and in a number of different materials, including synthetics, cotton, and banana leaf or bamboo. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. 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. 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. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. 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!) You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Everyone has their own preferences and comfort levels and not wanting to use tampons is just as valid as wanting to use them. Then try a pad. 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. Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. 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. 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. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics.
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