If you’re exactly in the Team Tampon, or towards Team Pad, or anywhere in between, get ready to get up close and personal with these period basics. We will tell you about the fundamental distinctions between them and discuss whether each type is advantageous or disadvantageous.
So, sit back, relax with your best munching snack and get ready to witness the face-off of tampons and pads in terms of health. When you’re done reading this post, it will help you in making the right decision for your body and daily routine.
Table of Contents
ToggleUnderstanding the Basics: Tampons vs. Pads
In this contribution, some key elements that can define the tampons vs pads health will be outlined.
Tampons: Internal Protection
Tampons are small cylinder-shaped products inserted into the vaginal opening to absorb menstrual blood. They can be developed either as cotton fibers pressed or rayon and are offered in a range of absorption levels.
Tampons are sanitary absorbent products which function by swelling up in the body and trapping blood inside.
Pads: External Absorption
On the other hand, pads, more often referred to as sanitary pads, are worn outside and are stuck to the inner part of underwear. Brands such as Embrace offer pads of different sizes and thicknesses that are intended to collect menstrual flow from the body. Some pads have wings to protect the skin from leaking through to the clothes behind.
The Pros and Cons of Tampons
While comparing tampons and pads, other factors have to be taken into consideration concerning health. The following reasons are that many women prefer tampons.
Pros of Tampons:
Tampons are easier to hide and don’t limit the movement as much as pads. You can go swimming and exercise without having to fear that someone would notice the visible lines of pads. Moreover, they’re also smaller, which is convenient as they can be stored in your purse or your pocket.
Besides this, tampons are better for some women than pads since they are not worn on the surface of the clothes, and if placed properly, the women cannot feel them.
Also, they are considered to be less messy because they soak up menstrual flow before it can come out of the body.
Cons of Tampons:
All the same, the following are the disadvantages of using tampons.
The danger of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is rare, yet TSS is a severe form of bacterial infection. To reduce this risk, only use a tampon for 4-8 hours at a time.
Plus, It also takes time to learn how to use tampons appropriately.
In the long run, perhaps, tampons may be slightly more costly than pads. Moreover, they are not very friendly to the environment unless you get organic or reusable tampons.
When it comes to the tampons vs pad health matter, one has to choose the one that will be comfortable for them. So please remember, there is neither one type of feminine hygiene product for all.
The Pros and Cons of Pads
And with any type of feminine hygiene product, whether tampons or pads, it’s important to consider the health implications. The following section gives an insight into the merits and demerits of pad writing.
Pros of Pads:
Pads are widely used for many reasons. They are very friendly and do not need to be inserted into the vagina thus recommended for first timers. It is possible to see how much of a ‘flow’ you are experiencing this and aids in the tracking of your cycle.
Plus, it should be noted that pads also come in different sizes and can be ordered to be of different thicknesses, ensuring that you are able to get one which you desire.
Another big plus? With pads there is no danger of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Cons of Pads:
In contrast, pads may be uncomfortable to wear when not in use, and they might stick out beneath clothing that is worn tightly. They can also move during issues such as physical exercises, thus leading to breakages or leaks.
Besides this, some users consider them to be less comfortable than the tampons particularly when in hot weather or when fully dressed in swim wear.
Moreover, disposal is a bit difficult with pads especially when they occupy a large volume of the waste disposal bin. Plus, some people get rashes or other skin complications with the materials used in making pads.
Choosing Between Tampons and Pads: What’s Best for You?
When comparing the Tampons vs pads health, there isn’t a clear winner when it comes to the health of a woman. This all boils down to your practical living, how you can get used to, or you are used to in those conditions, and lastly your preferences.
Now, here are some important critical evaluation parameters to consider.
Comfort and Convenience:
Alternatively, there are the familiar types of pads which are easy to use, examples being Embrace Sanitary pads. They are used at night, do not have to be inserted and they are comfortable to use.
On the other hand, tampons offer one more flexibility and do not show under clothing as well. They are suitable when swimming or when you want to get involved in any strenuous exercise.
Absorption And Protection:
Tampons and pads are available in different types based on the absorbencies of the products to your flow. You can buy pads from Embrace as they are perfect for night use, while tampons also provide more extended coverage for women who are busy during the day.
Environmental Impact:
If you are environmentally friendly, look for organic means such as a menstrual cup or cloth. Yet, there are now biodegradable or organic disposable pads and tampons, removing the environmental disadvantage of most feminine products.
Health Considerations:
Looking closely at the choice between tampons and pads, both options are quite healthy as long as they’re used appropriately. There is a very small risk that using tampons can cause Toxic Shock Syndrome, so it’s best not to use tampons of higher absorbances and to change them regularly. If you have a sensitive skin or are easily prone to infections, pads might be preferable for use.
Finally, the best decision is one that suits you the most. Do not be shy to try and test on various products for you to get the best product you need.
Conclusion
Thus, the age-long battle: tampons vs pads – who came out top?
So, the fact of the matter is you cannot get a general answer. Different types of period products meet the different needs of users in the market, and your ideal period product should cater to your needs.
Each is satisfactory as well as unsuitable as described according to the comfort, convenience, and the health issue of the tampons as compared to pads. The best approach? Try out various products in order to find a suitable strategy for oneself.
And let me remind – you are not bound to one option only, choose one at a time, switch it when you wish depending on your activities or the current flow. Therefore, the best course of action is whatever choice you feel most comfortable and confident in during your period!
FAQs
Which is healthier pads or tampons?
Both are safe to use in the right manner but tampons put you at a small risk of toxic shock syndrome if you do not change it frequently. On the other side, the pads are for external use and do not involve such risks.
Do tampons leak more than pads?
Tampons can leak if they are not changed too frequently or if the wrong absorbency is used, on the other hand pads may do a better job of catching leaks due to the size of the pad.
Which is easier to use tampon or pad?
Pads are usually more convenient; they are not to be inserted and thus very useful for first-time users as well.
Do tampons expire?
Yes, tampons can expire. This comes from the fact that old tampons may have lost their sterility, or in some cases, their absorbencies.