Tampons vs. Pads: What Hygiene Product to Use Plus Risk Factors, According to Doctors

It’s an age-old debate: tampons vs. pads — which is better for you? We asked experts for their thoughts on the subject and — spoiler alert — the decision does in fact come down to your personal preference. Convenience is, of course, a major factor. If you want to go swimming, for example, you’ll go with tampons. Pads, on the other hand, are usually much simpler to put on and take off since they aren’t internal. While logistics are important, there are also considerations to take regarding health and overall comfort when making decisions about feminine hygiene products.  

 "There is a lot of conflicting information about tampons and pads because of varying standards in regulation, differences in product composition, and sometimes misleading marketing,” says Gowri Reddy Rocco, MD, Founder and President at Optimum Wellness and Longevity. “One major myth is that all tampons and pads are equally safe because they are widely sold. However, recent findings of dangerous metals like arsenic and lead in some of these products reveal the opposite.”  

Women should be mindful of the fact that not everything labeled as “safe” or “organic” truly is, says Dr. Rocco. This includes 100 percent cotton products which can sometimes contain harmful substances due to contamination or dishonest labeling.  

Health risks associated with tampons vs. pads 

The first thing that comes to many peoples’ minds when it comes to tampons is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), an acute infection with symptoms including fever, hypotension, sunburn-like rash, and potentially life-threatening organ damage. However, doctors stress that cases of the illness coming from tampon use are rare (three or fewer cases per 100,000 uses) and only occur when tampons are kept inside for longer than recommended.  

“Although there is a higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome with tampons, this risk is still so low that if you’re following appropriate tampon hygiene and removing after eight hours of use, the risk becomes almost negligible,” says Melanie Lagomichos, MD, Assistant Professor at Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. 

While TSS from wearing a pad is even more unlikely, fluids being trapped along with sweat and other secretions can lead to growth of bacteria and fungi. In fact, many people feel that tampons use a cleaner mechanism as well since the fluid doesn’t contact external skin, explains Jennie Stanford, MD, Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch. Wearing either a pad or period underwear for too long can also lead to a skin irritation, rash or an infection. No matter which sanitary product you choose, you should always change throughout the day to avoid the buildup of harmful infectants.  

“Some people think pads are more hygienic than tampons,” says Dr. Stanford. “However, either pads or tampons can be hygienic options if you use them correctly. Be sure to wash your hands before and after insertion, changing, and removing sanitary products.”

Another common tampon myth is that tampons can get lost in the body, Dr. Stanford notes. The vaginal canal is open at the genital hiatus, where the tampon is inserted, but closed on the opposite end, bordered by the cervix, she explains. That’s why all tampons should have strings attached to make removal more efficient.  

A new study led by a UC Berkeley researcher found that tampons from several brands may contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Not only is this dangerous, but tampons are also of particular concern as a potential source of exposure to chemicals, including metals, because the skin of the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than skin elsewhere on the body, the study states. The study did note that it is presently unclear whether the metals detected are contributing to any negative health effects. 

“Pads and tampons are often made with fragrances to mask any odor, but these substances cause irritation for many people who use them,” Dr. Stanford adds. “Be sure to look for organic and/or hypoallergenic products if irritation occurs or the patient has sensitivities or allergies.” 

Security and comfort of tampons vs. pads 

The most important thing to consider when deciding whether tampons or pads are a better match for you is how they feel for your body and whether they support your flow. For example, pads are often more absorbent compared to tampons for heavier flows. However, many people dislike the bulky feeling where tampons are more discreet. Another drawback to tampons, though, is that they can also cause internal irritation for some women.  

There’s also a growing trend of women moving toward other sanitary products altogether. These doctors note that menstrual cups, discs, period panties and similar alternative products are increasing in popularity. Dr. Rocco notes that these options often offer better safety and transparency. When it comes to such a personal decision, a variety of useful options are always welcome if you stay well-informed! 

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.