I’ve been using pads for years, but my friends keep suggesting tampons, saying it’s more comfortable. But it feels cleaner to have the skin outside of it, and I’m scared that a tampon might harm me. Which one do you think should be preferred, and are there any side effects?
I think pads are healthier. They stay exposed and breathe after all. Tampons are inside constantly for so many hours… Don’t they catch germs? Personally, I wouldn’t use them. External cleanliness is very important, I mean. Also, in our neighborhood, nobody uses tampons; it seems like a shameful thing 
If you’re curious, try using a tampon once but don’t keep it in for too long. You should change it at most every 4-6 hours. However, if you have a vaginal infection or don’t feel comfortable, just avoid using it. Doctors generally say that it can cause blockage and dryness if not inserted correctly.
Let me ask you something, why are your friends defending tampons so much? I mean, if you’re comfortable, no one can force you to use a tampon. I think you should go after them a bit, why are they being so insistent? Or do they have this idea of ‘it makes you look more modern’ or something?
I had a similar fear, to be honest. When I first tried a tampon, I inserted it wrong, and it was really painful. But once I learned to place it correctly, I felt quite comfortable. I was constantly leaking with pads because of that, but the tampon solved that. But I can’t say if it will be good for you.
In fact, if you use both correctly, there shouldn’t be a problem. However, tampons carry the risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome), so not changing them for a long time can be dangerous. Pads, on the other hand, can cause irritation on the skin. It’s best to talk to your doctor about it based on your vaginal health condition.
Thanks a lot, girls, for your comments. Honestly, I think they’re recommending the tampon because it’s more comfortable; they say it doesn’t slip while doing sports and stuff. But that TSS thing really freaked me out. I’m thinking of seeing a doctor before trying it out.
I don’t understand why someone who uses pads has to try tampons. Your friends are not your period, after all, it’s a personal matter. Everyone knows what works for them. Plus, keeping your skin clean with pads makes a lot of sense—why would you want to give that up?