Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. Many female swimmers will also take ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory medication to help manage pain and discomfort caused by the period. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. You cant swim in them. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. And we dont have to be embarrassed or ashamed of not wanting to do an activity because of our menstruation or menstrual cramps, either. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Some women strongly prefer tampons over menstrual cups, and there's nothing wrong with thatjust be sure to bring enough tampons to last for your trip. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. 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. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having penetrative sex, and both having sex and using tampons are totally personal decisions. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. It also means less landfill waste and fewer trees being cut down to make paper-based options and packaging. How do you know which one is right for you? Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. All Rights Reserved. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. Padable told me. How often should I change my tampon? 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. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. Similarly, some tampon users prefer them for movement-heavy activities like dancing or running, as sanitary pads can shift around and cause irritation or limit movement. Some people simply may feel uncomfortable with inserting a foreign object into the body and prefer to use other forms of feminine hygiene products such as pads. 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. 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. Incontinence pads are an economic, comfortable, discreet solution for many customers, but if you need more absorbency or prefer the security that full protection provides, a brief might be the best option.Like the Nexwear pads, our underwear provides no-fail protection, comfortable and . For example, if youre going for 6 hours without needing to change your tampon, you may need to switch to a tampon for a lighter flow.. Your email address will not be published. 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. Pads can also have "wings." Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. 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. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. They're also less visible under clothing. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. But what is better: tampons vs pads? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Its also possible that you could be using the same tampon for too long. 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 expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! I didn't die. Ross A, et al. Pads can come in different sizes. Required fields are marked *. 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. We've rounded up popular options based on a range of needs, whether you're looking for a. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. 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. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. For far too long, people who use menstrual pads have been doubly stigmatized: first for their periods, and second, for their feminine hygiene product of choice. The answer could be a mix of the two. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. (2017). Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. (2018). 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. (2016). Yes, tampons can stop period flow. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. But a tampon looks like a small tube. (2019). Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. 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. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. 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 . Sit on the toilet. A period so heavy that it prevents you from doing everyday activities isnt, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. . Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. 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!) Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.