Pads/Tampons (look inside)?

Question

I would like some advice on whether you would prefer to use pads or tampons, and why. Which one should I use during a really REALLY heavy period? I'm using pads at the moment, but it's very messy. I would like something cleaner but am scared of TSS.

Answer 1

Emily,
The chances of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome from tampon use is 1 in 17 out of 100,000 women/girls. The higher the absorbency the higher the risk. You should never use tampons while you are sleeping, so use them during the day & use pads at night. You will feel more confident & more secure. But I do highly recommend that if you are going to use tampons that you use the strength that is best for your flow, I will list the gram factor. 6-9 grams - Regular; 9-12 Super; 12+grams Super Plus. If you are a heavy bleeder, and you soak several pads a day when you first start you would want to use the Super Plus or start with the Super and use a reglar panitliner with it, if the tampon leaks out blood then you know you should use the Super Plus the first few days. I know it sounds like you are buying 3 different kinds of tampons but you can also keep in mind that if you use the stronger absorbency & go down to the lowest each month, those 3 boxes can last a couple months or so. But you should change your tampon every 4 hours during heavy flow & are lighter flows you should change at least every 8 hours.
I hope this has helped. So good luck & good ridions to the pads.

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry too much about tss as long as you buy different absorbancies of tampons. For example, when things are heavy use a super or a super plus depending on the amount of blood. When it is a regular light day (toward the beginning and end) use the regular absorbancy. If you are unsure, the best bet is to go wtih regular absorbancy and wear your pad also in case of leakage, until you can get used to the way your periods are and know what absorbancy would be appropriate. Also, that is a good idea for overnight to prevent leaking. TSS is very rare, but the key is in the correct absorbancy and also not keeping the same one in for more than 8 hours a time.

Answer 3

As long as you change your tampon often there is no need to be scared of TSS. Also, I always use namebrand tampons only, but that is just because I think that tampons are a product that the generic is not the same as the brand (personal view). Tampons are way easier and a lot cleaner if you are flowing a lot (personal experience). Good luck and just remember to change every 4 hours or so...and never go more than 8 with one tampon in.

Answer 4

After having tried to wear tampons for several years starting after age 18 I had to stop using tampons due to medical reasons unrelated to the tampon.

I now prefer wearing pads. As for the pads being messy, the way to minimize the chances of that messiness is to change the pad about every 3 hours. If I wait longer than that then I get a real mess on my hands when it comes to my periods.

I also found that increasing my iron levels during that time by eating things like spinach, raisins, and peanut butter (if not allergic to peanuts of course) helped to slow some of the flow down and also made whatever cramping I had going on a lot easier.

Answer 5

tss rarely happens anymore. my husband made me go to the hospital b/c he thought i had tss. went and the doc said that it is a 1 in a billion occurance. that its more then likely my body is telling me not to use them anymore. all i can say is try the tampons for a while and if your tummy starts hurting stop using them. or alturnate them use a pad use a tampon. say during the day use a pad and at night use a tampon, or the other way around. its really up to you.

Answer 6

well im only 18 but since i started when i was 12, i've ALWAYS used tampons...i think they're so much more comfortable and the pads are so0o messy...i just wouldnt want to sit in my own blood for any amount of time...but every one is different...and tss is something to worry about, but just make sure that you dont use them past their limit...if you use the size you need, and change it every 4-6 hours...you should be all set...

Answer 7

Tampons are better if you're active, and they're safe as long as you remember to change them regularly. But use pads at night, because at least 8 hours is too long to leave a tampon in.
During a "REALLY" heavy period, just change your tampon more often, and use a heavier tampon/pad.

Answer 8

I use tampons but they are not for everyone and you are less likely to TSS if you wear a tampon only during your period and not for extended periods in any time...but if you like less of a mess tampons are the way to go

Answer 9

Pads are messy, but I know that the use of tampons can contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease as well as toxic shock syndrome. During a really heavy period, I use bigger pads and then just use smaller pads as my flow lessens.

Answer 10

As long as you change the tampons regularly and frequently, toxic shock syndrome should not be a concern. If you are have extremely heavy periods, you might consider contacting your doctor about going on birth control pills (assuming you're not attempting to conceive), as many pills help to lessen the buildup of uterine lining, and thus lessen the amount of bleeding during your period. You might also consider using the type of birth control that allows you to have only four periods a year (12 weeks of active pills followed by 1 week of inactive pills, during which you have a menstrual period).