A time when Girlfriend and Dolly were only seemed to publish stories about toxic shock syndrome. No, but seriously: These guys don . 3 toxic shock syndrome facts. 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. Public Goods asked Maddy Siriouthay, co-founder and Chief Content Officer at Ovee, a brand promoting health for people with vaginas, about the differences between tampons vs pads, and the pros and cons of each. Cramps Tampons and pads are both disposable products. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. 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. Finally, if it is difficult to locate the opening of the vaginal canal, this could also explain why insertion is difficult. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne. Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. Washable Pads. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. It's possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. But I could never use tampons . That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. Could I have it, too? Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. Additionally, some people may be worried about the potential for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although this is very rare and modern tampons must meet strict safety regulations to prevent it. Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. Yes, tampons can stop period flow. 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. Nonfoux L, et al. Firstly, you might be using a tampon with a lower absorbency than is required for your menstrual flow. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. Because they are larger than tampons and can be worn for longer periods of time, they can typically absorb more blood than tampons. Get medical help immediately if youre wearing a tampon and are experiencing any signs of toxic shock syndrome. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. (2018). 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. Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. 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. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Menstrual cups are flexible cups made of silicone or rubber that you wear inside your vagina to catch menstrual blood. Tampons (say: TAM-ponz) also absorb menstrual blood, but they work from inside the vagina. Tampons are also a better choice for swimming. 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. If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. You cant wear them in thongs or G-strings, if thats your thing. You can also choose pads based on how light or heavy your blood flow is.. 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. A small minority reject the binary and use both tampons and maxi-pad, or even diva cups and period underwear, alternating based on the flow of their period or how sexy they're feeling that day. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. 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. Chris, 35. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . You have to wash them, which can be messy, especially when youre out and about. For this reason, it is important to change tampons regularly, as well as to use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow. You need to fish them out with your fingers, which can be quite messy. 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. One possible explanation is that your body may be reacting to the increase of pressure in your uterus when the tampon is inserted. It really depends on the person and what they prioritize in their menstrual care, said Siriouthay, who tests menstrual products. 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. Most tampons are generally the same length. (2016). Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. She let women in China know that, yes, there are ways to swim while you have your period. Heather was the Web Trends reporter at Mashable NYC. Disposable Tampons and Pads. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. Aside from the fact that picturing a hymen as a kind of football banner needing to be ploughed through is indicative of truly horrendous sex education, such an image perpetuates the harmful myth that virginity is all about an intact membrane. Let's stop playing and make it happen. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. 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. There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. All rights reserved. Moreover, many people find pads to be more cost effective than tampons since they generally need to be replaced less frequently. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. Change the pad about every 34 hours. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. Pros. Heres what you need to know about how to insert them, clean them, and more. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. Its for this reason that other internal, having-to-touch-the-blood methods like cups and sponges havent yet gone mainstream. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. 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. A tampon absorbs menstrual blood before it has a chance to come out of your body. 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). Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Tell the person you're dating that you use pads and watch their hopefully attractive face twist in revulsion. Tampons can be more convenient for menstruators on the go. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . 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. Do you ever forget about a tampon? They arent very discreet thanks to the very obvious sound of pulling them off your underwear. 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. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself. They are also especially great for overnight use. You may have trouble with fitting the cup if you have, Youll need to give it a thorough wash after each cycle, Though cheaper in the long term, the initial cost is roughly $25 to $40, depending on the brand, Some cups contain latex, so be sure to read the label if you have a, TTS from menstrual cups is possible when not used as directed, want to have sex during your period without the bleeding, are looking to reduce the environmental footprint of your cycle. If you do prefer pads or tampons, however, Siriouthay said there are a few things you can do to make your period more sustainable. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. Don't flush it in the toilet even tampons that say they're flushable can still cause problems in some toilets. Tampons, in their minds, are sleek, sophisticated feminine hygiene products made for modern women who have lots of sex. They were artificially . University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Menstrual cups are a great alternative to tampons. Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. 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. Free bleeding is having your period without wearing tampons, pads, or any other fluid barriers. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. If the tampon is not inserted far enough, it will not be able to grab onto the blood that is flowing. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. A pad may feel bulky to some girls. Cumulative exposure and feminine care products. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. 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. Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. We all want to make sure we have a safe and happy period. Some girls find that a slender size, applicator-style tampon is easier to use when they first start their periods. Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. A tampon is a small, cylindrical bundle made of cotton, rayon or a blend of cotton and rayon. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. However, those who have sensitive internal organs and/or sensitivities to tampon products may find that tampons make cramps more painful. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation. If you need help, tell a parent. We include products we think are useful for our readers. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours. Ross E. (2015). If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. From reducing waste to recycling and upcycling, our e-book shows simple ways to make choices you can feel good about. See you at your inbox! Another potential explanation is that the tampon may be blocking the flow of blood from your uterus, disrupting the menstrual cycle. Make sure to have one bag for clean tampons and another well-marked waste bag for used ones. Discovery alleges that Paramount undercut their $500 million deal. You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. 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. Do guys prefer pads or tampons; irish word for lion; scary growling sounds; jsm bad cable . 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. Tired of tampons? Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. Overall . Now, that system includes using a tampon on lighter days and doubling up with a heavy absorbency tampon and a pad on heavier days. 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. But a tampon looks like a small tube. Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear.
