Switch to Pads?

[parker-tanuki.livejournal.com]

New member here with a few questions.
First some background information about the newbie. I am female, 19 years old, I am not sexually active, I am on the birth control pill yasmin because without it I would have heavy periods that last 2 weeks or have two periods in one month and now I have single week long periods with the whole light day, heavy day, mild couple days then a spot day.
Now for the reason for my questions, I have been having problems with my tampons for the past 3 cycles. I have always always always used Regular Platax Gentle Glide since I was 12, 3 months ago I started "leaking" while using a tampon. The tampon would still be 90% white but yet the blood would just cover (and ruin) my panties. I switched to a larger size tampon, the Super Platax Gentle Glide, it worked for one month but this cycle has been just as messy as the one 3 months ago and it's frustrating. Also, the leakage happens within the first 5-15 minutes of putting a fresh tampon in so I don't think switching to a new tampon would help, the leakage is too much for a simple liner to handle, and I'm not switching to anything larger because these supers aren't very comfortable.
And finally the actual questions! I want to switch to pads (and burn my tampons for being such a pain in the butt) but I have never used more than a simple liner. Are there any medical reasons to not use pads like an increase chance of infections?  What are some good name brands to use? What kind of pad is good for wearing at night?

Thanks
-Parker

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

If you change your pad regularly and clean yourself, you shouldn't have any issues with infection. I use Always, and definitely get something with wings so that they don't slip around. They make overnights, I would suggest getting the long ones for overnight to prevent spillage.

[dindin.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I can't be much help on the pad suggestions, other than to say they're fine to use. :)

Have you ever looked at using a menstrual cup? Women who use them speak in rather glowing terms. You could start by trying an Instead (http://www.softcup.com) which is inexpensive and disposable and see if you like it before investing in a reusable one if you like. I've found that a lot of drugstores carry them if you look.

Good luck!

[winifred.livejournal.com]

I've used pads off and on for most of my menstruating life. As long as you change them (you'll go through several in a day, how many depends on your flow) there is very little risk of infection. It also takes a little practice for nighttime use. Start out with a pad that has wings to lessen the chance of accidents. Ultimately which brand you end up using is the one most comfortable, and the prices are pretty uniform across brands.

I'll give you a recommendation to start with: Always Thin Regular with wings. Once you get used to wearing pads you can try other options, including environmentally-friendly reusable cloth pads.

[briar-witch.livejournal.com]

I use cloth pads, which are very comfortable (much more so than the disposable pads, in my opinion), reusable, and easier on the environment. I love my cloth pads, they're so comfy! To clean them I soak them in cold water for a bit, then toss them in with my regular laundry. For wearing at night, there are heavier, longer cloth pads available. You can also make your own, if you're so inclined and can sew.

I also have the same problem with the tampon absorbing more on one side than the other. It started when I was in my late teens, early twenties, after I'd been using them for at least a couple of years. Not sure why it happens, or what prompted the change.

[original-cliche.livejournal.com]

I adore my cloth too!

[whoremoan.livejournal.com]

I've always preferred Kotex ultrathin with wings when I use pads. The only difference between night and daywear for me is at night wings are absolutely vital or I will leak everywhere. I think pads are a little safer than tampons because of the TSS risk.

[uozlulu.livejournal.com]

I have used StayFree Super Maxi for twelves and a half years now, and they have never once let me down. They also have cores in them to keep from spilling over. They also don't get in my way when I want to do things.

I never used tampons though since when I tried, several brands hurt me very badly.

[leahpia77.livejournal.com]

Actually, between pads and tampons, pads are the safest and more sanitary option; they're just more annoying and feel like you're wearing a diaper. I started out wearing pads and graduated to tampons. Then a friend told me about menstrual cups, and even though I initially resisted the idea, the benefits (reduction of paper products in landfill; lack of dryness from tampons; saving money on buying paper products; not feeling like I'm wearing a diaper) way outweighed any cons I could think of. I've been using a Diva Cup (http://divacup.com/) for about 3 years and I've never looked back.

[redheadedrebel.livejournal.com]

From just about the beginning I have used Always Ultra Thins with wings. I think that what they are called. Definitely go for thin and wings.The wings keep them in place and if I use anything other than thin, it feels like a diaper. For night time i just use the night time ones which are much longer.

I've just about completely switched over to tampons. I use the tampax pearls. However i still sometimes wear the pads just in case for heavy days or I just switch to pads for the end of the period light days.

Usually the diffferent feminine product websites have where you can get samples sent to you. Maybe you could try different brands of tampons or even pads before deciding to completely switch.

[belinconnu.livejournal.com]

I'd also advise to be very wary of if they're scented when buying pads should you choose to go that way, it's an uncomfortable way to discover you have a fragrence allergy.

[t4-flirt.livejournal.com]

I've always used the Always with wings for my pad use...I'm mainly a tampon girl. Have you tried switching tampon brands at all? If so, try Tampax Pearl. I find that they work wonders for me.

I would also recommend looking into cloth pads...I am thinking of doing a switch to them(since I rarely wear pads except at night or during days with heavy cramping).

Good luck to you with whatever product(s) you choose!

[kimontheisland.livejournal.com]

I used pads when I first started my period at 14, then I graduated to tampons and then Instead and now the Diva Cup.

I know that one or two other women suggested trying the Diva Cup and I definitely hold mine in high regard! As well as the many other good qualities mentioned, I really like that you can totally sterilize it and that, unlike a tampon, there's no risk of any weird fibers coming off of it in your vagina, or weird chemicals for that matter.

I used to experience leakage with tampons all the time-- It was pretty much a guarantee. With the Diva Cup, though, I can honestly say there is absolutely none once you get the hang of getting a good seal.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[r0x.livejournal.com]

I always use pads. I don't get along with tampons and I've never got around to buying a cup.

I use Always Ultra Normal with wings, or Always with Silk if they don't have any normal ones. I find them comfortable. It's easier to see when you need to change your pad too, if you're unexpectedly heavy!