Tampons and pads are the most commonly used menstrual products. The choice between tampons and pads is a personal one but there are some advantages and disadvantages to both. Tampons are more discreet and comfortable but carry a slight risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Pads, also known as sanitary napkins, carry no such risk but tend to be bulkier and inconvenient. As they are non-biodegradable, their use is not environmentally friendly.
For their first period or experience with menstruation, most young girls prefer to use pads, as they tend to be bit more user-friendly. They are available in many sizes and types and they stick onto the inside of the underwear. Some of them have extra wings on the sides, which keep the pad even more firmly in place. Pads can be changed as needed and this depends on the heaviness of the blood flow, but a general rule of thumb is to change them every four hours or so. This will ensure odor free protection, with odor being one of the disadvantages of using pads.
The biggest disadvantage is the disposal of pads. They should be wrapped in toilet paper and placed in the trash if there is no special disposal box. Flushing pads down the toilet should not be done, as they tend to block the drains and cause a lot of problems.
A major difference between tampons and pads is that tampons are much more convenient once the use of them has been mastered. It is not difficult but may be a bit daunting at first, as they must be inserted into the vagina. Once inserted correctly, they are comfortable, convenient and discreet in that they are easier to carry around and odor-free. Swimming with a tampon is not a problem, and playing sports becomes easier and more comfortable.
There is a disadvantage to using tampons, and that is the slight risk of contracting TSS, which is a very rare syndrome that is caused by the growth of bacteria in the tampon. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a potentially fatal illness. This usually only happens when the tampon is not changed for a long period of time, such as 24 hours.
One of the fears of using a tampon is that it will somehow get lost in the vagina. This is a groundless fear, as the opening of the cervix is too small for a tampon to pass through. Some women prefer to use both tampons and pads in order to decrease the risk of leakage, especially when the period is at its heaviest, which is usually in the first couple of days.