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

Tampons are inserted into the body and expand to hold the menstrual blood. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body. Other tampons are inserted using a finger. If it continues to happen and youre concerned, its best to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious underlying issues. (Unless it's the first day of their period, in which case, please take a chair. 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. But nearly a century into commercial tampon availability in the West, where does our pad preference come from? They were artificially . Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. Sometimes, pads are called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Relax and you'll be able to find it. 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!) Too cheap to buy a Tempur-pedic pillow? If your periods are heavy, the cup may runneth over long before the 12 hours. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com. Then, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Insert the tampon: Gripping the applicator with your thumb and middle finger, push the smaller tube of the applicator with your index finger to move the tampon into the vagina. But they still can't get lost in your body. 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? Ultimately, it is up to the female swimmer to decide which option works best for her individual needs. Finding the right size and type for your flow takes some trial and error (i.e., there will be accidents). Hemp Oil For Dogs: Benefits, Safety Tips, Dosage and More, My Top 11 Favorite Movies About Wellness and Sustainability. And I used to hate 'that time of the month'. 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. It . Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. Plus, they dont make the whooshy diaper sound that disposable pads often make. Women are also pretty loyal to managing their periods how they always have. Its impossible for you to lose your tampon inside your body. 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. You should still remember to change the pads regularly., Cons. Should I use pads or disposable briefs for my incontinence? Its users choice, said Siriouthay. Tampons were always uncomfortable. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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? 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. It also offers up to 10-hours of leak-free protection to . Learning more about each product can help you figure out which ones the best choice for you. Let's start by explaining what each one is. 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. Heavy flows and cramps can be a common experience during your periods. For those with sensitive skin, irritation or discomfort may occur due to tampon fibers and material, which are often harsher than those in pads. An applicator with a rounded top can be especially helpful for beginners. The tampon is put inside the vagina and absorbs the blood before it comes out. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier. Carry disinfecting wipes with you in case blood gets on other surfaces. 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. Should I use scented pads? 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. In this article, well break down everything you need to know about the differences between pads and tampons. Even though pads are thinner than ever, theyre more likely to be visible under certain types of clothing. Inserting them can be uncomfortable, especially when trying a new one. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 PUBLIC GOODS - All Rights Reserved. The tampons vs. pads debate has been around for what feels like forever. Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. Inserting a tampon in your vagina is more comfortable if you're relaxed. Wearing period panties might be a good way to transition to free bleeding if you want to try it out but are hesitant. Like tampons, theres the environmental factor, though reusable options are now available (more on these later). ", OB-GYN University of Colorado: "How To Insert A Tampon. Additionally, pads do not require any application nor do they pose any risk of irritation or injury associated with insertion. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Pads are rectangle-shaped pieces of absorbent material which you can stick onto the inside of your underwear. Being reusable means you save a lot of money. Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that you stick to the inside of your underwear. 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. Youve got options, and at the end of the day its your period, your prerogative. Things can get messy because you have to use your fingers to fish it out of your vagina, then dump and rinse it. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Can a tampon get lost inside my body? In the broader world, however and most certainly in the blokey realm of professional sport to bring blood out of the bathroom and into a mixed-company, live Olympic broadcast was outright shocking. Some tampons have tampon applicators, thin plastic applicators or cardboard tubes that help users insert the tampons. Only use tampons when you have your period. I had my periods when I was 13! 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. Here are pros and cons of menstrual cups. 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. Nothing could be more personal, more intimate, than how women manage their periods. Also, no matter how thin your pad is, it may be visible under tight or minimal clothing., Pros. You can expect to pay around $0.13 to $0.20 per tampon for a plastic applicator. ), hurting the environment (definitely true), and being old virgins (totally accurate, but that had nothing to do with the tampons). If mum handed you a pad that very first time, you likely kept using them. Here are some things to consider when choosing between the two most common products: tampons vs pads. We may earn commission from the links on this page. The answer could be a mix of the two. Additionally, it could be that the act of putting a tampon in is calming to some people and may temporarily reduce the activity of the hormones controlling your menstrual cycle, resulting in a lightening or stopping of your period. Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. If you need help, tell a parent. Theres a lot of culture-specific stigmatizations around periods, said Siriouthay. But when the sticky backing pulls at your pubes, its back to tampons again. Ahhh, the age-old dilemma of tampons vs. pads. You can choose tampons made of non-plastic materials, like 100% organic cotton, and pads made of quickly regenerating materials like bamboo. Some people simply may feel uncomfortable with inserting a foreign object into the body and prefer to use other forms of feminine hygiene products such as pads. I was too embarrassed to say that I had my period and I hadnt yet learned to use tampons. Mean Girls: you havent lost your virginity if you use a tampon. I didn't turn gay or grow a vagina. You may have a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Most don't. Changing pads regularly also helps to control smells. 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. You cant wear pads as easily when youre swimming. What was this cramp? If your period is heavy, you can change your pad more often. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Dear Chris, You're not so strange. They offer greater freedom to exercise, swim, and play sports than pads. You may see red, brown, and even black blood during your period. Chris, 35. Tampons expand as they absorb fluid, pushing against the vaginal canal, and this can actually contribute to cramp pain, said Siriouthay. Pads and tampons are two of the most common and effective ways to manage period blood. Tampons and pads are two of the most common menstrual products, and there is an unending debate about which is better for your time of the month. It's no different than getting her cold medicine and soup when she . We were accused of being "too afraid" to use tampons (hello, toxic shock syndrome! Maxi pads, like tampons, are made of absorbent materials that soak up menstrual blood. You cant feel them once theyre in properly. However, tampons can be a great option for those who are more active and want to enjoy activities such as swimming without having to worry about leaks. A tampon's absorbent material is pressed tight into a small cylinder shape. You cant feel them when theyre in properly. 20052023 Mashable, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. The opening of the cervix (at the top of the vagina) is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. Mashable is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without express written permission. We want to avoid vaginal infections or materials that could harm our reproductive health. Sit on the toilet. Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US about 70% of women use them. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible. July 1, 2020. 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. Some users find menstrual pads more comfortable because they prefer not to insert a product into their vaginas. They can rip or pull apart when youre removing them. Try to use the least-absorbent tampon that you need. Cramps All rights reserved. Your choice of sanitary products actually has an effect on your menstrual cramps. Im always a bit conflicted about the deployment of a menstrual excuse: I think doing so has some unintended costs for women; for feminism. Dont ever leave a tampon in for longer especially all day or all night. They come in different absorbencies to accommodate light to heavy periods. Maxi pads can shift or bunch up and cause accidents that we really can't afford to have! These are not the same sponges you wash your dishes or tub with! A yeast infection is a fungal infection that can cause itching, burning, redness in your vagina. Despite asbestos not being an ingredient in any tampons wed buy in countries such as Australia or the US, such myths wont die. .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? All of these features make pads the preferred choice for many people. Seemingly, some women are convinced theyve committed a kind of anachronistic, feminine hygiene sin for picking the pad. If the tampon isnt taken out and changed regularly enough, then the tampon can get saturated, leaving it unable to absorb anymore. The upfront cost is more than regular underwear. It can't travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither. People with heavy periods and anyone who's ever woken up to a mess swears by them. Some tampons dont have applicators, and menstruators simply push these into their vaginas using their fingers. Before you ask: Yes, it's worth the price. Unlike tampons, pad users wear them outside of their vaginas, usually using adhesive to stick them to underwear. Sizes vary between brands so getting the right fit may take some (costly) trial and error. Tampons are associated with an increased risk of a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. Pads are often the go-to choice for first-time period users, as they are more visible, larger, and easier to use than tampons. Their two-part design makes them less convenient for changing on the fly. Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause side effects. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. 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. If you do this, you increase your chances of getting a serious medical condition called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). 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. It's unclear how tampons came to enjoy such prestige, even if that power doesn't translate into numbers. Yet for all the clamor, pad users are actually in the silent statistical majority. Do whatever it takes to make you happy and the people around you. In high school people didnt talk about periods much, but when they did it was always about tampons. advise menstruators to choose unscented tampons. If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your mom, dad, or doctor. They're also great if your new to the world of menstruation or have a hard time wearing tampons. 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. But between these options, and the classic tampons and pads, menstruators today have so much to choose from. For those watching in her motherland of China, Yuanhuis story was one of possibilities. 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. Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. You insert it into your vagina with an applicator, or if it's a non-applicator tampon, you can just use your fingers. Cue iron deficiency at best, exsanguination when it gets a little worse. 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). Other tampons can be put in using your fingers.