When it comes to managing your period, the two main options are tampons and pads. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and what works best for your flow, lifestyle and comfort needs. Both have pros and cons to consider.
How do tampons and pads work?
Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood before it leaves the body. Pads sit in the underwear to absorb blood as it flows out. Here’s a quick overview:
Tampons
- Made of cotton, rayon or a blend
- Have an applicator for insertion into the vagina
- Expand to fit shape of vagina and absorb blood
- Have a string to remove used tampon
- Must be changed every 4-8 hours
Pads
- Made of cotton or other absorbent materials
- Have adhesive backing to stick to underwear
- Absorb blood as it leaves the vagina
- Have different sizes and absorbencies
- Can be changed every 2-6 hours based on flow
Comfort and Convenience
For many women, comfort and convenience are big factors when choosing between tampons and pads.
Tampons
- Can’t be felt once inserted correctly
- Allow you to stay active and swim
- Easy to change discreetly in public restrooms
- Compact and portable
Pads
- Can feel bulky, especially larger sizes
- May need to change more frequently than tampons
- Disposal requires access to trash can
- More visible under clothing
Tampons tend to provide greater freedom of movement and flexibility for sports, swimming and other activities. Pads need to be changed more often than tampons, which can be inconvenient when you’re out and about. However, some women find tampons uncomfortable to insert and wear.
Absorption
Absorption capacity is another key difference.
Tampons
- Better suited for moderate to heavy flow
- Offer up to 9 hours of leak protection
- Absorb blood inside the vagina
- Can handle sudden gushes or flooding
Pads
- Ideal for light to moderate flow
- Provide 2-6 hours of protection
- Absorb blood externally as it leaves body
- Prone to leaking if overflowing absorbency
Tampons generally hold more fluid than pads of the same size. However, oversaturated tampons can leak or bypass, while pads catch leaks but may need to be changed more frequently on heavy days.
Health Considerations
There are some health factors that may make one option preferable for some women:
Tampons
- Associated with lower risk of bacterial infections
- Can be used safely with an IUD
- Should not be used with cervical dilation
- Change every 4-8 hours to avoid TSS risk
Pads
- May be better if prone to irritation
- Recommended after vaginal delivery/surgery
- No risk of TSS
- Can harbour bacteria if left on too long
The main health concern with tampons is toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Changing tampons regularly lowers this risk significantly. Pads may be a better choice after childbirth or certain vaginal procedures when insertion is inadvisable.
Environmental Considerations
The environmental impact may also guide women toward one option or the other:
Tampons
- Mainly plastic applicators and rayon
- Not biodegradable, end up in landfills
- Organic or plastic-free versions available
Pads
- Cotton is more sustainable than rayon
- Reusable cloth pads reduce waste
- Some have biodegradable backing
Both tampons and pads generate waste that ends up in landfills. However, reusable cloth pads provide a more eco-friendly solution. Some brands now offer biodegradable applicators and backing to reduce the environmental impact.
Cost Differences
Cost can also play a role for women choosing between these two period products:
| Tampons | Pads |
|---|---|
| Cost per tampon: $0.10 – $0.35 | Cost per pad: $0.10 – $0.70 |
| Need roughly 20 per cycle | May need 15-40 pads per cycle |
| $2 – $7 per cycle | $1.50 – $28 per cycle |
On average, tampons tend to cost less per period than pads. However, those with longer or heavier flows may need to use more tampons. Pads are more economical for light days. Reusable cloth options save money long-term.
When to Use Pads vs. Tampons
There are some general guidelines on when pads or tampons may work better:
Pads recommended for:
- Very light flow days
- End of your period
- Overnight protection
- Trouble inserting tampons
- After giving birth
Tampons recommended for:
- Moderate to heavy flow days
- Physical activity like sports
- Swimming and water activities
- Comfort with tampon insertion
On lighter days, pads tend to be perfectly absorbent and more comfortable. Tampons offer better protection for active days or heavier flow. Some women use a pad or panty-liner as backup on heavy tampon days as added protection.
Making a Choice
When deciding between using pads vs. tampons, here are some tips:
- Consider your flow – tampons for heavier days, pads for lighter
- Factor in your level of activity
- Think about what feels most comfortable for you
- Choose the eco-friendly option if important
- Have supplies on hand for all flow levels
- Be willing to alternate based on changing needs
It doesn’t have to be an “either or” situation. Having an assortment of tampons, pads and pantyliners allows you to tailor protection to your needs on any given day. Track your cycle so you know what to expect flow-wise. Staying flexible and using what works best for each situation is smart period management.
The Bottom Line
When comparing tampons vs. pads, it’s most often personal preference, flow and lifestyle that determine which one a woman opts to use. Tampons offer more freedom of movement, while pads require less intervention and may be more suitable after childbirth. Try both to see what works best for your needs, or use a combination throughout your cycle.
While disposable tampons and pads generate waste, innovations in materials and reusable options like menstrual cups and cloth pads are improving the environmental factor. Be sure to change tampons regularly and pads frequently for optimal health and hygiene.
Keeping an open mind and stocking a variety of period products allows you to best manage your monthly cycle. Track your flow, listen to your body’s needs and choose the method that provides reliable protection and comfort.