do guys prefer pads or tampons
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. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. Some women prefer menstrual cups because they are a tampon alternative that can be safely worn up to 12 hours. 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. Pros. Senior Lecturer, The University of Melbourne. Double! Overwhelmed by the ever-growing world of period underwear? Answer (1 of 23): Actually, neither! 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. I prefer pads over tampons for a variety of reasons. Push the tampon into your vagina using the applicator or your finger, depending on what kind of tampon you have. Does Peeing with a Tampon in Affect Urine Flow? In Rio, explaining her third-place swim, Yuanhui blamed it on cramps. Most don't. You dont have to worry about them being visible (minus the whole issue of tampon strings in swimsuit). They are confident that their hygiene product is the superior one. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. 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. Calling all Disney adults and 'Titanic' fanatics. They're soft, they're flexible, and they're even more adept than paper towels at cleaning up dog piss on the floor. But a small, angry, and vocal minority of tampon users outshout everyone else. greenhithe village. Sea sponge tampons are small sponges that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. How often should I change my pad? 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. So, "women buy disposable products when they can, but are often forced to rely on donations and/or to create make-shift pads and tampons for themselves, mostly out of toilet paper, tissue or paper towels, but also out of their kids' diapers, old socks, ripped T-shirts or rags." And for many poor moms, kids' needs come first. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having penetrative sex, and both having sex and using tampons are totally personal decisions. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. While tampons and pads are the most popular menstrual products, they are far from the only ones. Id also often hear Ive never used tampons confessions. Should I use scented pads? Jose Garcia, from Miami, Florida, posted his message on Instagram . Use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. (sic) " "I have bought tampons and pads for several girlfriends and my wife, because I love them. Follow her on Twitter @wear_a_helmet. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Using Menstrual Cups. 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. 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. They cost less than some other reusable period products. How do you know which one is right for you? 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. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Theyre reusable, so theyre good for your wallet and the planet in the long run. Review the pros and cons for pads and tampons and decide which one works best for based on your lifestyle and personal choice., Cleveland Clinic: "Are Scented Tampons and Pads Bad for You? A place where Ani DiFrancos Blood in the Boardroom plays on a ceaseless loop. Required fields are marked *. People with heavy periods and anyone whos ever woken up to a mess swears by them. (2018). They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. 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. Solving Problems With Login To iTunes Account As Well As Your iTunes Sign In. Others find menstrual pads less comfortable. Learn how IUDs can affect your menstrual flow and what you can do about it. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. You can find super-absorbent pads that are very thin so you dont have an uncomfortable feeling between your legs all the time., Even though pads can also cause toxic shock syndrome, the risk is much less compared to tampons. 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. Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. Additionally, it is much easier to use a pad versus a tampon, especially when it comes to disposal of the product. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. When was the first time you sat out something you really wanted to do because you had your period? In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Disposable Tampons and Pads. ", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely.". 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. You should change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours. If you have a lighter flow, you may have more flexibility in your choice of product. If you keep it in for longer, it can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to 'Wordle' #622. Sit on the toilet. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). So it's very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light. risk of developing TSS is lower in women who use menstrual pads, 9 reasons why your period may be late, including stress, changes to sleep schedule, and more, The 4 best home remedies for period cramps, The truth about period syncing and the real reason you may be experiencing it, What everyone should know about birth control, from the types to effectiveness, How birth control pills work by tricking the body into thinking it's already pregnant. The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox. The Nemours Foundation. She cautioned, however, to remember never to use a tampon with a higher absorbency than you need, and to make sure to change your tampon every four to eight hours to reduce your risk of TSS. 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. Toxic shock syndrome. Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents). Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. We include products we think are useful for our readers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. Last medically reviewed on September 11, 2019. 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. Discovery to sue Paramount over 'South Park' streaming rights, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 3, Daters have a 'reality gap' about gender equality, Bumble says, The best Xbox controller out there is on sale get one while it lasts, Jenna Ortega channels Wednesday for 'Hot Ones', deadpans her way through spicy wings, Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for March 4. 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. In China as a developing nation with a very different culture around periods it makes sense that tampon use is low. Firstly, pads are generally more comfortable to wear than tampons due to their design, allowing for more airflow and wicking away any moisture. Theyre reusable and some last up to 6 months with proper care and cleaning. Dont be afraid to mix it up to accommodate the stages of your cycle. 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 are not intended to be used at any other time or . "Why do you want to wear an adult diaper?" 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. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. Remove the applicator: Remove the applicator and discard it in the trash. Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. Pads can also have "wings." They believe those who choose pads are weak, anachronistic, regressive. When you start having your period, you can use a pad or tampon to soak up the menstrual blood. 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. Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation that happens when bacteria found naturally in your vagina overgrow. If you have a pet at home, make sure you throw tampons away in a trash can that your pet can't get into. Its not a biological description of our vaginas. Padable told me. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. 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). Pad and tampons might seem like two different species, but both are equally bad when it comes to their affect on mother nature. You dont need to be a tampon user to see the obvious pros of tampons. Thats a lot of pros in the cups favor, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. 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. 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. Comfort is a personal preference, but there are some factors you may want to consider when choosing between tampons vs pads. tampon loyalists will ask. 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. For me, it was in fifth grade at my neighbors swimming pool. If youre not comfortable inserting something into your vagina, thats totally okayyou can choose to use pads instead. When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. 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. The time has come to reclaim the menstrual pad. Outside of Pete Evans-style medical information, a range of cultural and social reasons continue to dissuade tampon use. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. When you insert a tampon, make sure it is inserted far enough so that the string is below the opening of the vagina. If youre going to give free bleeding a try, stained clothing and sheets are pretty much a given. The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. An extension of this are vaguer tampons-make-you-sick fears. 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. Ranging from personal preference to medical concerns. 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. Tampons are compact and easy to transport especially if you go without the applicator, said Siriouthay. See you at your inbox! If you need help, tell a parent. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Change the pad about every 34 hours. Tampon usage also retains an ick factor. If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. That's just my thoughts but I have no idea why as I don't do it myself. No woman alive would be unaware of those will I still be a virgin if I use tampons? concerns. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. Toketemu Ohwovorioleis a freelance writer for Insider. Deciding which one to use doesnt have to be hard. Scented pads and tampons can actually mess with your vagina's natural pH and cause problems including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). 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. 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. Woke, trauma dumping, queerbaiting, petfluencer, and other extremely online words appeared in new or revised entries. In truth, virginity is a cultural category that some people use to define whether weve had sex. Amid a deluge of scandals and a flux of (better) reality dating competition shows, 'The Bachelor' has lost its way. ), I wore my first menstrual pad at the age of 11. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? You should change your pad every 3 to 4 hours even if youre not having heavy periods. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Could I have it, too? Many girls wonder: how do you put them in? Specially designed for heavy flow days, these pads feature special FlexFoam technology for a thin and flexible pad you can barely feel. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. When selecting a tampon, its important to choose one that is suitable for your individual 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. 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. None of this is to say that menstrual pads are inherently more worthy than tampons or even, necessarily a better choice. Of all the feminist alleyways one might stumble down online, a noteworthy one is the menstrual community. For starters, most cups are reusable: just rinse and wear them again! 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. On this occasion, however, a happy consequence of Yuanhuis comments is that she has shed light on options. 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). Pads offer a better option for those with heavier flow days, which may require changing more frequently than tampons. 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. oklahoma state verbal commits . Free bleeding can be cause for concern, especially if you are going out into the public. Menstrual cups can be worn for 4-12 hours, depending on flow and can generally hold more than a normal tampon. And for women with a particularly heavy flow, tampons are oftentimes perceived as less reliable. Lastly, pads are non-absorbent, meaning that your natural fluids will not be trapped nor will any other unpleasant odors be retained. The hymen can separate during tampon insertion and cause discomfort. If you have a heavy flow like me, I would suggest a system like this or wear an extra absorbent, extra-long pad, she said. Period panties, menstrual underwear whatever you call them, theyre a thing. Just dont!. 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. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. Relax and you'll be able to find it. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:. Your vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any form of soap, chemical, or perfume.