I have just stumbled upon #teenweekph posts on my blog roll and I had this post in my hard drive for a while... waiting for the right time to come out of its shy shell. I figured it's now or never!
BTW, #teenweekph is a UNILIVER project (Rexona, Pond's, and Cream Silk) is a personal development program for teens. It offers instructions on hygiene, life issues, etc. I'm not affiliated with this program but I wanted to do my part for the future of the Philippines (its women). So, girls, LISTEN UP!
BTW, #teenweekph is a UNILIVER project (Rexona, Pond's, and Cream Silk) is a personal development program for teens. It offers instructions on hygiene, life issues, etc. I'm not affiliated with this program but I wanted to do my part for the future of the Philippines (its women). So, girls, LISTEN UP!
PADS vs TAMPONS
FOLLOW THE JUMP TO BE EDUCATED ON YOUR CHOICES!
It's the time of the month, properly known as menstruation (aka period). It is probably
one of the most harrowing experience in a girl's coming-of-age.
one of the most harrowing experience in a girl's coming-of-age.
In the past, this means that the girl can bear a child and should be ready for marriage.
(Thankfully, our country is progressive enough to discourage child marriage by making it illegal - yay!)
Still, it is a pivotal moment in a girl's life. And, entertains the question: PADS or TAMPONS.
Pads are the more popular of the two options for your monthly bloody discharges.
Most Filipinas prefer to use pads or napkins as it is less invasive than TAMPONS.
I'm also really pleased that pad manufacturers understand that we have to tag these necessities along wherever we go (just in case!) or to help a sister in need.
KOTEX is my favorite brand as they've managed to come up with these cute lil baggies to store your emergency pad supply.
No more awkward moments!
I think this is one of their regular pads with wings. I'm not sure.
The back of the pad has the adhesive to hold it in place.
The wings go *outside* the undies and helps contain blood overflowing at the side.
Don't cringe. It happens.
KOTEX also makes pads with cute patterns on the back. <3
This is the front.
There are many pad variants in the market. Some for night, some for day, some to eliminate odor, etc.
The one I have fights against "sudden gush". It's a very icky feeling and you don't want it. Trust me!
The blue in the middle is hyper-absorbent that sucks liquid as soon as contact.
I'm a big fan of this feature but mind that it works only on maybe two "sudden gush" at best.
It also has "channels" to contain the flow of liquid into the pad (and not flowing out onto other things).
Remember, DO NOT flush pads down the toilet!!!
It doesn't disintegrate in water fast enough. It will float. And that is embarrassing.
You can usually wrap it back into the bag that you got it from (or, wrap it in the bag where your next pad came from). Then throw that into the trash bin.
If you feel that it's too flimsy, you can get paper to wrap your used pad in before chucking it into the bin.
Tampon time!
This is the least favorite option for the monthlies in the Philippines.
Back in the day, you would never be able to find tampons in your local grocery store.
Still true now. But I just saw tampons at WATSONS!
They are pricier than pads (which you could get for P20 a pack from the cheaper brands).
Up to now, I haven't bought my own tampons.
Since way back, I have urged friends living abroad to send me tampons instead. Hey, it's free!
Whenever one of my friends or relatives is coming over from the U.S., I'd always request for tampon stash. They knew my suffering so they happily send me loads.
The one above is TAMPAX. I'm not sure if it's available here. This brand is not the one in WATSONS (SM North), but I'd love to try that.
Tampons are deemed too invasive as you'd need to insert it up your vagina (using adult words here).
It will NOT travel far. It will NOT reach your uterus or wherever.
It sits in the canal and will NOT travel anywhere once placed.
It will NOT suddenly pop out! Girls, it's not a living thing and you can't push it out.
It will NOT de-virginize you.
The TAMPAX I have comes with an applicator. There are variants without applicators (so you'd have to use your clean fingers).
This is what the TAMPAX tampon w/ applicator looks like.
It comes in different colors depending on the absorbency (Lites, Regular, Super, Super Plus).
HOW TO USE YOUR TAMPON!
1) Check the string!
This string is important as it let's you pull the tampon out of you.
Remember above, you cannot push it out.
The string needs to be firmly attached to the body of the tampon.
2) Pull the inner tube out.
This inner tube will push the tampon in place.
Don't pull it out all the way. The inner tube still needs to be attached to the outer tube.
If you're using a tampon without applicator, you can skip this step.
3) Insert the tampon into your vaginal opening
Take deep breaths. Relax.
You can squat if you'd like or prop one leg up the toilet bowl.
Steady yourself.
As soon as your fingers come in contact with skin, the tampon is in place.
For tampons without applicators, you can push the tampon inside the vaginal opening with your finger (make sure you've washed your hands) at the finger's length.
You'd know that the tampon is inserted properly when you can't feel it.
3) Push the inner tube into the outer tube
You will usually feel the inner tube click into place.
Then, gently pull out the applicator.
IMPORTANT: The end of the string should be outside your body.
4) Put the applicator in the bag that the tampon came in.
This lil thing is the tampon itself.
As you can see, it's very small. I don't think it's quite invasive.
You can use one tampon per 4 to 8 hours. I usually change every 6 hours to be safe.
It's not advisable to use tampons through out your period.
Using pad for the first day and then tampons through out is what I do.
I bring both in my make-up bag, just in case.
There's also Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) that you need to be aware of.
It's caused by a bacteria commonly found on the nose and vagina. TSS can happen not just to girls, but everyone.
However, TSS is associated with tampon use.
Mind that this is rare. To be on the safe side, alternate between pads and tampons.
I've never experienced any sickness or discomfort with tampons.
I believe that tampons makes life better. It gets rid of the icky feeling of "sudden gush" and seeing your blood all over the place.
It also lets me feel clean down there as I don't feel nor see my own period.
Plus, we live in such a humid country. Pads are just on the warm side.
After 4 to 8 hours, you can take your tampon off by pulling the tampon out with the string.
There are tampons that can be flushed down the toilet.
However, I prefer to just wrap it in tissue and throw it in the trash.
You never know when it'll clog the toilet!
Some tampon FAQs:
Do I have to take the tampon off if I pee?
Nope. Pee comes out of the urinary opening above the vaginal opening.
Nope. Pee comes out of the urinary opening above the vaginal opening.
Can I sleep with the tampon on?
Yes. You can use the tampon up to 8 hours.
Yes. You can use the tampon up to 8 hours.
Make sure to change tampons before and after sleep time.
Can it take away my virginity?
NO.
Your hymen is flexible tissue that has an opening for menstrual blood to go through.
The tiny tampon will fit right through it.
Can the tampon get lost in my body?
No! Tampons don't move about and the opening at the top of your vagina is too small for the tampon to go through.
Can the tampon pop-out of me?
NO. Tampons don't move.
I know a lot of girls who are also big fans of tampons.
I hope this is a trend as tampons are really comfortable.
You almost feel like you don't have a period!
Hope you enjoy!
xo, Pau
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