I swear any time I mention I only like wearing pads women come out of the woodworks like, “you just haven’t found the right disc/cup” or when I say I don’t like the feeling of stuff up there they say “technology has come a long way you need to try it again” “I could never wear pads, they feel like wearing a diaper” WHY DOES IT MATTER! Leave me alone
Edit: no I am not walking up to people and just telling them I use pads. Do you guys not talk to your friends about periods?
Comments
Yup it’s a preference. I still wear pads to bed when my flow is heavy. I think when some people find a way to make their own lives easier, they want others to take their advice.
Period! (😂) I’m with you on that one! It’s nobody’s business but yours!!! I’m sorry but I’ll never use a cup hahahaha
I’ve never initiated a conversation on this topic with other women, yet somehow I have had a number of them give me a whole speech on why I need to try the cups. Super annoying.
Now I can just shut down a conversation about it by saying I have an IUD and don’t need to use any of the options. Not having these conversations isn’t the reason I have an IUD, but it’s definitely a bonus.
I just had a c section and was wearing adult diapers (by choice) for all the blood coming out, because hospital-issued pads are supremely uncomfy, and I’ll have you know diapers are extremely comfortable. Way more comfortable than even high end pads.
I’m with you!
The day I stopped making excuses or apologies for how my body feels to me, my life got tiny bit easier in this messed up, woman-hating world.
I don’t wear tampons. Not unless it’s an international blood crisis. It takes me about 2 years to go through one box.
I’ve never tried a cup and I never will. Come at me y’all cup fanatics.
I also don’t shave my legs! Imagine that!
You know who can tell? Nobody. No one can tell and if they’re looking that closely they aren’t somebody I’m trying to impress!
Fuck no. Make no excuses. Invent no reasons or justifications. Manufacture no apologies.
Not for your body.
As for why there is such an anti-pad frenzy about these other methods?
Well you know, it’s supposed to be gross to bleed! Don’t you find it gross? Don’t you find it NASTY!?
And remember, no one should ever have to see your ookey wrapped up pad in the trash (pukey face).
Flush the tampon like a grown woman who pretends nothing is happening!
Isn’t that what women are supposed to do all the time anyway? Pretend nothing is happening.
And get a cup already. Don’t you care about the environment?
Look at you over there, bleeding like you don’t even care about the environment. Pffft, I do being a woman better than you.
Come the fuck on guys. It’s all very male gaze-y.
Very period hiding. Much menstrual environmentalism.
It’s kind of pick me, for periods.
Beyond making sure someone has access to whatever products they need I couldn’t imagine caring that much about what another woman chooses to use.
Me and my pads forever. The only negative is that I won’t be able to teach my kids about cups or whatever, but that’s what community is for.
I had such a negative experience with a period cup once that my rant post about my experience went viral, lol.
That said, it’s one of those topics that you’re always going to get sea lioned by the true believers. They’re like anti-vaxxers of tampons.
It’s a preference and that should be respected. I had a friend I spoke with about period products tell me I’m weird for using a pad and tampons at the same time. Like girl….be happy you can just use one lol I would bleed through a tampon in an hour on a heavy day
Everyone has different bodies and different needs and levels of comfort. You can use whatever you like. I have tried cups and while I love them and they work well on light days, most days my flow is too heavy. They get full and leak or make a huge mess when I take them out. I resorted to only removing them in the shower. Which means I can only use them at home. That’s not very practical for me. My favorite is using a tampon while wearing period panties.
I once had an insane conversation with a “friend” where she ended up screaming in my face about toxic shock syndrome because I had mentioned, in passing, that I was trying out a diva cup. I remained mild throughout the whole conversation and she just went nuts. I learned to never talk about my personal hygiene with people I cannot trust to remain cool.
Also, I’m not friends with that person anymore.
Omg I feel this! Gave into peer pressure and tried a cup once. Almost suckered out my entire vagina, lucky I’ve still got one. Never enjoyed using tampons either — strictly for swimming only. Leave me and my pads in peace.
I only wore tampons since I was a teen but after giving birth I can only do pads now. And I have had people look at me funny when I’ve had to go grab a pad. Women are definitely judgy about her pads
I have washable pads. I just rinse them with cold water and chuck them in the laundry. Saves on money 🙂
I agree! I love pads. If I’m at home I will NOT wear tampons, I feel like they literally absorb all my fluids that I don’t want absorbed and leave me dry.
When cups first became available I think a lot of people were wary of them, and a lot of people who did use them found them great and wished they’d known about them sooner. So that led to a thing where people who use cups would sing the praises of a cup and address specific worries people had like it’s uncomfortable or gets stuck or you’ll get toxic shock. I think with cups specifically a lot of people are still in that habit. I choose to think that to maintain my equanimity though, because it is irritating.
I don’t care what other people use, but I will try to answer your question: I think many people had to use pads longer than they wanted to and are confused why someone would use them by choice. In school we were told that we can’t use tampons when we are virigns. As a late bloomer I had to wait till 19 because nobody told me otherwise. Many people who switched to a cup or disc, me included, are very happy about their choice and want other people to experience the same. I don’t think it’s bad intend most of the time.
The pressure is noticeable. But I am just not inserting anything there, thank you very much.
It’s just another form of period shaming. You’re killing the turtles because you haven’t tried hard enough.
Frankly, I shouldn’t have to justify why I use conventional products to anyone. My bio waste, my business.
I’m glad there’s eco friendly products that a lot of people get on with, but that’s not a universal experience.
Same. I found the softest pads ever recently. A bit expensive, but so so soft. It’s really nice lol.
I also have an IUD, and a cup is big no. Now… I would love to try the period underwear, but the reviews from my friends are very mixed.
The only thing that annoys me VERY much about the pads is that, sometimes the pad won’t come off from my underwear and it drives me crazy lol.
My cramps become much worse when there’s something in me. I also exclusively wear pads, and also disposable period underwear (for bed), which tend to feel more diaper-like, but it’s worth not having worse cramping.
Well, when I see you and shove you into a locker know it’s cause you’re wearing a pad!
Nah but wear whatever is most comfy. Personally I love the cup but I recent had to wear a pad and was like wow this was nice for a lil bit lol
I wear biodegradable plastic free cotton pads and feel pretty good about it lol. There’s a new tampon/disc hybrid coming out I may try, but I’m not interested in tampons, discs or disposable underwear, pads is it.
I think people just have opinions, I’ve seen the same happen to tampon users (people acting like they aren’t smart enough to have considered cup/pads). I have been advised, coached and corrected on things I can’t believe throughout my life.
I keep a few phrases ready for situations like this, like “I’m happy w my choice, sorry if you thought I need advice, I don’t”. I say it as nicely as possible, but if they go on I repeat the same sentence.
I know, some people would not include “sorry” but I’m apologizing THAT they misunderstood- not apologizing to them. It softens the message. If they’re rude, I’ll say “I think you misunderstood, I don’t need advice” and if they act offended, I just remind them maybe asking before coaching will help them avoid this.
I hope this helps. 🫶
Lmao this. “It FEEls LiKE iM weAriNg a DIapEr” ok, maybe for you, but my reusable cloth pads (unless I’m traveling) have been what I’ve used for years. I have tried tampons and diva cups and both are incredibly uncomfortable when sitting. I almost always feel them, especially diva cups.
Girl right??? The LAST thing I want to do when I’m having menstrual cramps is insert something in my vagina, that area is firmly caution-taped off lol. Plus the idea of all that blood and tissue staying inside my body is just gross to me.
Other women can use whatever works for them, but me and my “diapers” will ride off into the menopause sunset together.
I think it just feels so good in comparison to a lot of people, me included, that they want everyone to experience it. I’ve never pressured anyone though, only answer questions when asked.
Die-hard pad user here, and I did give the flex disc a try a few periods back and I found removing them just incredibly messy. I kept the rest of the box for if I’m in a pinch but I just find using pads so easy. Peel, stick and go. Repeat
I switched to period panties a few years back. The cramps are WAY less intense since I stopped using tampons, and it makes life so much easier. And they’re not disposable so they’re better for the environment. Just rinse with cold water after use, and throw in the was with everything else. They weren’t even that expensive too. I’ll be replacing them this year, had them for 4 years, and spent 50 bucks on em.
Everyone should use what they’re comfortable with. But these have been life changing for me personally, so I’m going to recommend them to anyone who brings up period products lol.
I know me. I’m not the most physically adroit. If I tried cups it would be inevitable that I make a bathroom look like a crime scene. No thanks. I’ll stick to what I’m comfortable with and that is no ones business but mine. You do you and screw anyone who tries to shame you!
> Do you guys just not talk to your friends about periods?
I don’t ask what they use, and beyond “omg I’m so crampy today”, it doesn’t really come up in conversation.
I don’t care what other women use, and I’ve never had anyone ask me in a conversational way, only in a “do you need anything from the store? Any hygiene products? What kind?” way.
Many womb health experts says pads are best. The suction is not great for natural process and flow. You’re doing what’s best for you
My closest friend and I are pad girls. We shared a good laugh over us trying cups/discs. We both can’t get it to work. Just talking about our experience was hilarious
i used tampons for the first time in my life this month because I wanted to fully enjoy my beach vacation, before this i was a hardcore “pads only” person, now that I have experienced both, im never going back to pads but I wouldn’t shame anyone else for their choice.
I can’t relate to liking pads, I’m a tampon girlie, but menstrual cup evangelists are insufferable
I mean, I think pads are gross, so I…don’t use them? Why would I care about what other people use?
And no, I don’t really talk to my friends about our periods. I don’t really have one and when I did I had zero symptoms, so there was nothing to talk about. My bestie has PCOS and very irregular ones, so she might mention something offhand and I commiserate and then we move on.
Idk- it is weird! I wear tampons, and I get the cup talk all the time. I don’t want to wear a cup. Period. Leave me alone to bleed however I choose. We’re all just doing our best.
When I first got my period, I was given the option of pads or tampons. Even those starter tampons with the tube to help insertion. I’ve never liked tampons and have always worn pads. My mum was somewhat critical of this when I was growing up. I’ve had a few other women say I’m just not doing it right or whatever.
Point above all, I’m comfortable with pads. I don’t need to make a miserable experience even worse. No one should be judging anyone based on their preference. As long as you’re comfortable during the time of month no one enjoys, that’s what counts.
Omg the number of people who try to tell you what you can and can’t feel, too.
‘Nooooo, you don’t notice a tampon when you’re using it! You can’t even tell there’s one in!’
Excuse me, my body, my nervous system, my senses, I know what is and isn’t comfortable and what I do and don’t feel. I’ll use ’em for swimming but I don’t have to like them or use them any other time.
People can be oddly offended when you don’t do the same things as them. I’m sorry you are dealing with this.
I use a cup. But I’m not preachy about it, and I certainly don’t shame people who use alternatives. Because everyone has to do what works for them. Some people can’t use cups or choose not to. Choosing not to is a valid reason.
I remember experiencing similar discourse surrounding tampons when I was younger. I’ve always had very heavy periods, so tampons weren’t practical for me. Plus, it was too expensive for how many I had to go through due to my heavy period.
I wish people could respect everyone’s choices and preferences for period care.
I’ve always exclusively used pads but have hid this fact due to the stigma haha. Anything else makes me cramp like crazy!!
yeah I only use pads. don’t like them much either but don’t like anything else. Moon cup freaked me out and I don’t want to wash it
Yeah, it can be kinda irritating. It seems pads are just out of fashion right now, basically.
Fyi I do wear tampons occasionally, like if I’m dealing with a particularly heavy flow that requires both pad and tampon to not overflow, or if I’m going swimming while on my period. But I strongly prefer pads, and have zero interest in trying cups, discs, or any of those new kinda insertables. At least tampons have some sense of familiarity for me as they’ve existed my whole life, but generally I feel like anything that’s supposed to be inserted (in a non-sexual setting) just kinda feels a bit violating.
Also, I don’t typically talk about how I address my periods, but like I’ve noticed a general societal disdain for pads in media, social media, ads, etc. It should be treated as just a personal choice and preference, imo. I’m glad that multiple different options exist, but no particular feminine product type is objectively better or worse than another.
I have worn pads for the past 28 years. Not going to change it now. Everyone should do what works for them and let others do their thing without judgment. Getting a period sucks enough without all the added pressure. Just do what’s comfy for you.
I think it’s because those who love tampons/discs/cups hated pads with a passion. To me, pads feel like a 17th century torture device, with rashes like a chastity belt. I cannot imagine anyone preferring that. However I am just too lazy to judge other people – if you’re happy, and you’re not hurting anyone, then go ahead and do whatever you like. Most people in this world are judgemental.
I told my gyn that tampons hurt and I had to give up using them and stick with pads, she said it was because I was very “tilted.” Well that explained the pain. Those judgmental jerks can go to Hell.
Yes! So many judgy comments (especially when I was younger) about using pads. I’ve never liked how tampons feel. Now I use period panties and pads when I’m traveling.
For those of you saying it’s a preference, no, it’s not always. I have a prolapse that makes using a cup or disc impossible. Don’t assume that everyone could use one if they wanted to.
With that said, who cares if someone could and just didn’t want to? And yes, there are a lot of people who have some kind of superiority complex about it. Just because something is easier for you doesn’t mean it’s easier for everyone. And to be honest, nothing about a cup/disc sounds easier to me. So even if I could use them, I probably wouldn’t.
I’m a cup user. And I have to admit that this is a problem in any kind of online space where cups/discs are talked about a lot
There is a subset of women who have convinced themselves that they are the most sex positive, the most body positive, and they think they are more “in tune” with themselves than other people. And they think that this makes them qualified to start lecturing other women about how to handle their own bodies, their own sexuality, and so on.
And they do so, not realizing that no one needs, or wants, their “help.” Nor are they qualified to give that help. Let’s just say I know a bit more about the pelvic floor than the average bear. And many of these “body posi babes” are blatantly wrong about a lot of the advice they give to other women. And that extends to cups. “Push your cup out and grab it “ NO!!!
I see this kind of nonsense in sex positive circles and I also see it in areas where people talk about cups. It’s really obnoxious
There’s a weird almost judgement against women who use pads. Like who the hell cares?
For me, I had been trying tampons since I was a teenager and I just could never figure out why they didn’t work for me. Found out in my 30s that some of us are just “built different” down there. I will still try when I need to (ie, vacation and need to wear a swimsuit) but I need to change frequently because they don’t stay put and are incredibly painful for me. Yes I’ve tried several kinds, TRUST ME. I swim a lot during the summer, so I have tried it ALL.
I have a condition called provoked vulvodynia which is kind of like vaginismus, where the nerve endings around the vaginal opening is extraordinarily painful for any kind of penetration – tampons, intercourse, pelvic exam. I was diagnosed finally after 10 years of doctors shaming me at Pap smear exams.
My whole menstruating life, people have told me I’m just not using tampons right, they’re not in high enough, I need to try a smaller applicator. Well, it turned out it wasn’t a user error – I just can’t comfortably use tampons. Now, I have a toddler and I’m old and tired, and I am very happy to explain to other women in detail why tampons don’t work for me. I don’t get any pushback anymore – mostly because my female friends are now old and tired and have become more empathetic of painful experiences. But in my early 20s I did get a lot of judgement from women about this. It’s weird! I think we should just talk about our our vaginas more haha.
Speaking as a dedicated cup user:
WEAR. WHAT. YOU. WANT.
I see posts like this and I swear, it’s like people don’t understand everyone’s bodies are different. What works for you will not work for another and vice versa.
As long as you’re being a responsible adult about the red fluids, that’s more than enough for me.
I don’t understand it either. A tampon feels like I shoved a cork up there. I remember being treated like tampons were for grown ups for some stupid reason.
A disc is useful for period sex but it’s not something I want to deal with for days on end.
Agreed. I use my period underwear as a safety net for leaks. I tried wearing them without and I hate it. I change pads regularly and hate wearing an underwear that’s full of blood. I don’t want to change my underwear every few hours. It’s a logistical nightmare.
I also have a cup that’s just sitting there being unused. Just don’t like the feel of it or the fact that you need to wash it. I keep my pads in the bathroom and I rather not have to walk to a sink to wash it every few hours.
I have friends who keep telling me to use cups because it’s more environmentally-friendly.
However, I will continue using tampons because that is what works for me, my body, my lifestyle.
Other women really need to mind their own beeswax when it comes to period products. Each woman will use what is available to her or what suits her (if there is a choice). The end.
I feel like there’s always one person in reddit threads about this who has a hard-on for discs/cups.
Not that I’m discussing my period preferences too often IRL, but I’ve never had anyone critique my decision to wear pads most of the time IRL (and as we’ve gotten older, I’ve found more agreement than disagreement with pad usage).
>Edit: no I am not walking up to people and just telling them I use pads. Do you guys not talk to your friends about periods?
Lmao, for real. In fact one of the ways I know this reaction to pads happens a lot is because whenever a friend has asked for a menstrual product she almost always hates that all I have are pads lol.
I love pads, but I wear them backwards on my panties (with the thicker side closer to my stomach, and thinner towards my bum) and they fit soooooo much better than the other way around
I used tampons from 14 to 26, never again unless I have to. I used the diva cup for a few months, but it’s kinda painful idk.
Pads are my jam.
Right?? I hate tampons and the cup feels horrible!
Ugh, I hear you! I was getting ”tampon pressure” back in the 1980s! So it’s nothing new. I’m post menopausal now, and even though I used tampons occasionally, my go-to was always the pad. I loved them! (NB: I didnt love the Kotex belts when I first started out, those were horrendous!) 😂
Yeah when the cups first started getting popular it made me feel like I was being ridiculous for not trying it. Then when I did I was almost immediately like “nope, not for me” but felt like I was a tiny pebble in the river of “yOu JuSt HaVen’T fOuNd ThE rIgHt OnE!”
I understand that there are way more options now and that they’re often better made, but trying to find the right cup would be an expensive hurdle. Also potentially a painful one – the first cup I tried was one of those really thick ones: I folded it, pushed it up in, and was trying to get it to unfold when the side popped out and snapped me in my vaginal wall so hard that I almost threw up and keeled over to almost knock myself out in the shower. So, like, excuse me if I don’t want to experience anything like that again lol.
I’m just happy that more people are pushing back on it. While having a reusable period product is undoubtedly environmentally conscientious, I, as one individual, am not saving the whales or whatever by stuffing a cup up my hooha compared to the many many companies out there who don’t do anything for the environment at all, and I think it’s ridiculous to try to make someone feel bad about using tampons or pads or imply that they’re less of a woman or whatever for not using a cup.
(I do wanna look into reusable pads at some point though, mainly cause every disposable one just sucks imo.)
I used to prefer tampons, my body doesn’t like ‘em anymore. So I wear pads, which I used to hate but now don’t mind. Cups were a sensory nightmare for me, start to finish. Not happening.
I just think people should do what works for them and let other people do the same. Some folks just really feel the need to evangelize their preferred method and/or judge anything different, I guess.
I was a strict tampon user and now Im moving to pads because tampons hurt! And disc’s hurt me.
Idk why people care so much either. Leave me and my vagina alone lol you aren’t in my underwear so go away!
I like my fabric pads. Super comfy, but a bit bulky
Pads aren’t even the final form. Wait until you get introduced to real solid period panties 😘👌
I’ve literally never been able to put up with any of this. Tampons have always hurt me and I developed an allergy to the synthetics in period products about 10 years ago. I can use exactly 1 type of product, and that’s organic cotton pads/liners.
I even tried the period underwear when I thought maybe I could handle them despite the synthetics and I couldn’t. I just do not fuck with anything else and I don’t know why other people care.
It’s the “you should try weed” of menstrual products.
Probably because we start off at pads usually first and work our way down, some people cant deal with the idea that people actually like them so still use them. I went back to pads after many years. Couldn’t care what people think about that.
I hate that idea that ‘pads feel like diapers’. Do you think I care? I’m not trying to be sexy. I’m trying to do normal activities while bleeding 24/7. I am also extremely uncomfortable with having things up inside me, and I’d rather just use a reliable pad.
SAME!
I had a fuckin self-proclaimed feminist man argue with me about it one time. I learned what it meant to be so mad i ‘saw red’ that day. who the fuck are you to tell me what’s best for me you dick. Ugh if you’re reading this, i still hate you. Not for that, but for other stuff.
I feel you. I used to hate pads but after my endometriosis got worse all I could physically handle without being in pain was pads or period underwear. Let people use what works best for them in peace!
I do not miss the pad shaming. People suck. Sorry, I was r*ped, have vaginismus, and can’t use a tampon or even get a pap smear now.
I got on continuous birth control a while ago and never looked back. Life is nice without a period.
I made this observation on TikTok and people were fighting in the comments
I’m someone who switched back to pads. They’re so comfy now and worlds apart from what they were like when I first started using them. I also get less cramps using them.
I still have tampons for swimming, but I definitely prefer pads.
Damn shitty friends. Just let people be and if it works for then say ok and move on.
Except for swimming. Sorry, but gotta wear a tampon or stay out of the water on your periods. And no the water and being in the pool does not stop your periods.
Yes. I have had to actually tell girls that. And grownup ladies in their late twenty’s in med school too.
But wear what you want the rest of the time, I don’t care and if I am out and in need and a pad is all you have to offer I will happily use it then and say thank you.
yea idk, i haven’t even tried them and i don’t want to because i don’t want to have to dig around up there unnecessarily, especially in public restrooms
The amount of down votes I get every time I mention I exclusively wear pads is ridiculous. It’s just a personal choice. Tampons are uncomfortable for me and I constantly have the feeling that I need to get it out ASAP when I use one. I also get nervous about keeping the blood inside of me when it’s meant to come out. Just seems unnatural TO ME. Not judging anyone for using tampons. lol
The idea of them sounds great but I am very uncomfortable with putting anything inside of me and have contamination related OCD and I just can’t do it.
35 and literally never ever in my life heard of a menstrual disc! Just looked them up – TIL!
Im with you. Its so weird that women are shaming each other over this. It isn’t gross. It’s my body.
Oooh they have to pry always flex foam from my cold dead hands, best pad I have ever used
Period panties….that is all