do guys prefer pads or tampons

Theyre also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. Theyve come a long way since the bulky, diaper-esque pads you still hear horror stories about. Ross A, et al. 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communications They sometimes minimize the dangers of toxic shock syndrome and refuse to acknowledge that the pantyliner they have in their underwear to catch "excess flow" is actually just a glorified menstrual pad. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. You can expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. Other tampons can be put in using your fingers. Pros. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. See you at your inbox! 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. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. And my experience was shared by others. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). Ross E. (2015). But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. That depends. The average menstrual cycle is between 21 and 35 days, and the amount of time you bleed each month can vary as well, usually lasting for about 37 days. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be reused for three to five years. Part of the reason it took so long for these alternatives to finally catch on, said Siriouthay, is the cultural stigma around menstruation. 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. People believe that gender equality is improving, but the rest of the data tells a different story. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. 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. 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. 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.". 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. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! . She also sent a broader message that elite sport and menstruation can coexist. We take your words seriously. Let's start by explaining what each one is. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. Of all the props, Raccacoonie made a mint. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. Additionally, some female swimmers will choose to refrain from swimming during their period altogether, opting for other forms of physical activity such as yoga or light running. 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. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Pads can't be worn while you're swimming or taking a bath, while tampons are an option. Free bleeding is simply the practice of not using any kind of period protection, such as tampons or pads, to absorb menstrual blood. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. Tampons and pads aren't the only two options by any meanssome girls prefer to use .css-lec2h6{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;background-image:linear-gradient( to bottom, rgba(241, 220, 225, 1), rgba(241, 220, 225, 1));-webkit-background-position:0 100%;background-position:0 100%;background-repeat:repeat-x;-webkit-background-size:0 0;background-size:0 0;padding-top:0.05rem;padding-bottom:0.05rem;}.css-lec2h6:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;background-size:.625rem 3.125rem;}menstrual cups or even period pantiesbut they're certainly the two most common ways to handle your period. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. 1995-2023. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. 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. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. ", TeensHealth from Nemours: "Toxic Shock Syndrome. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. 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. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. 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). They cost less than some other reusable period products. .css-azif86{color:#000000;display:block;font-family:GTWalsheim,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-azif86:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-azif86{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}Are There Different Types of Vaginas? Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. Other girls like pads because they're easy to use, and it's easier to remember when to change them because you can see the blood on them. Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. 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. Pros. /content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/kids/articles/pads-tampons. Give a package of sanitary napkins a try! 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. 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. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. Theyre more breathable than regular pads. Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. Tampons are a popular menstrual product choice for women during their periods. 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. This pressure can cause your body to naturally reduce the flow of blood from your uterus. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. 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. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. 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. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. 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. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. Relax and you'll be able to find it. 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. Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. Again, theres nothing to hide here, but you also dont want to feel self-conscious all day. Share on Facebook (opens in a new window), Share on Flipboard (opens in a new window), Stock images perpetuate the myth that women are weaker when they're on their period, YouTube's favorite ghoul boys, Shane Madej and Ryan Bergara, tell us what they've been watching, Now you can pause your Snapchat Streak without any stress, Dictionary.com defines the times with 1,500 new words, revisions, The TikTok 'bold glamour' filter is going viral for its wildly unrealistic beauty standard, TikTok Visionary Lynae Vanee is a 'content creator down for the cause', A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' charity auction raised over $500,000, How to watch 'The Weekend: Live From SoFi Stadium' and bring the concert experience home, Pedro Pascal narrated an audiobook if you want 8 straight hours of his voice, It's time to put 'The Bachelor' out to pasture, Warner Bros. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #623. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. Many young girls/teens after starting their period have to use pads in the beginning, so in their mind, they connect "wearing pads" with the shame, embarrassment, awkwardness, etc they associated their periods with in the beginning. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. 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. 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. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. 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. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Ultimately, the decision of which product is more healthy comes down to personal preference. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. 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. 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. tampon loyalists will ask. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. 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. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. The choice to use tampons, pads, or a combination of both is a personal one. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Washing clothes and linens in cold water as soon as possible can help keep blood stains to a minimum. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. But what is better: tampons vs pads? Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! ", Mayo Clinic: "Bacterial vaginosis," "Toxic shock syndrome," "Yeast infection (vaginal). 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. But I could never use tampons . In 2011, when I was writing a book about menstruation, women through zero prompting on my part would share their period stories and ask me incredibly elaborate questions (mistakenly under the impression I know anything at all about whats going on). How do I choose the right pad for me? Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. Theyre also less visible under clothing. Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Yes, a flow can be too heavy for tampons. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! oklahoma state verbal commits . Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. If youre prone to waking up to sheets that resemble a crime scene, then the biggest pad with wings is probably at the top of the list. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. If the flow is still too heavy, speaking to a doctor or gynecologist and seeking medical advice may be necessary. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. In 2015, Euromonitor(Opens in a new tab), a market research firm, discovered that women aged 12-54 bought(Opens in a new tab), on average, 111 maxi pads in 2014 but just 66 tampons. A new study found that menstrual cups were just as good, if not better, as disposable tampons and pads at preventing leaks. Theyre less likely to cause irritation than synthetic products. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. I had enough reasons to hate them. Most Americans who have their periods use pads, not tampons, or diva cups, or Thinx underwear, a heroic new underwear that lets you bleed into your pants. An extension of this is discomfort physically or just psychologically at having something inside you for stretches of time each month. 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. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Pads can come in different sizes. Their size makes them small enough to fit in a tiny pocket or in the palm of your hand, so theyre convenient and discreet (not that menstruation is anything to be ashamed of). Cup users also had similar or even lower levels of menstrual blood leakage than those who used tampons and pads . It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Tampons and pads are both disposable products. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); By clicking 'Sign Up' you agree to receive marketing emails from PUBLIC GOODS. 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. 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. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. 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. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. They call menstrual pads wasteful even though used tampon applicators are more popular than grains of sand on a Brooklyn beach. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. Pads are usually made up of an absorbent material and they're designed to stick right on to your underwear. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Disposable Tampons and Pads. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Thats something Siriouthay, who has menorrhagia, knows firsthand. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. With pads, there is less of a risk for dryness, irritation, and exposure to toxic shock syndrome since the pad does not need to be inserted into your body as a tampon does. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. We may earn commission from the links on this page. No, but seriously: These guys don . They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. Dramatically overstated fears of TSS still see some women disinclined to use tampons. Plus, today you can find reusable cups, washable pads, and period-proof panties, among other things. Menstrual pads are apparently an extremely confusing product for young men, according to one of the latest viral trends sweeping TikTok right now. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. I had my periods when I was 13! To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. 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. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. Any surfaces coming into contact with blood need to be properly disinfected. 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. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? They can feel bulkier, especially as they absorb blood, and depending on the pad and clothes youre wearing, can be apparent.. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. mess. Tampons were always uncomfortable. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. Over time, though, I came to grow ashamed of my sanitary napkins as tampon users ascended and "pad-shaming" became more powerful. 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. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. If you have any symptoms of TSS, you should get immediate medical help. The labelling on your pad's packaging will usually tell you details of the size and whether its right for light or heavy period blood flow.. We may hear stigmatizing beliefs about our bodies, such as the notion that tampon use can take our virginity. 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!) DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. Cardboard applicator tampons typically cost between $0.12 and $0.14 per tampon. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . In contrast, Pads catch the blood outside the vagina, so theres no added discomfort from the pad itself.. Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. Then try a pad. May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. Steps for removing tampons: Pads, meanwhile, are not associated with TSS. You cant swim in them. 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? Send us your idea for a post and if we publish it, youll get $100 cash. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. (2018). You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. It is important to remain aware of proper hygiene while swimming on your period and take steps to prevent discomfort and the spread of bacteria. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. No, it is not weird to use pads instead of tampons. I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. Since theyre worn on the underwear, pads are known to shift around, and you can bleed on your clothes and undies, said Siriouthay. Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Its important to note that not all cups are reusable, so be sure to read the label if you prefer a reusable cup. Reusable products, on the other hand, challenge the out of sight, out of mind mentality of menstruation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Double! Pads have the advantages of being easy to use and better for heavy periods, but you can't swim in them and they may be visible under certain types of clothing. 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.