do guys prefer pads or tampons do guys prefer pads or tampons

Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . . Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Those wretched, bulky layers of plastic that ended up in my underwear every month made the whole process very uncomfortable. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? Theyre more cost-effective in the long run. Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition that happens from certain bacterial infections. Menstrual cups are flexible devices made from silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina, with the aim of collecting menstrual blood. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw pads away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. You can reduce your risk of irritation by changing menstrual pads frequently, and choosing pads made from non-plastic materials. A new initiative called . Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. Overall . Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? It can take some time for you to experiment with what products are right for you. Manufacturers made changes to these products in the 1980s, and at least one brand of super-absorbent tampons was taken off the market. Enter your email for 25% off your first order. DOI: Period products: Information about tampons, pads, and more. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Generally, allergy to materials found within tampons is rare but it is still possible for it to occur. They contribute to a serious waste problem, building up in landfills and sometimes even washing up on beaches. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). While diva cups produce minimal amounts of waste, the average woman trashes up to 250 - 300 lbs(Opens in a new tab) of "pads, applications, and tampons" over the course of their lifetime. Yes, pads usually hold more blood than tampons. Alternatively, you can stand to insert a tampon, placing one foot on a higher surface such as a toilet seat. For a lighter flow, get washable pantyliners, and for a heavier flow go for larger maxi pads. 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. 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. Dont leave your tampon in for longer than 8 hours! advised Siriouthay. Its extremely important to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. Consider your comfort, budget, convenience, and any other variables that matter to you when choosing your products. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you don't feel them the same way you do pads.. It is also suggested that menstrual cups are a better alternative for reducing the risk of TSS and other infections. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. Much like well-known drugstore brands, direct-to-consumer tampon brands offer light- and ultra-absorbency options in addition to regular tampons. An applicator is a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. It is absolutely normal to not want to use tampons! Its a rare but life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. The material usually has small holes inside of it so it sucks the period blood into itself. 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. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. Theyre also less visible under clothing. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. 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. Asking for tampons, complaining about tampons, saying they were better than pads because pads are like diapers. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. With maxi pads, you can never feel 100% confident that your pad won't show or that it won't leak. Some women also prefer tampons because they're easier to carry and you . 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. 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. 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. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. While tampons can be a convenient option to wear during the day, they do carry the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) a rare but potentially severe complication caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Many period products contain plastics and harmful chemicals. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? 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.. The best way to reduce the environmental impact is to choose reusable menstrual options, like period panties or menstrual cups. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. 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. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. 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. 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. (2018). Does pulling out a tampon make you feel like you're dragging out a placenta? There can also be varying levels of vaginal dryness and tightness which can impact the ease in which a tampon can be inserted. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. 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. 'Cause you're worth it, and you deserve it. However, depending on their absorbency level, some . That's almost double the amount of maxi pads bought in comparison to tampons. This can cause gray, white, or green discharge, a fishy-smelling odor, itching, and burning during urination. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Others may feel more secure and less exposed with pads, since tampons are internally worn and can be difficult to locate if they are accidentally forgotten inside. When you try one for the first time, wash your hands well, follow the directions carefully, and be sure to relax. "I am PROUD of my pads!" Here's what the different period blood colors mean and when to see your doctor. It served as a quiet tale of tampon use. Many people tend to tense up, resulting in difficulty with insertion. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Another study found that women who used tampons and had "average-to-heavy . They have a big environmental impact, with, They can sometimes irritate and dry out your vagina, making it, need something you can throw in your pocket. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. 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. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. Additionally, the hymen can sometimes be a barrier when first attempting to put in a tampon due to it being a thin membrane-like tissue located at the opening of the vagina. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. To take the tampon out, pull gently on the string attached to the end of it. Talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. 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. 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. Chris, 35. Getting toxic shock syndrome through tampon usage is rare, however. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Steps for removing tampons: Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. I am the heavy flow queen, she said. They must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing after your cycle. I don't understand what guys are afraid of when it comes to this. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? You should not use pads with fragrances as they're unnecessary and can irritate your vagina. 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. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Choosing the right menstrual product can be particularly challenging for people with heavy flows. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don't worry. mess. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position. 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. Some of us use exclusively one kind of product; many of us use a mix. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below? Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. You can expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. 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. 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. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. 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. Tampons are a great option for women who swim or do other athletic activities. 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. If a person experiences a heavy flow, it may be better to use a combination of tampons and pads, with tampons as the primary form of absorption and pads as extra absorption in the event of leaks. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. But while Chinese women have embraced the convenience and comfort of the modern, disposable sanitary pad since its introduction to the Chinese mainland in the 1980s, tampons which by nature allow women to participate in more strenuous activities than pads have yet to catch on. These bacteria can enter the body through the vagina and cause illnesses.. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Pads can be thought of as a safer option than tampons, as pads do not come with the same risk of TSS. Id speculate most Western countries have similar figures. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. All rights reserved. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. 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. All rights reserved. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. It took Siriouthay some time to figure out a menstrual care system that worked for her. Pads are much more environmentally friendly to dispose of since they are made of biodegradable materials. ", Cosmopolitan UK: "A doctor answers all your questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome. I'd speculate most Western countries have similar . 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. 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. Pros. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. But what is better: tampons vs pads? And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. Together, we can build a world where people aren't defined by what hygiene product they have between their legs. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome.