the pad/tampon question
 

I've been meaning to ask this, and keep getting distracted, so here it is.

pads or tampons? WHY? are you worried about TSS? do you have a favorite brand? wings or no wings? plastic or cardboard applicator? every time i walk down that aisle, I'm overwhelmed by the choices!!! so... what do you prefer, and why? :)

I myself use pads because my mom wouldn't ever let me near tampons...being they hurt until after youv'e had sex...so they scared me for a long time...even after having sex I wouldn't use them because I didn't know how to, and when I tried I never got it in just right!

The other reason I use pads is because my mother- in- law (before she passed away) get them for free...so I was helping her use up her extra stock (of which I split with my mom, and we each have enough to last at least 6 mo to a yr.)! I do however now know how to use tampons should I feel the need to for swimming or doing a lot of walking/exersize and the like as they really are nice in those occasions for keeping 'clean' and not wanting to wear a mushed up nasty pad...! And the ones I have do not have wings, and that's fine with me...but a lot of people think they are to bulky...so yeah...sorry such a sloppy response...I am getting ready to run out the door for a friends concert! (and yes...I am wearing one of those trusty pads right now!)

I also know a few people who make their own menstral pads from cloth materials...and wash and rewear...but that's just not for me...But they at least look kinda cool ;)

Have a great night!

Pads preferably. TSS - yes. I don't have a preference in brand, but anything that absorbs well enough to prevent stained panties are good enough for me. Sometimes wings don't seem to help unless there are those contours that filter them in and prevent them from leaking. So basically, anything that's comfortable, inexpensive, and keeps me dry would be my choice. It's not too much to ask. :)

Oh, and the scented/perfumed ones are also nice because no matter how often you change it, you will always notice the smell. This will at least neutralize it a bit. :p

Yeah! For the longest time these were the very things that turned me away from using tampons. Dead on. Good to know that it wasn't just me. :)

I use both actually... Pads the first day or two, then tampons. No wings, plastic applicators ;)

Has anyone tried those pads that are designed for thongs? They don't look all that effective to me.

For me, its both pads and tampons, whichever is convenient.

Pads for thongs? How does that even work? *boggle*

If you wear pads you SHOULDN'T wear thongs. So why the hell did they come out with this!!

Definitely tampons! I hate pads. I feel like it looks funny or something and I never feel comfortable. I use Platex Tampons and I love them. They are easy and I am comfortable.

I do have to say though, I didn't where tampons when I first started my period. I ended up having an emergency with a friend of mine and that's all she had, so I had no choice and I've never gone back to pads:)

I don't understand the pad for thongs either. I suspect that it's just a poor marketing ploy. I can't help but imagine the meeting in the new products division where someone (probably a guy) speaks out, "Hey, I've got a great idea, thongs are really popular right now, how about pads for thongs?!"

yeah for tampons!! I hate pads.. well to be honest i don't like tampons either but I prefer them.. usually i use a panty liner as well.. just to make sure.. i'm all about backup protection.. oh.. and i prefer plastic applicators

I use only tampons. When I had my first I used pads, hated the bulky feeling I got, when my second came around, I didn't have any, so Mom went to the store and bought me tampons. My 2 older sisters use them as well so Mom and Dad had expirence(sp?) in this department before I came around. We use Platex, because they hold more and it's a more comfortable fit. We tried Tampax, but they had a little problem, instead of widening, they elongated, to the point where it was not in all the way and left a rather uncomfortable feeling :). Oh and Kotex are ok in a bind, but wouldn't used them too often.

Megs

I use tampons now, I like to stick to cardboards because they're more biodegradable compared to the plastics, though not much better. I used to be worried bout TSS, but too lazy to worry about them really. I know its bad, but I even tend to have them in longer than 8hrs when I sleep with it in and forget to change it sooner. I heard horror stories when i read YM when I was a kid. Some forgetting they even had them in and putting another one in before taking the other out and getting nasty pains. Cleaner than pads, but still can have messes. I have yet to find pantiliners with wings..They used to have those..what happend to them?Im gonna write to tampax and make a fortune.lol.

i find that using a tampon messes my week up a bit by making it longer. Maybe it's all in my head though.

I don't really really like the feeling of pads but the first 2 days, it's not really an option [we're talking HEAVY flow here]. And the last 3 days it varies depending occasion.

Whatever pads'll do but it must have wings. There's really no importance of 'four wall protection' or any fancy gimmicks, and Playex tampns are a thumbs up.

Pads -- both pads and tampons have asbestos in them. I would much rather have that stuff next to my skin then in my body. Best, however, would be "natural" pads. I just don't have the time, money, or patience for that.

i used pads for a long time. the ultra thin always with wings kind. :P i tried tampons a few years ago and just didn't like it for some reason. i don't think i got it in quite right cos it always leaked and i didnt understand how you were spose to keep your hands from getting all bloody when you insert it.. this could be a problem in bathroom stalls. so i didn't use tampons until only recently.. for day 2 or 3 when my period's lighter. it IS a lot more comfortable once you figure it out. i get the ones with applicator. and use pantiliners for backup too.

I used to wear pads all the time until one time when all anyone had was tampons. It was then I started using them and haven't stopped since. They're so much more comfortable and undiaperlike.

Re: the pad/tampon question
 

tampons + pantyliners.

No applicator, O.B. w00tw00t. how's that for biodegradeable :p (and pocketable. discrete.)
(yeah, the blood is kinda gross, but whatever. applicators are pointless imo, and i think i get a better placement this way)
note - if i take one out and put another in (duh) if i'm kinda dry it's a bit uncomfy. but no biggie.

for the liners, been using the unscented with baking soda carefree...but soemtimes i think i want to 'upgrade'.

dunno, maybe not really necessary. :shrug:

:)

hate to sound stupid, but how do you do it w/o an applicator?

I usually use a pad when at home or doing nothing important and a tampon when with my b/f or out doing things. I tend to have back pain when I have my period and tampons seem to make it worse so I try and avoid them when at all possible.

Fingers. If you are interested in trying OB Tampons (the ones without the applicator), they are having a special promotion to get a free sample and a purse pack (http://www.obyou.com/promotions/index.jsp).

My choice depends on amount of flow which varies from cycle to cycle. I've used everything out there except for menstrual sponges and the cups.

I started using tampons out of necessity when I was very young. I was on the swim team and diving team in Junior High, we wore those horrible speedo bathing suits, and I couldn't very well compete while wearing a pad.

But about those pads for thongs... They aren't pads, they are panty liners, and they actually are quite nice if you want to wear a thong during that time of the month. (Like I said, I've tried just about everything).

I am super fussy and will only wear thong underwear, so as a result I only use tampons except while sleeping. I like the o.b. kind WITH the applicator...I've tried the kind without but learned that the only way I'd ever be able to get those in the right place would be to get a map and compass. Also, I find that pads stick to my butt (because the plastic doesn't breathe), and I can't stand wearing them except for the super-thin kind with wings. Tampons are 100 percent more comfortable.

I also like those Instead cups. They take a bit of practice to learn to get in properly (okay, and a Master's degree in rocket science), but they're worth it. You don't have to change them as often and they're very comfortable, plus you can have sex while wearing one.

wow, im surprised at how many people prefer pads! I thought for sure i would read this and see like everyone prefered tampons. huh. anyway, im a tampon lady all the way. doesnt matter what kind.

when i first started my period my mom set me up with pads, but right away my next door neighbor friend turned me on to tampons & that's all i ever used from then on until about a year ago when i started using pads when i am home & tampons if i leave the house. tampons make me feel cleaner, but if i've begun to think it's probably best not to have something stuck up there for a full week...

wings/any brand
playtex unscented tampons

I'm a tampon girl because they are more comfy. I like the cardboard applicators because they are flushable. Scent free...

I'm a combination girl myself. First day or two, I wear both a tampon and a pad. The pad acts as a backup. I never wear a tampon without a pad, because I still would leak, and I can't count the number of panties I've wrecked because of stains. After the flow starts to slow (hey---it rhymes!) I stick with just pads.

Tampons make me cranky. Tried all brands over the years. Still uncomfortable for the most part. Pantyliners aren't made for full-figured girls. It's like trying to aim at a little bitty target when you aren't even paying attention to what's going on.

I only use one kind of pad. Kotex ultra-thin. Comes in a cute pink package. Anyway. It's the only one I've tried that really is 'ultrathin' and doesn't bunched up on my like Always.

I'm a combo girl - Tampax most of the time - the elongation thing is a bit uncomfortable if you are using the plus version, but I find that I have a very hard time removing the kind that widen (like OB and Playtex). I was always afraid the string would snap. I flow so heavy I have to change every four hours max (and that's with super plus). I use pads at night - no wings and no plastic cover because I get a rash.

I have tried the OB without applicator but I can't get it in very easily and it's too messy for me. I have tried the cups, and I liked them the first two times, and then suddenly lost the knack for putting them in, and I always ended up in a mess when I took them out.

Tampons during the day, pads at night.

I buy depending on the designs on the box. ^_^

ok...good topic.
i use tampons with pads for backup. it's awesome cause if i work or something and can't get a bathroom break or if i'm like on a road trip i can go for the full 8 hours, while just one or the other would likely only do me for like 4. i don't trust those little liners, totally too small. at night i just use pads. i use always ultra thin with wings. if my dad brings home without wings i'll use them for the lighter days. i use to swear by playtex softcomfort tampons. my mom always had tampax but i found the cardboard to be too rough getting up there. likely didn't help that i was like 13 and nervous as hell...anyways, then i got to find that tampax wasn't so bad to get up but that it got longer and wouldn't hold enough for me. so i used the playtex for some time but soon found them not holding that much either. now i'm a die hard OB girl, no applicator. seriously, you see them and they're just so cute you can't resist. i gave one to my sister to try and she stuck it up her nose and laughed all night. i guess that's a bit off topic. anyways, i find that they hold more, cause i guess their selling point is that it expands to fit your contour. i'd buy that. it's the only tampon designed by a woman, so i'm all for that. i take a shower in the morning and clean as best i can and then it's usually not messy going in. and if you change them like right on time there's no real mess ever. and even if you're too late the mess isn't nearly as bad as i thought it would have been. i totally reccommend them to anyone. or just buy them and strick them up your nose. they are sooooo cute.

*imagines HER younger sister, a tampon out each nostril, and mum's bra on her head* :D:D

hahaa :lol:

good to hear from another happy O.B. user. w00t :)

Hehe, shannon tells the best anecdotes. Thanks for sharing! :lol:

Tampax tampons with applicator (or is OB the only brand that comes with or without applicators?)

I also use pads sometimes, but usually only at the beginning of my period.

But, I wish I was a boy.

I use pads for the most part simply because they are more comfortable to me. ( I know most people think I am crazy but...)
I use Always with wings. They hold more and stay in place. When I wear tampons, I use tampax pearl they are easy to insert and are comfortable.

Wow, I'm really surprised at the amount of pad users.

I, myself, am a tampon user. I absolutely abhor pads, particularly because I can't stand the idea of sitting in a diaper of blood all day. Tampons are a lot easier to dispose of, and don't smell as funky, either. I don't worry about TSS too much, but I keep it in mind. My favorite brand would be whatever's cheap, and I prefer the applicators that feature cheapness. Sometimes I do use a pantiliner for backup.

Tampons are awesome. all those commercials saying pads feel like a diaper are so right. Gimme a super size absorbency wad of cotton and I'll soak it!! lol

Like some other people have mentioned here, it very much depends on what my body is doing at the time. When its really heavy, I definently prefer pads. Even though they can be sorta bulky, I like the thicker pads over the thin ones. They just seem much more leak proof. With a tampon, you have to change it like every hour, and its just inconvient. However, when it lightens up, then I like to use a tampon as it is more comfortable than a wet pad. As far as which kind of tampon - I prefer the non-applicator type over the applicator. It's just so much easier to control and use comfortably.

I use both on the first couple days cause my period is so heavy, then I just use tampons. They are so much better. You can swim in them, you can't feel them, and there is no feeling og weaing a diaper

( removed )

Hmm...I prefer tampons during the day, and pads at night, with BIG wings!! The o.b. brand of tampons is my favorite, you can insert them wherever is the best place for you. As far as pads, I like the ones for "big girls" (i.e. size 14 and over) with wings, in the "ultrathin" style. Protects the panties like there is gonna be a nuclear war, w/o feeling like you have on a diaper.
My stepmom wouldn't let me wear tampons. She said you couldn't wear them until you lost your virginity So I never got to go swimming when I had my period. She was such a dumbass bitch. *sigh*