Tampons come in a range of sizes, from light to heavy absorbencies; can be scented or unscented (though most gynecologists advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons), and can be made of 100% organic cotton or cotton/synthetic blends. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. Pad users, in their minds, are blind to social norms and addicted to the pleasures of the napkin, a disposable mattress for the vagina. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is higher with tampons. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. 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. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. They cost less than some other reusable period products. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual needs. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. 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!) That, by eschewing the more discreet option, renders them less feminist, less empowered, less hip. 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. But I could never use tampons . One study found that women had to change the cup, on average, 2.8 times less frequently than when using tampons or pads, and that it leaked 0.5 times less often. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Some tips to remember for safe use tampons include: There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to menstrual care products. Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. 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. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. You have to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. And they challenge our cultures emphasis on unsustainable, single-use products. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. They create less waste in landfills than disposable products. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. 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. Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. Tampons are a good option because they are small, nearly invisible, and swim-safe but they can be hard to insert and may carry the risk of vaginal irritation or toxic shock syndrome. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. Because pads are simpler to use for menstruators who may not be comfortable inserting hygiene products into their vaginas, they are often the first menstrual hygiene products we are introduced to. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. Ultimately, talk to your GP to find the best and safest product 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. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. All rights reserved. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. Ask your best friend if she has a free pad and watch her otherwise very kind jaw drop to the floor. 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. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Most don't. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. 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. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. 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. 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. Many women use menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. 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. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. Each of these options is reusable, meaning they have less of an environmental impact than disposable pads and tampons. ", Livestrong: "How to Swim During Your Period With Pads. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. However, some users can experience skin irritation from menstrual pad use, especially in hot, moist weather conditions. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Required fields are marked *. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. Tampons are much less bulky and less likely to move, so you can feel confident while you're out and about! 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). 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. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Just dont!. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. 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. If you have really heavy periods, you may need to change it more than every 3 to 4 hours. 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. What was this cramp? Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. We avoid using tertiary references. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Sit on the toilet. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. 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. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. 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. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? 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. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. Chris, 35. tampon loyalists will ask. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. 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.

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