tampons vs pads

[sweetpea03]

Which do you prefer to use, tampons or pads? And then if you want to, please explain in a comment as to why you chose the option you did. (ex: pads because they are easy to use and just always have worn them. tampons because I can go swimming and not feel like I'm wearing a diaper)

[sweetpea03]

Thanks for the answers. It's great to see everyone's reasoning.

[toxicBOOM]

Honestly, when I started my period, I was so in denial that I wouldn't use either (I was about 11 and would just throw my underwear out, lol) but once I started needing something, I was using pads. I hated them, so when I discovered the "liner" type pads, I used those. I started buying my own supplies when I got a job at 16 and decided to try tampons just to see. I loved them, and I haven't used a pad since. Tampons are just so damn convenient!

[ShinigamiDeathscytheSan]

i prefer tampons, but i usually end up wearing both because i have a heavy period, and it's hard to get out of class to go to the bathroom during that time of month X/ but tampons are certainly better than walking around with a giant wad in your pants XP

[countrygirlforever916]

I started my period at 11 (5th grade) and i was using pads. By the time I was in 6th grade and i had to change for pe Pads just weren't working for me. They would bunch and somehow end up sticking to my legs (if i used the ones with wings). I hated the mess pads made so when my mom would just give me money for pads and send me into the store i bought a box of tampons and i would never go back. I curently use the U by kotex tampons and LOVE them.

[Devium]

I started out using pads because that's all my mother would give me. I started my period roughly age 11 and was at the height of my dancing "career" so I was wearing tights, leotards, tight shorts, things like that. Wearing a pad was BRUTAL! it would shift, bunch up, do all sorts of uncomfortable things. Plus I would sweat a lot during dance class and the pad would often not allow my nether regions to breathe/dry out. So I'd get wicked bad smells from the sweat and basically a bad case of diaper rash by the end of my period.
Roughly by 12 I was taking tampons from my mother. She refused to let me use them knowingly. She has always (and probably always will be) been over protective. This stems from being sexually abused/raped at age 6-9 by my stepbrother. Heck, she didn't let me shave my legs till roughly 14...  But since then I've always used tampons.
I've always had very "violent" menstual cycles, cramping to the point of passing out, vomiting due to the pain, and heavy flow - to the point of through a pad in 1-2 hours - so using a pad was worrisome. I've always been concerned of it overflowing and running down my leg (has happened) seeing it through clothing etc. Plus they are uncomfortable.
The problem is finding a tampon that is comfortable to wear. I bounced around many brands for years. Used tampax (both plastic and cardboard applicators) found those too long and uncomfortable, use kotex, both the originals and the new brand "U" by kotex. And didn't like them.  Then i saw an add for "ob" tampons. There was a free offer for 3 tampons to use as a trial. It also came with a neat carrier thing that concealed the tampon (another reason I switched, easier to conceal because it's embarassing to get up from class with the crinkly plastic of a pad wrapper). I used those tampons and haven't turned back. They are small but absorbent. Some are squeemish about this but there is no applicator. You flare the bottom on the tampon, stick a finger in there and insert tampon. I have 100% control over placement.

[sweetpea03]

Thank you all for the input!! It's nice to see what everyone thinks.

@Ebony101, you mom might be afraid of the Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS) risk, which is why she doesn't want you wearing tampons. Just a thought, though not sure why she won't let you.

Personally, I began wearing tampons at my very first period at 12. I hated the diaper feeling of a pad and just decided I'd go straight to tampons. I'm very active, love swimming, and just felt a lot cleaner with wearing a tampon. I typically will forget it's even there(because it's just so comfortable) until the tampon is full and then I can feel that I need to change it.

[lilrhibabie]

i like tampons better.

but when i sleep, b/c im a heavy bleeder, i have to use both. i know your not supposed to sleep with tampons in (cuz you aren't supposed to have them in for more the 8 hours or something) but i've never had a problem and i can sleep for more the 4 hours a night and not have to get up and change them.

i wont were pads any other time though. i feel like im wearing a diaper and it scratchs and i dunno i just prefer it

[MrsPincince]

I started with pads but when I turned 18 I started using tampons...I wish I would've started using tampons sooner. I feel they are way less messy and more comfortable..JMO

[cutegirl20]

ME TOO.. I have always used pads never gave the tampons a try cause i was scared that i might forget it..lol..

[Ebony101]

I have always used pads and find they are more comfortable than tampons. And the reason why I havent used tampsons yet is because my mother wont let me for starters (dont know why) and secondly, I am forgetful, so I would most likely forget the tampon.....

[Carly1306]

I used to use pads when I was younger and hated them. Always feels uncomfortable having them on and I was always nervous about being able to see them with certain clothes on. I use tampons now and would never go back. They feel so much cleaner and you do forgot its there at times, more comfortable too. I know there is the risk of getting toxic shock syndrome with using them but by making sure you're clean and not leaving.g a tampons in too helps avoid that.