Pads or tampons? What do you prefer or which is the better option? It’s a debate that’s as old as time, or at least as old as menstruation itself. There may be pros and cons to both, but the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.
According to Durban-based medical doctor Dr Omishka Hirachund, it is important for all women to understand that the choice comes down to personal preference.
She says that pads might be old-school for some, but some women prefer the comfort they offer as they can accommodate different flow types and are easy to use, especially for those who are first starting their periods. Meanwhile, tampons allow minimal interruptions for those with very active lifestyles, especially regarding water activities.
“Whichever you choose, it’s important to choose a pad or tampon that’s the right size and accommodates your flow, and please remember neither can be flushed down a toilet.”
Dr Omishka Hirachund
‘I prefer pads’
Kamogelo Magolego from Pretoria, who has tried to use both pads and tampons, says she prefers pads because they are a more comfortable option for her.
“I prefer pads because tampons just don’t sit comfortably for me, no matter the size. Also, I was always afraid I’d suffer from TSS (toxic shock syndrome) as a result; hence, I stopped using them.
“I only used them for swimming, but later on realised, I’d rather just not swim if I was on my period. That’s how uncomfortable they made me. Feeling them inside me just made me uneasy, but there are people who find them to work well, and that is also okay.
“We are trying so hard to fight the stigma around menstruation and let young girls know that it is totally normal, but when people raise the opinion that using a pad is unhygienic, it drags us back. We live in a country that has one of the highest unemployment rates.
“Some people find it hard to afford things like pads, so to push a stigma around them is unfair considering that tampons are even more expensive. We cannot push the narrative that one is more important than the other. We should not speak from a place of privilege,” she says.
Kamogelo Magolego
‘Tampons work for me’
Aphe Makhanya from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, who prefers tampons over pads, says she has the best relationship with them and finds tampons extremely comfortable.
“I have used both pads and tampons, but I strongly prefer tampons because they are comfortable, reduce leaking to nil, and I can sleep worry-free,” says Makhanya.
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Use it the right way
Hirachund highlights that choosing the right size and thickness of pads to accommodate your flow can make them more comfortable. Similarly, she says it is also important to find the right size tampon, and they can also be used by women who have never had a sexual encounter; however, it might feel uncomfortable at first.
“There is no medical reason to choose one or the other; it depends on the individual. For individuals with cervical cancer or obstructive genital warts, inserting a tampon might be uncomfortable and difficult, and these individuals can opt for a pad. Also, don’t use a tampon for six weeks after birth,” Hirachund advises.
She also mentions that keeping a pad on for prolonged periods can cause skin irritation.
“Pads can be used overnight without a time restriction. Eight hours is the cut-off for both pads and tampons, preferably 4-6 hours.”
Dr Omishka Hirachund
“But with a tampon, you need to be more careful to keep to this time limit. Never sleep with a tampon overnight to minimise your risk of going over eight hours.”
Toxic shock syndrome
She warns that using a tampon for longer than the prescribed time (eight hours) can increase your risk of toxic shock syndrome.
“In certain cases, there have been rare incidents of toxic shock syndrome in women who have used a tampon for less than eight hours. Toxic shock syndrome is an extremely rare reaction caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream. Signs to watch out for are increased temperature (>38°C), increased heart rate (<>100 bpm), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and lower abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency, and the affected person will have to be admitted to the hospital for antibiotics,” she says.
Hirachund adds that recently we have seen a lot more options available, such as menstrual cups, reusable pads, period pants, etc. She says the benefits of these two options are that they are both reusable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
“It is great to explore what options are out there that suits you. All that matters is good menstrual hygiene and choosing what is comfortable for you.”
Dr Omishka Hirachund is a medical doctor and works for the #KeReady project funded by the DGMT and KFW. #KeReady is a free healthcare initiative for the youth whereby mobile units go into underdeveloped, rural communities to promote primary healthcare. #KeReady Whatsapp Line: 060 019 0000
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