So, you’ve got your period and you have a very important decision to make – whether to use pads or tampons to manage your period. Your mother is encouraging you to use pads because it’s what she’s used all her life and has never faced any difficulty while using them but your friend recently tried out tampons and can’t stop talking about how much more comfortable they are as compared to pads! Don’t worry, you’re not alone when it comes to making this very confusing choice. Some people will swear by pads and others will stand by tampons – however, you must realize that every woman is different and so you need to find what works best for you. Don’t let others decide; make your own choice. Read on to know the pros and cons of both so that you can make an informed decision.
Pads
Pads are rectangular in shape and are made of absorbent materials that help soak up the period blood. They are to be stuck inside your underwear and have flaps, which cover a considerable amount of surface area. Most pads usually have wings on either side that stick to the outer side of your underwear, so as to hold the pad in place and not let it move.
Pros:
- Pads work like magic for people with a heavy menstrual flow as they can be worn longer than tampons
- They are great for girls who are new to the world of menstruation or women who have a hard time inserting tampons
- Unlike tampons, they can easily be worn overnight
- They are super easy to use as you don’t have to insert them up your vagina, unlike tampons
- There are so many different sizes of pads with different levels of absorbency available in the market – you can use different pads for different days depending on your flow
- There is no risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Cons:
- Pads are not the best option if you wish to be active during your period as the friction can cause rashes and irritation
- They can’t be worn while swimming – something that tampons definitely get brownie points for
- They are uncomfortable as compared to tampons because you can’t ignore that wet/damp feeling
- You can’t wear them with lacey/fancy underwear like thongs or G-strings
- They can shift out of place and shrivel up if not stuck properly
Pads are the way to go if you:
- Want to avoid inserting a product (tampons) into your vagina
- Have a heavy menstrual flow and want to avoid having to change your tampons too frequently
- Value a comfortable night’s sleep and wish to avoid overnight staining of your sheets
Tampons
Tampons are plugs made of absorbent fibers with a string attached to one end for easy removal. They are inserted inside the vagina to absorb the menstrual blood and once they’re full, they can be pulled out with the help of the attached string. There are two kinds of tampons – tampons with applicators and tampons without applicators. If you choose to opt for the ones without the applicator, you will have to insert the tampon with your fingers. The tampon applicator is usually made of plastic and makes this insertion process much easier and less messy.
Pros:
- Tampons make swimming possible during your periods
- If inserted properly, you can hardly feel them, unlike the constant noisy/wet reminders from pads
- They are discreet because of their size and can fit easily in your pocket or small sling bags
- No rashes caused due to friction, unlike pads
- Allow you to be more active during your periods, as compared to pads
Cons:
- The greatest disadvantage of tampons is the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a deadly form of bacterial infection. This can occur due to lack of hygiene owed to infrequent changing of tampons. If you choose to opt for tampons, you must remember to change them frequently.
- Inserting them can be difficult, messy and uncomfortable
- They can dry out your vagina and make it itchy
- If you are a heavy bleeder, they may leak and cause an embarrassing mess
Tampons are the way to go if you:
- Are usually extremely active and like to work out and be on the move during your periods
- Are planning to take a dip in the ocean or the swimming pool
- Prefer discretion and don’t have too much space in your bag /pocket
Making the right choice:
Hopefully this comparative analysis has helped you pick your preferred menstrual product based on your priorities, However, it is essential for you to know that you have a greater choice to make – going organic!
Yes, organic pads and tampons exist and they give you greater benefits than the regular ones. You can easily find them on our TWC website – www.thewomanscompany.com
Pros of organic pads / tampons:
- Made of 100% organic cotton
- No chemicals (such as chlorine) used to bleach the cotton
- No dioxins
- No plastic used (our tampon applicators are made of cardboard and pads are plastic-free as well)
- Biodegradable, sustainable and eco-friendly
- They are super soft as they are made of organic cotton so cause less irritation and rashes
