Tampons vs pads: which is the better period aid? If you ask your mum, she’d encourage you to take the conventional route and use a sanitary napkin. But then, some of your gal pals would tell you otherwise and rave about the comforts of tampons. Confusing, right? Now, your period aid is a personal choice. However, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. So scroll down for all the info on tampons and pads to help you choose between them. Read on.
Tampons Vs Pads
Wondering if tampons are better than pads? Here are the pros and cons of both period aids to help you seek clarity on the matter:
Tampons: Pros & Cons
Tampons are cylindrical cotton pads that are worn internally to absorb period blood. Once they’re inserted correctly into the vaginal canal, they’re held in place by the pelvic floor muscles and swell up as they soak up the period blood. Here are the pros and cons of choosing tampons as your go-to period aid:
Pros
Read on for all the tampon pros.
You Can Swim
If you’re a water baby or have a beach vacay coinciding with your period, tampons can be your best friend. They won’t soak up the water and help you swim comfortably minus any leakage.
They’re Not Visible
Since tampons are worn internally, you can easily flaunt a bikini even during shark week.
They Keep Rashes At Bay
Since they’re worn internally, tampons make no contact with sensitive genital skin. They also soak up the blood before it touches the external genitalia and thus keep dampness, irritation and rashes in the intimate area at bay.
They Keep You Comfy
If a tampon is inserted correctly, you won’t even feel like there’s something inside your vaginal canal. Yes, that’s how comfy they are.
Cons
Read for tampons cons.
They’re Worn Internally
Thanks to the virginity taboo, many menstruators fear inserting a tampon into the vagina. (Although the chances of a tampon damaging the hymen are meek) So the biggest hurdle you’ve got to overcome when switching to a tampon is getting comfortable with wearing a period aid internally. Additionally, it takes time to get a hang of inserting and removing a tampon correctly.
Insertion Can Be Painful
Many people might find inserting tampons to be a painful process. However, using a lube on the opening of the vagina can make it easy and facilitate painless insertion.
TSS Risk
The biggest downside of wearing a tampon is the risk of death due to the toxic shock syndrome. This deadly condition is caused when the streptococcus bacteria release toxins into the bloodstream. FYI, TSS is extremely rare and is caused by using highly absorbent tampons or not changing your tampon for more than 12 hours.
Pads: Pros & Cons
Sanitary napkins are also made with absorbent material—usually cotton—and are stuck on the base of the underwear to absorb period blood. Let’s look at their pros and cons in detail.
Pros
Read on for all the pad pros.
They’re Easy To Use
Using sanitary pads is easy-peasy since they are worn externally. They are stuck on the base of the underwear to absorb period blood.
TSS Risk Is Minimal
Since pads are worn externally, the risk of toxic shock syndrome reduces drastically while using them. In fact, you can even wear a highly-absorbent pad overnight without the fear of TSS.
They’re Worn Externally
If you’re someone who experiences pain while inserting tampons, a sanitary pad can be your saving grace during shark week.
Cons
Read on for all the pad cons.
They Can Be Uncomfortable
Since pads are stuck on the underwear, they can move sometimes and cause leakages.
They Can Irritate The Skin
Sanitary pads can lead to dampness and itching in the intimate area. They can also cause irritation and rashes due to friction with the sensitive genital skin.
Which Is Better: Tampons Or Pads?
Both pads and tampons are made with absorbent material to soak up your period blood and keep leakages at bay. However, if you want to pick the winner in the battle of pads vs tampons, there are a couple of factors you need to take into consideration. While the former can be stuck on your underwear, the latter has to be inserted into the vagina. So firstly, you can decide which one to go for based on whether you’re comfortable inserting something into the vagina. Another factor to be considered is the intensity of your blood flow. A heavier period calls for a larger pad or a combination of both pad and tampon. On the other hand, tampons can work well for those with a manageable blood flow and keep you comfier. Additionally, if you want to swim on your period or flaunt a bikini at the beach, then a tampon is the better option for you.
Sirona Recommends Best Tampons
Sirona Non-Applicator Tampons
Sirona’s Non-Applicator Tampons are made with highly-absorbent fibre and have curved grooves for extra comfort and leak-proof protection. They come with a ‘twist-turn opening’ for easy insertion and are super-easy to use for beginners.
Sirona Premium Applicator Tampons
The Premium Applicator Tampons too are made of ultra-soft natural fibres. They have a syringe-like mechanism and come with an applicator to help insert them easily. They’re comfy, odour-free, and come in three different sizes. You can choose one according to your period flow and rely on them for leakproof protection.
Sirona Recommends: Best Pads
Sirona Rash-Free Pads
Sirona’s Rash-Free Pads are a blessing in disguise for those with sensitive skin. They’re ultra-thin, bio-based, breathable, and devoid of any toxic chemicals like chlorine, parabens, and artificial colours. They’re highly absorbent and provide long-lasting, leak-proof protection. They come in two sizes–L and XL and keep you covered–literally.
Sirona Reusable Pads
These reusable pads are designed to give you a contoured, comfy fit and provide leak long-lasting protection from leakages. They’re made with highly-absorbent, breathable material and come with a snap-button closure for easy use. You can wash and reuse them up to 60 times easily and save a tonne of money too.
Now that you have all the deets on both pads and tampons, we’re sure that you finally have an answer to the million-dollar question–which is better: pads or tampons? Happy period, folks!
Featured Image: Pexels
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6 Weird Things We All Do During Our Periods: Here are some relatable period things we’re all guilty of doing
How to prepare your Daughter for her First Period: Here’s how to help your daughter glide through her first shark week ever.
Period Essentials: My Top 5 Period Must-Haves!: These period essentials will make your life easier during that time of the month.
