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Some Indonesians are more accustomed to wearing sanitary napkins during menstruation. However, there are also some urban women who use tampons and menstrual cups. Although sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups have the same function, which is to absorb menstrual blood, in fact, the shapes and ways of using these three items are different, you know!
Still confused about sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups? Get to know the advantages and disadvantages of these three items in this article.
Bandages
This one object may be familiar to almost some women. Sanitary pads are rectangular absorbents of menstrual blood and are made of cotton pads or soft cloth. Bandages are used by taping or glued on the inside of women's panties. Several bandages were added to the wings on the right and left. Its function is to hold the pads so they do not slide and prevent side leakage.
Various pads that are sold on the market are available with various thicknesses and bearing lengths that are tailored to the needs of the wearer. Unfortunately, many women complain that when wearing thick pads and wearing a skirt or pants that are a little tighter, it will cause a sanitary napkin. That is why, usually longer and thicker pads are used at night to prevent leakage.
In addition, someone who wears winged pads is generally more susceptible to irritation in the inner thighs due to friction in the groin area. Routinely change pads even if your menstrual blood is not too much or can still be absorbed. This is done to avoid the development of bacteria and vaginal odor from the menstrual blood that is excreted.
Tampon
The material used for tampons is basically the same as pads, namely using cotton pads that have high absorption for menstrual fluids. However, in contrast to pads, tampons are shaped like cylindrical tubes, smaller in size, and have a thread as a pull at the end. Because of their small size, tampons are very suitable for women who are active and want to do a lot of movement or exercise during menstruation.
Compared to sanitary napkins, the way to use tampons also needs to be more careful. If the pads are placed on your underwear, then the tampon is placed inside your vagina. That is why, inserting a tampon is arguably quite difficult for people who are not used to it. Some tampons have a plastic applicator or cardboard tube that helps make it easier for the tampon to enter the vagina. However, there are also tampons that must be inserted using the finger of the wearer.
When you are going to use a tampon, make sure your body is calm and relaxed. If you are nervous or in doubt, your muscles will tighten, making it harder for the tampon to fit in. To find out how to use tampons, you can click here
As with pads, it is recommended that you change your tampon regularly. It is recommended that you change your tampon every 3 to 5 hours. Because one tampon can be used for no more than 6 hours. In addition, you are not advised to use tampons if you are not menstruating or when you have very little menstrual blood.
If you use tampons for too long, it increases your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This is a syndrome caused by the growth and development of bacteria on a tampon and can be fatal, even life threatening. That is why tampons are highly discouraged for those who forget easily.
Menstrual cup
Unlike tampons or pads, menstrual cups or commonly referred to as menstrual cups work not to absorb fluids through cotton, but rather accommodate the fluid that comes out during menstruation. Menstrual cup is made of rubber or silicone which is inserted inside the vagina so that it can be used repeatedly and for a long period of time.
How to use a menstrual cup is almost the same as using a tampon. You need to position yourself by sitting, squatting, or with one leg lifted up, in essence, make a position that is as comfortable as possible. After that, hold the end of this menstrual cup, then fold it like a U shape. After that, insert it into your vagina slowly.
Many people prefer menstrual cups to pads because they are practical and do not have to be changed frequently - depending on how much blood is drained. If when using sanitary napkins you have to spend more energy washing pads so that menstrual blood can be clean, then when using a menstrual cup you only take the menstrual cup out of the vagina, empty its contents, clean it with water, and put it back into the vagina.
So, which of the three objects is better?
Basically, use pads, tampons and menstrual cups for feminine care during menstruation according to your comfort and daily needs. But most importantly, don't forget to keep your feminine area clean during menstruation by regularly changing the pads, tampons or menstrual cups you use.
In addition, pay attention to how to wash the female area in the right and proper way. Remember, during menstruation the risk of infection in the vaginal area will increase more than during normal conditions. That is why, you need more attention to maintain the cleanliness of the female area. You can use a feminine cleanser that contains a special antiseptic solution during the menstrual period.
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