When teenage girls first learn about periods, they often have many questions—especially about whether to use pads or tampons. Girls who swim or play sports often worry that pads might get in the way. Before deciding whether to use tampons, it's important to understand how safe they are—especially for first-time users.
You might already know which option works best for your daughter—or you may have moved on to using a menstrual cup. Still, if you’re wondering whether tampons are better or safer than pads, here’s a look at their pros and cons.
Advantages Of Tampons:
Size:
Some girls feel uncomfortable using pads because of their size, while tampons are smaller and easier to manage. They are usually small enough to snuggle with no issue.
No Wet Feeling:
If your daughter wants to avoid that damp, uncomfortable feeling during her period, tampons would be the better way to prevent that wet feeling.
Freedom Of Movement:
Undoubtedly, this is a big advantage of using tampons over using pads. Sports or swimming would be fun-filled and full of confidence as you don’t have any worry about leaking all over your sportswear or swimsuit. Tampons offer much more freedom of movement than pads.
Sensationless:
One major benefit of tampons is that they’re easy to insert and remove using the attached cotton string. If she inserts a tampon properly, it will not give her any feeling of sensation during her period.
Easier To Forget About:
Because tampons are discreet, your daughter might forget she’s even wearing one—and lose track of how long it’s been inside.
Also read: Is A Menstrual Cup An Option For Your Teen?
Disadvantages Of Tampons:
Toxic Shock Syndrome:
Though rare, TSS is still a consideration for risk. TSS, though rare, can occur when super-absorbent tampons are used. It’s caused by a type of staph bacteria. And this absorbency usually attracts bacteria for collecting around the tampons. Hence, it’s safer to use the lower absorbency tampons and instantly visit a doctor if you find any symptoms of TSS.
Getting The Wrong Size:
Tampons are for menstrual hygiene and don’t come in one size only. It can feel a little awkward figuring out which size fits your vagina and flow best. Some are perfect but flood just within an hour whereas some appear ideal but are really big.
Possibly Uncomfortable Insertion:
This happens when your daughter uses a tampon applicator. Since the vaginal area is sensitive, using a tampon applicator can feel tricky at first—especially for beginners. Inserting it incorrectly may cause discomfort or pain, and trying to push it further can make things worse.
Tampons Vs Pads: Who Is The Winner?
Pads are the absorbents worn inside the underwear while tampons are the plugs of absorbents that are inserted into the vagina. Neither pads nor tampons win in every category. Girls select both tampons and pads in huge amounts; hence it’s clear that there is no certain benefit of them. Usually, it’s about selecting the one that fits you the best. If you want less fuss and more freedom of movement, tampons might be the better choice. Besides pads will be your friend if you are okay with wet feeling, longer wear, and no annoying insertion.
Also read: 5 Things Every Mom Must Tell Her Daughter Before She Gets Her First Period
How To Use Tampons For The First Time?
Let us discuss the best ways to use tampons for beginners:
- Wash your hands and unwrap the tampon.
- Hold the string and insert the tampon gently into the vagina.
- Gently push the inner application so the tampon reaches its tip.
- Gently push the inner tube so the tampon moves into place.
- Put the applicator tip into your vagina’s opening and push it towards the lower back.
- Continue pushing it back until you feel that it’s properly inserted.
- Push the inner tube until the tampon is fully inserted.
- Make sure the inner and outer tubes meet, indicating the tampon is in place.
- Gently remove the applicator, leaving the string hanging outside your body.
Also read: Reasons To Reconsider Tampons For Young Girls
Conclusion:
To reduce the risk of TSS, tampons should be changed regularly—this condition, while rare, can be serious. Hence, if your daughter is feeling uncomfortable while using tampons, you should immediately take her to the doctor. You can learn more about Period Panties here. Adira Period Panty helps keep her stain-free and hygienic, whether she uses pads or tampons.
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