Do you constantly use tampons or pads during your period? I've always used pads, but a lot of people find tampons more comfortable. On the other hand, those who say 'tampons are harmful' confuse me as well. Is there really a hygiene difference? Can I get comments from those who have tried both?
I used to always use pads for a long time, so I was used to them. But on one vacation, I had to try using tampons to swim. Honestly, I was scared at first, thinking they might cause an infection or something. But if you change them regularly, there's no problem — at least it wasn't for me. However, I don't use tampons every day; I think pads are safer overall.
I can say I've experienced the same thing. I used a tampon for a while because it felt more practical. But when I used it often, it started to cause vaginal dryness. I went to the doctor, and it turned out I had low moisture levels and sensitivity. That's why I only use them in very special situations now; pads feel safer.
You say that tampons are harmful, but I think the main issue here is cleanliness; otherwise, the tampon itself isn't a bad product. As long as you change it within 8-10 hours after use, I believe the risk of infection is almost nonexistent. If you've ensured complete hygiene, it shouldn't cause any problems. Don't get stuck on the same things, try reading a bit more, for example.
The difference in hygiene among menstrual products actually depends more on the user than on the product itself. If you change a tampon every 4-6 hours and apply it with washed hands, the risk of infection decreases. With pads, prolonged use can cause skin irritation as it doesn't allow for air circulation. Alternating between the two could be a healthier choice.
Thanks for the comments! I wanted to give a bit more detail. I'm not really planning to use the tampon regularly, but I'm asking out of curiosity. They say it's better for the sea, especially in the summer, so I got a bit anxious. When compared to pads, does it really require more attention in terms of hygiene?
I think if you want to try in the summer, start with daily pads. There are mini sizes, I recommend trying those. The expiration date is already written on the packages, so don't exceed that date and change the pad before going to bed. If you feel comfortable the first time, you can use them in your next periods. But if it bothers you, don't force it.
It sounds like your friend has confused you; what was that infection thing really about? Did they leave a tampon in for a long time or was it something else? Was it a situation they experienced themselves or just something they heard about? Because it sounded pretty general to me.
