Still the age-old dilemma of pads vs tampons? Are you still the same personality who constantly believes that pads are an evergreen choice for everyone? Well, the bars have been raised now. Gone are the days when females rely on pads only. Now, in the battle between pads and tampons, both are doing equally well. We need to consider the pros and cons of both in order to make the right choice. For general understanding, let us know what a pad and a tampon are. For people who don’t know about it, let me help you.

What is a tampon?

A tampon is a plug of soft material inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. You need to insert it into your vagina with your fingers or an applicator that holds the tampon inside it. They have a string attached to it. This string is meant to sit outside the body so it can be visible to put it out when it gets full and needs to change.

Pros

You don’t need to be a tampon user to look at the mentioned pros. Their small size makes them fit in any pocket or even in the palm of your hand, that’s why they’re convenient.

Other pros:

• You can easily swim in them.’
• You don’t have to worry about being visible.
• If you fit them properly, you can’t feel them.

Cons

The biggest downfall of wearing tampons is the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. It’s a rare but dangerous and life-threatening disease of certain types of bacterial infections. There are a few precautions that you can take care of if you want to lower your risks of TTS.

• Use the lowest absorbency tampon as you can.
• Change tampons frequently.
• Alternate between pads and tampons when the flow is light.
• Avoid wearing a single tampon throughout the night.
• Inserting them can be uncomfortable, specifically when using it for the first time.
• They can sometimes lead to itching and dryness in the vagina, making things complicated and uncomfortable down there.

How to Choose the Right Tampon?

Tampons also come in different sizes meant for both lighter and heavier days.You may need to try few different tampons in order to know what’s suitable for you.

How often do I change the tampon?

It is recommended to change the tampon every 4-6  hours. It’s significant to remember to change it as sometimes you forget that you’re using a tampon. If it is kept for longer, it may cause harmful bacteria to grow. 

What is a pad

A pad is a thick piece of soft material, typically used to protect or shape something, or to absorb liquid. It has small holes so that the blood can easily be absorbed. This stops the blood from leaking and spilling.

Pros

People with heavy periods always rely on pads. They find it quite comfortable to use pads in place of tampons. They’re also useful if you’re new to the journey of menstruation or have difficulty in wearing tampons.

Cons

• You can’t swim in them.
• They can shift from their place and become uncomfortable most of the time. 
• Like tampons, there’s the environmental factor though reusable options are also there.
• You would not be able to wear them if you wear Thongs or G-strings.

How to Choose the Right Pad?

Usually, they come in different sizes and different pay scales. You need to try a few different sizes to make the right choice. You can also choose the pad according to the blood flow of your cycle. While buying any pad, please make sure to check the labelling as it will tell you whether it’s for lighter or heavier days.

How Often Can One Change Pad?

It is recommended to change the pad every 3-4 hours even if your periods have a light flow. In case of heavy days, consider changing the pad in every 2-3 hours. It is recommended to change the pad every 3-4 hours as it helps in reducing the bacterial infection and the period blood smell.

Both have their pros and cons, and it depends on one’s choices and comfort level, what they want to choose.

Are Tampons better than pads?

There’s no single ‘right’ choice between the battle of tampon and pad. It depends solely on the choices and preferences of one’s comfort level, the type of blood flow, and the type of lifestyle one has. 

Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

• Activity level: If you’re an active swimmer, then tampons would be a good choice for you.
• Comfort: Some people find comfort in tampons, while others prefer pads as they are easy to use.
• Flow: Choose according to the flow and better absorbency level.
• Health: Always use the proper precautions while using tampons to reduce the risk of TSS.

Final Word

There are no right or wrong feminine products in the case of menstrual health. It depends on one’s lifestyle, comfort level and the flow to make the right choice between pads and tampons. One has to review the pros and cons carefully before deciding which one to choose based on the lifestyle and personal choice.

 

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