A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection. Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. . 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. We break down why they don't and offer tips for soothing cramps regardless of what's causing them. Theyre also less visible under clothing. find tampons hard to insert or uncomfortable to wear, wear tampons but want some back-up protection against leaks. Tampons should typically be used for no longer than 8 hours, and sometimes an hour or two less than that depending on your flow. Exploring menstrual practices and potential acceptability of reusable menstrual underwear among a Middle Eastern population living in a refugee setting. Even though I didn't have my period at the time, I wanted to impress the other girls and show that I, too, was one of the cool ones, capable of getting knocked up by one of the popular loud boys. Though people have been doing it for ages, the free bleeding movement has been receiving mainstream attention since Kiran Gandhi ran the London Marathon while free bleeding in 2015. Where blood becomes ink, becomes lipstick, becomes art. 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. Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. (2018). Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. oklahoma state verbal commits . Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. If you need help, tell a parent. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. Its not right that tampons are culturally the 'best' and often 'only' period option. 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. 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. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. Tampons are easy to use, but you do need to learn how to put them in. 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. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes for heavier and lighter periods. Pros. Another possibility could be that the tampon isnt inserted correctly. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. Padable told me. Because they are larger than tampons and can be worn for longer periods of time, they can typically absorb more blood than tampons. 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. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. There could be a few reasons why your tampon is not absorbing blood. You can also reduce waste by choosing tampons without applicators. 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. According to a 2017 report from Period Helper a Chinese . Fast facts: Nine things you didn't know about menstruation. 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. Others include menstrual cups, cloth pads, menstrual disks, free bleeding, and period panties like Thinx. 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. To Padable, tampon and pad-users everywhere: we're proud of you too. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. Some tampons have applicators, which are plastic or cardboard tubes that help put the tampon in place. 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. It . It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. Its important to remember to do this because you can sometimes forget you are using one. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. 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. Some people find that using tampons can actually reduce cramps because using a tampon applies gentle pressure on the lower abdomen and can take the focus off the cramp. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. I had enough reasons to hate them. In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Investing in a waterproof mattress protector is also a good idea. Reusable products arent for everyone, however: Menstrual cups can be difficult to insert for menstruators who arent as comfortable touching their own vaginas, and period panties require easy laundry access. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. The first modern tampons, similar to those we use today, were invented in 1929 by a physician named Dr. Earle Haas. Next up: her own show. Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. Early tampon commercial starring Courtney Cox. 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. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. Like pads, tampons also come in deodorizing scents, which can irritate the vagina. 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. If this doesnt seem to be the issue, then its possible that you might be allergic to the materials within the tampon. These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. 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. 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). We include products we think are useful for our readers. You can reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome by using the least absorbent tampon required to manage your flow and changing your tampon regularly. In some places online one wonders whether anything else is ever discussed. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. They also come in deodorant varieties, but these can irritate the vagina. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. Today, tampons typically consist of a small cotton stick with a string attached to one end. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. A feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, Always follow the directions on the label even if youve used tampons before.. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. It is 2018: time for menstrual pad users to reclaim their rightful role at the apex of the feminine hygiene product hierarchy and stand up for what they believe in. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. All rights reserved. Lastly, there may be religious or cultural concerns that discourage or prohibit the use of tampons. 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. Double! Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. You can store tampons before and after use in an opaque plastic bag for privacy. Pads come in different sizes for heavier and . 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. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. Thanks for signing up. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. Tampons are often the dreaded marker of womanhood, but you'll soon learn there's nothing to be afraid of and they actually make life much easier during your time of the month. mess. 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. 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. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. How do I choose the right pad for me? But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. The directions inside the box will explain how to do that. I was at high school throughout much of the 1990s. The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. from Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content. 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. 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). 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. (Tampons admittedly have a minor advantage there.). Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. I don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. The biggest downside to wearing tampons is the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS). Toxic shock syndrome is treated as a medical emergency. We avoid using tertiary references. Pads are rectangles of absorbent materials that stick to the inside of your underwear. Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, both pads and tampons are highly safe. Do tampons really make cramps worse? 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. Some may be slightly shorter in order to be better sized for travel or on-the-go use. "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. Tampons post a slightly greater risk than pads, as theyve been linked to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially fatal infection caused by a buildup of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the vagina. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. (2016). Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. 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. 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. Many users of the product are proudly tolerant or indifferent to the feminine hygiene choices of others. Overall, there is a range of factors that can explain why putting in a tampon can be difficult. With proper care and cleaning, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years, making them a great economical choice. 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). 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. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Black, Brown, Bright Red, and More: What Does Each Period Blood Color Mean? You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. Then, if today is the day, you'll be ready! Heres a look at all the pros and cons of the most popular menstrual products. If youre comfortable using tampons, but not inserting them with your fingers, you may want to choose tampons with applicators. Lauren Rosewarne does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Cons. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. This means that your blood and other menstrual fluids will flow freely, just as they would without any protection. With only 2% of the population using tampons, she provided information about options. Other . The biggest risk is viruses, such as hepatitis, which can be transmitted through dried blood for several days. 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. No, but seriously: These guys don . Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . 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. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. This way, the tampon can absorb your flow more effectively. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons).
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