Victor Okafor

Tampons vs Pads: Making the Right Choice for Your Period What's better, tampons or pads? This is a question that many young women in Nigeria are asking. The truth is that the answer to this question is not exactly straightforward, as it depends on what works best for each person. As such we will discuss the pros and cons of both of these menstrual hygiene products. We really hope that it supplies you with enough knowledge to make the right choice for yourself. Pads vs tampons What are sanitary pads?? Sanitary pads or menstrual pads are types of menstrual hygiene products that are worn outside the vagina, of which the purpose is to absorb menstrual blood. Menstrual pads are typically made of cotton or a similar material that absorbs a lot of liquid, and is designed to stick to your underwear. When buying a sanitary pad, you can choose between disposable or reusable sanitary pads, and also pick the right sizes for light or heavy flow. Disposable sanitary pads are much more common than reusable sanitary pads, and they make up the bulk of pads available in the market. Your choice depends on your preferences and what works best for you. How often should you change your pad? For proper hygiene practice, you need to change your menstrual pad every three to five hours. It is important to note that bacteria can build up in your sanitary pad even if you have no flow. So, to avoid bad odor and itching, endeavor to change your pad at least every five hours. Since your periods can get heavy when you least expect it, wearing a fresh pad every three to five hours can help prevent accidental leaks due to overloading caused by heavy flow. How to use a sanitary pad Please follow these easy steps to use a menstrual pad properly: 1. Using the sticky strip on the back, insert the pad into your underwear. Some reusable pads are attached to your underwear with snaps or elastic. 2. Replace your pad every few hours or when it becomes soaked in blood. 3. Wrap used pads in plastic wrap or toilet paper and throw them away. Flushing used pads or wrappers down the toilet is not advisable as it lead to clogging. Pros Here are some advantages of using a pad over a tampon 1. More readily available: In Nigeria, pads are the most commonly used type of menstrual hygiene products. They are more readily available and are therefore cheaper compared to tampons. 2. Better for heavy flow: Menstrual pads are generally better for individuals who have heavy flow. Most tampons work best for individuals with light flow and those that are made for heavy flow come with a higher risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) 3. Does not cause Tkxic Shock Syndrome: Toxic shock syndrome is a rare and life-threatening illness caused by infection with certain bacteria. It is commonly associated with tampon use, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Women who use sanitary pads instead of tampons are much less likely to have toxic shock syndrome. 4. You do not need to insert: Inserting a tampon can be a very uncomfortable and sometimes irritating process (for the vagina). Since sanitary pads are externally used, they are less likely to irritate the vagina or cause discomfort. Cons 1. Can be easily noticeable: Sanitary pads are worn outside the vagina and can be visible under certain types of clothes. Even though wearing a pad isn’t something to be ashamed of, some people would rather not call unwanted attention to themselves. For these people, tampons would be a much better option. 2. Can move out of position: Unlike tampons that stay in place once inserted, pads can move out of position causing your clothes to stain. 3. Cannot swim in them: This is perhaps the biggest disadvantage of picking pads over tampons. Wearing a pad in a swimming pool will cause the pad to soak and get dislodged from your underwear. This experience can be inconvenient and embarrassing. What are Tampons? Tampons are cylindrical vaginal inserts that absorb blood when placed within the vagina. They are typically made of cotton, rayon, or a combination of both materials. You can insert a tampon into your vagina with your hands or through the help of an applicator. Once the tampon is soaked and you are ready to remove it, you simply tug on the dangling string. There are two different types of tampons; Disposable and Reusable tampons. Disposable tampons are more common and safer for use; reusable tampons come with increased risks of fungal, yeast and bacterial infections. It is best to avoid them. How often should you change your tampon? Please change your tampons every four to eight hours. Never use a tampon for more than eight hours as the absorbency may be too high. It is important to use the lowest absorbency tampons you can find as this reduces the risks of infections and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). How to use a tampon Inserting a tampon is pretty easy. All you need to do is follow these easy steps. Note: Please wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing a tampon 1. Sit with your knees apart on the toilet. Hold the tampon with one hand, gripping it in the middle between your thumb and middle finger. Hold your index finger on the thinner tube's end, where the cord stretches. 2. Open the folds of skin on your vagina with the tip of the tampon and insert the entire barrel inside, angling towards your back. If you insert the tampon straight up and in, it will not go in smoothly and may be unpleasant. 3. Insert it as far as your middle finger and thumb at the applicator's grip - or center. 4. Hold the grip and push the absorbent part of the tampon into the vagina with your index finger once the barrel is comfortably inside. Press this till it comes into contact with the grip and your other fingers. 5. Pull out the barrel of the tampon with your thumb and middle finger, leaving the thread hanging out. Please do not pull the string! The tampon is inside and tied with string. Once the tampon has soaked through, use this to remove it. 6. Put the applicator back inside the plastic lining (or wrap it in toilet paper) and properly dispose of it. Do not Pros 1. Size: Tampons are small and easy to carry around. This is perhaps their biggest advantage over menstrual pads. Since a period can come at any time, it is important to always stay prepared. You can easily put tampons in your purse or pockets and carry them around in case your period comes suddenly. 2. Discreteness: If inserted properly, tampons can hardly be seen or felt. This is an advantage tampons have over pads: pads are sometimes bulky and can be seen if you wear some types of clothing. 3. Can use them when swimming: If you wear a menstrual pad to the swimming pool, it can get soaked, and dislodged. With tampons you can be sure that your time in the swimming pool will be without such inconveniences. Tampons are generally better for activities that require a lot of movement. Cons 1. Increased risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS): This is perhaps the biggest disadvantage of using a tampon over a sanitary pad. TSS is a rare and life threatening condition caused by infection with certain types of bacteria. It is believed to be associated with tampon use even though the exact mechanism is not properly understood. 2. May irritate your vagina: Tampons are more likely to irritate your vagina than pads are. It is important that you do not sleep with a tampon on, because the longer you have them on, the more likely you are to have an infection. 3. May be difficult to insert: Pads are easy to use. All you have to do is place the sticky side on your underwear. Using tampons can be a lot more difficult and inserting it wrongly can cause a lot of inconveniences. We provide a guide to using tampons earlier in this section, please read it to understand how to insert one. Alternatively, you can use the directions on the tampon box you have purchased. This explains the easiest way to use each tampon brand. The verdict: Tampons vs Sanitary pads So, are tampons better than pads? The answer lies with you, how heavy your flow is, what your every activity is and what you generally prefer. You should use a menstrual pad if: I. You typically have heavy flow II. You do not want to go through the stress of inserting a tampon III. You do not have to wear tight clothes during your period You should use a tampon if: I. You have light flow II. You are a sports person, or you have to move around a lot. III. You can insert a tampon easily without irritating your vagina. In conclusion, whether you choose to use pads or tampons during your period is entirely up to you. Both products have their pros and cons, and what works best for one person may not be the same for another. Pads are readily available, easy to use, and generally better for heavy flow, while tampons offer more discretion and convenience for activities like swimming. However, it is essential to use both products properly and follow good hygiene practices to avoid infections or other health risks. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find the menstrual hygiene product that is most comfortable, convenient, and effective for you. Frequently Asked Questions Is tampon good for heavy flow? Some tampons work well for heavy flow. However, it is best not to use heavy flow tampons as they can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Tampons vs pads for heavy flow Menstrual pads are generally better if you have heavy flow. How often should I change my pad or tampon? It is recommended to change pads every 3-5 hours and tampons every 4-8 hours. It is important not to leave either product in for too long as this can increase the risk of infections. Are reusable pads and tampons safe to use? Reusable pads and tampons are not recommended as they can increase the risk of fungal, yeast, and bacterial infections. It is safer to use disposable menstrual products. Can I flush pads or tampons down the toilet? No, it is not recommended to flush pads or tampons down the toilet as they can cause plumbing issues. Used pads and tampons should be wrapped in plastic or toilet paper and disposed of in the trash. How do I choose between pads and tampons? The choice between pads and tampons depends on personal preference and what works best for each person's flow and lifestyle. It may be helpful to try both products and see which one feels more comfortable and convenient.