The pros and cons of tampons vs. pads and how to decide which is better for your period

• Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear.
• Tampons are a good option because they are small, nearly invisible, and swim-safe — but they can be hard to insert and may carry the risk of vaginal irritation or toxic shock syndrome.
• Pads have the advantages of being easy to use and better for heavy periods, but you can't swim in them and they may be visible under certain types of clothing.

Tampons and pads are two of the most common menstrual products, and there is an unending debate about which is better for your time of the month. We've listed out some of the pros and cons of each product to help you decide for yourself.

Tampons

Tampons are cylindrical vagina inserts made out of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both materials. They can be inserted into your vagina with your hands or with an applicator. Once inside your vagina, they absorb blood - and when you are ready to take it out, you can pull on the dangling string.

Tampons are currently the most popular menstrual product in the US - about 70% of women use them. There are two types of tampons: disposable and reusable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, advises against reusable tampons, as they are more likely to cause fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections. The FDA also advises that tampons be left in your body for a maximum of 8 hours.

Here are the pros and cons of tampons:

Pros

• Size: One of the biggest advantages the tampon has over pads and other menstrual products is its size. Tampons are small and portable. You can easily slip them into your pocket or a purse, and carry them around regularly in case your period ever sneaks up on you.
• Swimming: Tampons are one of the few menstrual hygiene products you can swim with. "One advantage tampons have over pads is that you can go swimming, actively engage in sports and strenuous activities without really worrying about a pad moving around," says Kecia Gaither, MD, a double board-certified OB/GYN and director of perinatal services at NYC Health.
• Invisibility: Another advantage tampons have over pads is that they are invisible. Pads are bulky and can be seen if you wear tight clothing. Tampons, on the other hand, can't be seen and when inserted properly can barely be felt.

Cons

• Harder to insert: Tampons are harder to use than menstrual pads, which only need to be stuck on your underwear. Following the directions on the box that explain how to insert them is the easiest way to use a tampon. Some tampons also come with applicators that make insertion easier. Nevertheless, inserting them can be difficult especially when you are using them for the first time.
• May irritate your vagina: Tampons are more likely to irritate and dry out your vagina than menstrual pads. Tampons are especially not recommended for overnight use. The longer you have your tampon in, the more likely it is to irritate your vagina or cause an infection, like a UTI.
• Risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS): One of the biggest disadvantages of using tampons is the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that develops when the bacteria in your vagina overgrows as a result of the tampon in it. Around 0.8 to 3.4 people out of 100,000 are estimated to get TTS in the US.
  
  Symptoms of TTS include diarrhea, vomiting, fevers, and weakness. To reduce the risk of this condition developing, it is important to change your tampon, every three to four hours. Using a low absorbency tampon also further reduces your risk.

Pads

Most menstrual pads are made of absorbent material like cotton and super absorbent polymer. They are designed to stick on to your underwear and come in different sizes for heavy and light periods. How often you change your pad depends on how heavy your flow is, but a good rule of thumb is to change it every three to four hours.

Pros

• May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons.
• Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. They are also especially great for overnight use. You can use them overnight without worrying about getting up to change it. When your pad is full all you need to do is take a peek at it to know when to change it, unlike with tampons.
• Almost no risk of toxic shock syndrome (TTS): There is almost no risk of developing TTS when using menstrual pads. Studies show that the risk of developing TSS is lower in women who use menstrual pads, than in women who use tampons.

Cons

• Can't swim in them: While pads can be worn for most activities, you can't swim in them. They are likely to get soaked with water and become dislodged from your underwear, which can be a very uncomfortable experience.
• Less discreet: Under certain types of clothing, pads can be visible. Not that this is anything to be ashamed about, but for people who would prefer a more discrete option, tampons might be the way to go.
• They are prone to moving around: Once tampons are inserted they are unlikely to move. Pads can shift out of place and could cause you to stain your clothes.

Insider's takeaway

Choosing between tampons and pads comes down to what your preferences are. "Differentiation between menstrual products is a personal choice as long as they are used as directed, either are efficacious," says Gaither.

They each have pros and cons that could make them a great option for certain lifestyles and an inconvenience for some. For example, if you are a regular swimmer, tampons will be a better option than pads when you are on your period. On the other hand, with pads you don't have to worry about the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome when you use it overnight.

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