Every woman deserves to feel beautiful and be comfortable all the time… especially during their periods.
It is that period of the year again when everyone on social media is talking about period matters, menstrual hygiene, and all that stuff. It is Menstrual Health Day 2020 (MHD2020). That was yesterday but we steer the conversation on.
Last year we went around asking women the one thing that they swear by to make their period days more bearable. There was a mention of working out, food and diet, the menstrual cup, tracking, and using pain meds.
This is the article: 20 Women Share the One Thing that Makes their Period Days Bearable
This year we did the same round but the focus this time was on the experience that different women have had with their sanitary products, specifically tampons.
Have you ever used tampons?
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
These are the questions that we asked, and we loved the responses. Different ladies have had different experiences with the tampon, which was great because it gave a wider scope of consideration.
Wondering what using the tampon is like? Then read along!
Also, let’s play a game. As you read through the responses, make a random guess which one was mine and comment below. This should be easy… lol.
Great, let’s get to it!
ONE:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
Freeing
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
Three things:
- One is that I have always used pads my whole life and switching to the tampon was freeing in that I no longer felt something ‘sitting’ on my vagina.
- The applicator. I went for the tampons that have an applicator and this made it so easy to wear it. I just had to use it twice before I could completely get the hang of it, which was cool!
- I love that tampons hold the blood inside so I did not have to worry about any form of smell. Also, you do not feel it AT ALL if you insert it properly. The freedom!
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
The fact that tampons hold the blood inside means that I had to deal with longer period days. I normally bleed for four days but with the tampons, I bled for 5½ days. Guess that’s the price… sigh!
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
I am still on the tampons but I am planning on switching to the cup very soon because it is a more bio-friendly sanitary alternative.
TWO:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
Easy to use
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
Two things:
- They are small (can fit in the smallest purses) in case you like being very discreet about your sanitary products.
- Once inserted properly, you can hardly feel them and can go about your day undisturbed.
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
On my two heavy days, I had to complement them with pads to avoid messing my clothes. I was always afraid of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), although rare it’s a possibility.
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
I switched to menstrual cups because I was looking for a better product and the fact that the cup is reusable, with no leaks, and very comfortable to use. Never gone back to tampons.
THREE:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
Super Comfortable
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
- From my experience tampons are super comfortable especially on a swim day or when you want to rock that body-hugging dress.
- Also, they are the best if you keep turning at night no stress no messing up with its positioning
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
You have to be super careful if you have an extremely heavy flow because a tampon can leak!
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
I would try the tampon again
FOUR:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
Efficient & Freeing
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
Compared to pads, tampons are less messy hence I feel cleaner when using one and the freedom to still go swimming.
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
You have to change them more often than you would a pad.
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
At first, I used tampons so that I could still swim while on my period but I continued using them because of how clean it feels compared to using pads.
FIVE:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
At first, it felt weird…walking with something between my legs. And then I also had issues with the “inserting” part. I didn’t know how to use it but once I understood how to use them, it became more comfortable and easier to use.
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
Tampons are easier to change, carry, and dispose of. Nobody likes the loud sound of pad wrappers. It makes you feel like everyone can hear you use it. And I think it improves confidence because you are sure it won’t stain your clothes.
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
I found it putting it on and removing it uncomfortable… especially removing it.
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
Tampons are a bit expensive than regular pads and are hard to access especially in rural areas.
SIX:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
Painful.
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
I started wearing them coz I used to swim at school and I couldn’t wear pads. I like that they keep the pad inside and not outside.
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
I hated the string because you always have to tuck it or hold to pee.
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
I now use a period disc called the Ziggy Cup, which I haven’t heard a lot of people use it but I like it because it lets you kind of forget about your period. I like that it does not have the string and it is comfortable
I heard that period cups are better for you than tampons because tampons have chemicals and the disc is made of medical-grade silicone.
SEVEN:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
Disappointing.
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
I like the fact that it is discreet and that you can move and wear any type of outfit during your periods without it being visible and without worrying about whether your sanitary napkin is well placed or not.
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
I’m not a fan of the shape and putting it inside the vagina. Some stamps are also poorly made and may hurt or be unpleasant.
Why did you switch from tampons (if you did)?
I started using tampons because I wanted to be able to feel freer to move and dress during my periods but after having had a negative experience on two occasions, I decided to stop and turn to the sanitary napkin. As a matter of fact, I used tampons twice, and apparently, there was a manufacturing defect that resulted in excruciating pain in the lower abdomen. I suffered all day and the worst part is that I already suffer from a painful period so it traumatized me a bit and I had to stop using it. I want to find another option that could give me the comfort of moving and getting dressed when I want during my period but in the meantime, I remain faithful to the sanitary napkin.
EIGHT:
In one word, describe your experience using tampons
Weird😂
What do you like the most about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
You don’t have too much worry about “leaking”
Ooooh and you can go swimming!!!
What do you like least about tampons compared to other sanitary products?
They can get uncomfortable if you have it on for too long and it fills up.
NINE:
For the people who have never used tampons:
What is your biggest hindrance for not using tampons?
- They are expensive.
- I do not know how to use them.
- I feel like it would be weird walking around in tampons.
- The fear of inserting. I am used to pads.
There you have it! The different experiences that different women have had with tampons. Which response do you think was mine?Have you ever used tampons? What was your experience? If not, why have you never used tampons? Comment below.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
#PeriodsMatter #MenstrualHealth
Until the next one,
Love and Light.
I need to research more about Toxic syndrome…nonetheless it’s an interesting piece I enjoy stories.
It is an interesting bit actually. Glad you enjoyed it babe
Nice read.
Glad you enjoyed it, siz!