my experience using tampons vs. pads

Nobody really tells you that using tampons takes strategy. I thought I could just use them whenever, but if my flow was too light? Painful. Dry. AWFUL.

Over time, I learned how to actually listen to my body. I use pads during light flow days or overnight, then switch to tampons when I know they won’t dry out. I time my changes carefully and bring extras if I’m going out.

Finding what works for your period takes trial and error. It’s not one-size-fits-all. The goal for me now is simple: less stress, less discomfort!! No shame in using pads.

#lemon8partner #lemon8challenge #girltalk #periods #tamponsvspads

2025/5/21 Edited to

... Read moreWhen it comes to menstrual hygiene, many users struggle with the choice between tampons and pads. Understanding the unique challenges associated with each is essential for comfort and convenience. Tampons can be a practical option for moderate to heavy flow days, but as I discovered, they require the right timing to avoid discomfort. Starting my cycle with pads allows for a gentle transition into tampons. It’s crucial to listen to your body and be prepared for varying flow levels throughout your period. My recommendation? Track your flow patterns. On lighter days, opting for pads can provide better comfort, whereas switching to tampons during heavier days helps manage leaks and staying active. Experimenting with different brands can also lead to better results, as every user’s needs are unique. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice. The key is to find what feels best for you, reduce stress, and maintain control over your menstrual health. Stay informed, share experiences with other users, and remember, it’s all about your comfort!

32 comments

Phill Mccullough's images
Phill Mccullough

I do this all the time

See more comments

Related posts

A store aisle displays various feminine hygiene products, including pads and liners. Text overlays indicate the image is for "Pad Girlies" and promotes "Chlorine free pads" as a beneficial choice for vaginal health.
A hand holds a package of pantiliners made with 100% organic cotton cover and plant-derived ingredients. The product is described as offering organic, non-herbal options, free from fragrances, pesticides, and chlorine.
A box of cotton pads is shown, highlighting that they are free of dyes, fragrances, and chlorine bleaching. The product promises 12 hours of zero leaks and zero feel, with a larger back for protection.
Pads that Are GOOD For Your Vaginal Health 😻😍
I know when I started wearing pads my mom brought Always pads for me and I was always feeling like it irritated my vagina and made my mood swings worse. I saw a huge difference when I started wearing Rael pads and period panties to relieve my cramps and help my vaginal health. Best Non-Chlorine
Ty 😍✨✌🏽

Ty 😍✨✌🏽

11.4K likes

A collage featuring an intimate wash, razors, a pink cloth, and a menstrual cup kit, with text overlayed: 'Feminine Hygiene hacks THAT ACTUALLY WORK!'.
A menstrual cup kit, including a teal cup and its packaging, with text explaining that menstrual cups are safe and comfortable, preventing toxic shock syndrome and discomfort.
A glass filled with cranberry juice, accompanied by text stating that 100% natural, sugar-free cranberry juice is great for preventing UTIs.
THESE HACKS WILL MAKE FEMININE HYGIENE EASIER!
Hey Besties! 💖 Let’s talk about something that every fabulous woman needs to know—feminine hygiene hacks that actually work! I’m here to spill the tea on some cool, easy, and life-changing tips to keep you feeling fresh, clean, and confident. Ready to get into these hacks? Let’s go, girl! 😘✨ 🩸 M
Lushie Club 💖

Lushie Club 💖

5902 likes

Do tampons get lost inside?
Follow more on TikTok Officialtiktoknurse #period #tampon #nurse #relatable #Lemon8
Officialtiktoknurse

Officialtiktoknurse

4861 likes

Postpartum VAG CARE 101 🐱
THIS is the all-in-one guide I wish I had as a first time mom going through postpartum, cause there was so much I did not know about postpartum vaginal care & hygiene. Postpartum vaginal care is essential for a smoother recovery after childbirth. ⭐️PRODUCTS THAT WILL HELP: ✨Disposable
Dania Homeschool Mom & UGC

Dania Homeschool Mom & UGC

1274 likes

✨🌺 Period Necessity Restock (NOT JUST PADS) 🌸✨
✨ Let’s be real, being on your period is a full-body experience. Cramps, cravings, mood swings, bloating… it’s not just “a bad day” as some people make it seem, it’s a whole process. Aside from pads, these are my holy grail period products I keep on repeat, no matter what. From pain relief patches
Margarita

Margarita

3402 likes

What No One Told Me About Period Products
Let’s talk about periods specifically my real experience with tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. Because no one really teaches us how different they can feel on our bodies until we go through it ourselves. So here’s my little storytime I started out using pads because that’s what my mom gave me
Milaidy🫧🌺🍕

Milaidy🫧🌺🍕

616 likes

Two containers of toner pads, one light blue for blemishes and one light green for troubled skin, are displayed on a white surface. Text overlay reads 'best toner pads for glowy skin'.
A light blue container of blemish pads is shown. Text highlights 'Madecassoside + Centella Asiatica' as hero ingredients, noting it improves uneven skin tone and dark spots.
A light green container of tea tree pads is shown. Text highlights 'Tea Tree from Jeju Island + Lactobacillus' as hero ingredients, noting it calms and balances troubled skin.
best toner pads for glowy skin 🫶
Unlock your skin's radiance with Mediheal's Madecassoside and Trouble Tea Tree Pads. The Madecassoside formula works tirelessly to refine texture, even out skin tone, and unveil a luminous complexion. Say goodbye to dullness and hello to revitalized skin. Meanwhile, the Trouble Tea Tree
Lindsay Moreno

Lindsay Moreno

1236 likes

The image displays a wooden box containing individually wrapped pads and tampons, with the text 'BENEFITS Pads VS TAMPONS' overlaid, introducing a comparison of menstrual product advantages.
This image highlights the benefits of pads, listing '1. Comfort', '2. Ease of Use', and '3. Variety' with brief explanations, set against a background of menstrual products.
The image continues listing pad benefits: '4. Accessibility', '5. Hygiene', and '6. Non-Invasive', each with a description, shown over a background of pads and tampons.
BENEFITS Of Pads VS Tampons
Here are the benefits of using tampons and pads for girls: Tampons: 1. **Discreetness**: Tampons are small and easy to carry around, making them more discreet. 2. **Active Lifestyle**: They are great for sports and swimming because they stay in place and are less noticeable. 3. **Comfort**: W
🦋Aqua Moon✨

🦋Aqua Moon✨

115 likes

Remain clean down there
I grew up with my 3 sisters and my mom, yes all women. And you would think that vulnerables women talks were experienced often yet sadly they weren’t. I honestly don't know why since it would have helped me understand and learn more about women's health in general. As I got older I learned
Dixiezelaya

Dixiezelaya

5931 likes

My Period Pads are in the shape of Coffins
Most absorbent cloth pads or pads on general I've ever had. in the shape of a coffin to help me feel like a real vampire makes me Bleed in Peace. and theyre soft but not too soft just the amount of firmness and softness i personally want in a product like this. i get them from a Etsy Shop in
MinaVeggieVamp

MinaVeggieVamp

1110 likes

A sanitary pad is shown with text overlays like "SAD" and "WTF?!", highlighting the phrase "She still wears pads??" THE GIRL BEHIND ME WHISPERED..." against a blurry background of period product packaging.
An open drawer is filled with various individually wrapped sanitary pads, predominantly in teal and pink packaging. Overlaid text discusses a friend being judged for using a pad in a public bathroom.
Various personal care items, including wipes and small pouches, are scattered on a patterned blanket. Overlaid text explains reasons why some individuals use pads, stating they are clean, comfortable, and fine.
Do people still judge pad users?
This literally made my skin crawl. So my friend texts me from a public bathroom like, WHILE she’s in the stall and tells me that the girl next to her just whispered, “She still wears pads?? That’s so gross.” Like… huh??? Are we seriously still doing that in 2025? Why are we acting like the
brittany

brittany

4465 likes

A store aisle displays numerous packages of menstrual pads and liners. Overlaid graphics and text, including a stop sign and "POISON," convey a strong warning against purchasing these products.
A person holds a package of period underwear, with other underwear visible in the background. Overlaid text expresses a life-changing positive experience after switching to period underwear.
A retail shelf features various types and sizes of period underwear. Overlaid text highlights the user's incredible experience of no longer having painful periods after making the switch.
Stop buying Pads, thank me later
Menstrual pads as well as tampons can contain a variety of chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins, and dioxin-like compounds. They may also contain heavy metals and PFAS (f
IvannaCarolina

IvannaCarolina

4847 likes

✨🩸 Pads Are CHILDISH | Prove Me Otherwise 🩸✨
✨ Before y’all come for me, hear me out because I’m a pad girlie through and through 😭. I’ve seen so many people online say pads are “childish,” “immature”, or even “gross”, and I truly don’t get it. Like BFFR, how did a safe, clean, and effective way to manage a period become an insult? ✨ I’ve
Margarita

Margarita

3976 likes

things you should know about your period
if you’re anything like me, you grew up knowing next to nothing about your menstrual cycle or about your body in general. now that i’m an adult i’ve worked hard to educate myself. the more i’ve learned the more i’ve come to understand the importance of understanding your cycle so you can advocate f
staci york 💛🍋

staci york 💛🍋

988 likes

I Wish I Knew About Periods When I Was Younger
When I got my first period, I remember feeling confused, embarrassed, and a little scared. No one really talked about it openly, and everything I knew came from awkward school lessons or whispered conversations with friends. Now, looking back, there are so many things I wish someone had told me. If
Doc Bezz

Doc Bezz

351 likes

TAMPONS ARE POISONING US SO I QUIT
Did you hear about all the positive tests exposing lead in our tampons?!? Some of the biggest name brands that I regularly purchase and many others do too, are poisoning us... This immediately freaked me out so I decided it is officially time to call it quits and switch over. I am new to usi
Morgan Green

Morgan Green

1762 likes

Can tampons get lost if they break off inside?
No! #tampons #period #schoolnurse #relatable
Officialtiktoknurse

Officialtiktoknurse

473 likes

A guide to toner pads, featuring a teal container of blemish pads and a white sachet of milk pads, highlighting two types of skincare solutions.
A hand uses tweezers to lift a blemish pad from a teal container. The pad is described as cooling, anti-inflammatory, and beneficial for acne-prone skin.
A hand holds a milky toner pad, with a sachet visible in the background. The pad is described as brightening, improving skin texture, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Your guide for toner pads *korean skincare*
Toner pads are a convenient and effective way to integrate toning into your skincare routine. Here’s a guide to using two outstanding toner pads: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pads and Mixsoon Soybean Milk Pads. Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pads: How to Use: After cleansing, take a Mediheal
Ellie Nicole

Ellie Nicole

333 likes

Get Rid Of PERIOD ODOR With These Steps
Here are a few ways to decrease dreaded period odor you may experience. Change your tampons, pads, liners, period underwear, etc. frequently! It is recommended to change them every 4-6 hours. A menstrual cup actually helps reduce odor since the blood doesn't soak into the cotton piece. Try a
Morgan Green

Morgan Green

384 likes

A study guide page covering medical topics. It defines opisthotonos and its management, details the menstrual cycle (duration, phases, hormones), explains migraines (triggers, symptoms, treatments), and introduces multiple sclerosis (CNS disease, symptoms, initial signs, and early treatments).
A study guide page continuing multiple sclerosis treatments (drugs for exacerbations, urinary retention, muscle spasms, diet, fluid, sensory issues, exacerbation triggers). It then covers myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular junction, muscle weakness, bulbar signs, demographics, neurotransmitter, drug classes, surgery, Tensilon test, care, crises).
A study guide page detailing myocardial infarction (definition, symptoms, pain relief, complications, risk factors, activity, EKG changes, lab markers, O2 needs). It then introduces hemodialysis (graft, AV fistula, frequency, duration, and access methods).
Mark Klimek Blue Book Part 6️⃣
This consist of: ✨Continuation of Meningitis ✨Menstrual Cycle ✨Migraines ✨Multiple Sclerosis ✨Myasthenia Gravis ✨Myocardial Infarction ✨Hemodialysis ✨Hemophilia ✨Hepatitis ✨Herpes/Shingles ✨Patient Safety ✨Hyperemesis Gravidarum ✨Hypertension ✨Hypovolemic Shock ✨Hysterectomy ✨Ec
Jam

Jam

37 likes

do you feel clean using period underwear?
I might be overthinking this and need to just try it 🤣 I got kinda freaked out feeling how heavy the pad part was in these period underwear tho … I feel like they’re not going to be comfortable with clothes and feel like a diaper lol but that can’t be worse than a pad right?? I am excited
rachel

rachel

1201 likes

A person's lap in a car, showing a black pouch containing two individually wrapped tampons. Text overlay states, 'TAMPONS ARE FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY...'
A person's lap in a car, with a black pouch holding a tampon. Text overlays express that tampons are rarely used, only for swimming or emergencies.
A person's lap in a car, showing a black pouch with tampons and other period products. Text overlays explain that tampons cause stress and pads feel safer.
Do you like using Tampons?🤷🏼‍♀️❣️
The only time they even cross my mind is if I have to swim or literally have no pads. Tampons just stress me out… timing, leaks, inserting them when I’m already crampy or annoyed… it’s exhausting. Pads are simple, comfortable, and I don’t have to overthink them. I know some people swear b
Brooke˚₊‧♡ ‧₊˚

Brooke˚₊‧♡ ‧₊˚

396 likes

Pads Feel Like Diapers, Sorry 😭
Pads are childish. There, I said it 😭 I switched to tampons and menstrual cups years ago, and honestly I can’t imagine going back. Pads feel bulky, loud, and like you’re wearing a mini mattress between your legs 😭 I know some people say they’re “more comfortable” or “safer,” but personally? I
Natrol

Natrol

756 likes

How To Reduce Menstrual Pains Homeopathically
I stopped taking 800mg ibuprofen after I found these and raspberry tea - game changer! Also stop using the bleached pads and tampons- switch to cups and bamboo cloth pads, you’ll be grateful you did. Amazon store with the products I use: https://amzn.to/3XNSjko #periodflow #periodcram
Sandra Zo

Sandra Zo

179 likes

the honest reason why I stopped wearing tampons
never thought I’d wear pads again until this study came out this summer! according to this study, tampons contained traces of 16 metals including lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Some of them were elevated past safe levels but the brands were not disclosed! The effects of the heavy metals in the t
rachel

rachel

1019 likes

Vaginal or C-section birth - you NEED to know this
Fun Fact: you can experience Lochia after a vaginal birth AND c-section! BE PREPARED!🙌🏽 👩🏼‍🍼Your body will begin to pass the blood and mucous built up in your uterus. This flow is called lochia, and it will last about 4-6 weeks. Lochia should have a smell like fresh blood or mucous. The amount m
Fel Whitston

Fel Whitston

463 likes

My Yellow Room Experience!
These are the machines I use in the 30 min room at Planet Fitness. I try to max out at 20 then rest until the next green then try for another 20. I do all of these twice Chest Press: I try for 30-45 lbs (can’t remember the exact on this one). Leg Press: I try for 65lbs. Lat Pulldown
MrsTransou2021

MrsTransou2021

32 likes

My experience using different tampons
I always feel a lot of discomfort when I’m on my period, so I’m trying to find a way to make things easier. I was used to wear rayon tampons, because it’s cheaper and I didn’t care about these things, whatever works was fine. But I was tired of always getting a yeast infection or ph imbalanc
Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

15 likes

I Thought Everyone Switched To Tampons… ✨🔥
I always thought everyone eventually switched to tampons, like it was some unspoken milestone of growing up. But the truth is, bodies are different, comfort levels are different, and what works for one woman can feel awful for another. Some people love the freedom tampons give them, while other
heyynick

heyynick

183 likes

A single pad and various period product packaging are shown, with text overlayed, including a quote: "She still wears pads??" and "THE GIRL BEHIND ME WHISPERED." The image conveys judgment around period product choices.
An open drawer or box is filled with numerous individually wrapped pads in teal and pink packaging. Overlaid text discusses a friend being judged for using a pad and questions the idea of a 'grown woman' checklist for period products.
Text overlayed on a blurred background states that some women cannot use tampons due to trauma, PCOS, or personal preference, emphasizing that pads are clean, comfortable, and fine.
Why are pads still getting hate in 2025??
You’re telling me girls are still getting judged for using pads in 2025?? My friend texted me from a public bathroom—some girl next to her whispered, “She still wears pads? That’s gross.” Like… excuse me? Since when did period care become a competition? Some of us use pads because of trauma. S
Edenn🐙

Edenn🐙

1515 likes

Keeping your Va-JayJay Clean and Healthy 🐱
Swipe➡️ 📒Notes: SelfCare 1. Regular bathing: Wash the outer area with mild soap and water daily. Avoid harsh products that may disrupt the natural pH balance. 2. Wipe front to back: After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina. 3
Anxiety Diary

Anxiety Diary

281 likes

What’s in my Backpack 🎒
#whatsinmyschoolbag #schoolbag #BackToSchool #ESSENTIALS #lemon8challenge Emergency pouch: Pads, Tampons & Midol Touch up pouch: Deodorant, hand lotion, hair ties, dry shampoo, & perfume Easy access pouch: Calculator, compact mirror, pencil sharpener, gum, pens and pencils,
jas 🎀

jas 🎀

110 likes

Pads or Tampons?
I posted this a couple of months ago, so this is just an update on my journey on which is the better menstrual product~ for me. I started using tampons 2 months ago, hesitantly, and for the beginning part of this "journey," it was pretty painful. June was I tried them, and I cried at the
jeezursilly

jeezursilly

222 likes

A hand holds a box of Rael Organic Cotton Cover Pads with leaklocker, labeled for overnight use and 12 count. The background is a purple wall with blue string lights, and text overlays read 'switching to organic pads'.
Switching to organic pads!
I recently made the switch from traditional pads (Always) to Rael Orgnaic pads, I've noticed a huge change in just the short time I've switched over and wanted to share the info I found and my personal experience with others who may have the same issues I did. For a while now I've b
Annalyse ♡

Annalyse ♡

27 likes

Tampons Sent me to the Hospital
For what felt like forever, my periods were incredibly painful and just awful. I tried every product out there—tampons, pads, cups, and disks hoping something would give me some relief. I even switched birth control methods, thinking that might help regulate things, but nothing seemed to make a dif
Lily Margaret

Lily Margaret

782 likes

A person with red hair takes a mirror selfie, showing a bandage on their arm after donating plasma for the first time. Text overlays describe their experience.
A hand holds a bag of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers, indicating they were given these before the plasma donation.
An interior view of a clean, well-lit facility with light blue and gray walls, black chairs, and a framed poster, suggesting a plasma donation center.
My Experience Donating Plasma FOR THE FIRST TIME💉🩸
I honestly had the best experience donating my plasma! I was super nervous going in to it but it ended up being great! After I checked in, they gave me goldfish and a water bottle while I waited to get my vitals checked. She checked my ID, SSN (i brought in my W2), and proof of residency. There
Maggie

Maggie

42 likes

An orange basket filled with various personal care items, including body sprays, deodorants, hair products, and hair accessories, with text overlay indicating it's a classroom 'Take What You Need' basket.
A close-up view of an orange basket containing body spray, deodorant, Vaseline, eco gel, edge booster, hair gel, bobby pins, hair ties, combs, edge brushes, small rubber bands, and a spray bottle.
An open drawer filled with hygiene and tech essentials, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, pads, tampons, liners, baby wipes, noise-cancelling headphones, and Chromebook chargers.
✨MY CLASSROOM’S TAKE WHAT YOU NEED BASKET 🧼🫧
Middle school can be hard, so I try to make sure my 6th graders have what they need to feel good about themselves during the day. 💕 That’s why I set up this “Take What You Need” basket and drawer system. It’s filled with essentials they can grab without asking—no questions, no judgment. 🫶 Here’s
maddie 🍄

maddie 🍄

3252 likes

🌸what’s in my bag?!🌸
I always like being prepared, and I usually always have these items in my bag, depending on the type of bag I’m using. Right now I’m using my favorite Juicy Couture bag that I found at Marshall’s 😍 Here’s what is in my bag: -phone -keys (not shown) -wallet -hand sanitizer -chapstick -lipgl
Rebecca

Rebecca

44 likes

A hand holds a tampon with a light green applicator, partially extended, above a bathroom sink. The overlaid text 'why tf do they hurt' with a crying emoji highlights the user's discomfort, relating to the article's discussion of painful tampon experiences.
Are tampons supposed to be uncomfortable?
Bit embarrassed to ask this since I’m 25 and I’ve never worn a tampon in my life lol. Recently I’ve started wearing tampons since my flow is so heavy it leaks through nighttime pads. The first few times, the tampon caused immense pain and made the area very tender. Right now, I’m using regular size
Lulu

Lulu

923 likes

Why do women still shame each other fo using pads?
When I got my period at 13, pads were all I knew. But as I got older, I noticed how people ,even other women started to look down on it. “Pads are gross.” “You should switch to tampons.” It made me question my own comfort, like I was behind or “less clean.” Now I realize: there’s no “mature” or
Nikki🍋

Nikki🍋

792 likes

rating tampons for vaginal health
Tampons play a role into vaginal health due to the ingredients. Tampons are in contact with your vaginal skin for hours. Your vaginal wall has direct contact to your blood stream so whatever chemical pesticides, plastics or other ingredients are in the tampon can easily be transferred to your blood
rachel

rachel

187 likes

A cycle tracking app interface showing options for logging period, symptoms, sexual activity, and spotting, with a 'Happy Women's Day' graphic and 'CYCLE TRACKING' text overlay.
An illustration outlining the four phases of a menstrual cycle: Menstrual (Day 1-7), Follicular (Day 7-14), Ovulation (Day 14-21), and Luteal (Day 21-28).
Text describing Phase 1: Menstrual (Days 1-7), covering hormonal changes, common symptoms like cramping and bloating, and self-care tips including period products and heating patches.
CYCLE TRACKING🌸🤍💁🏼‍♀️
I can no longer live with the surprises being a woman gives me. So cycle tracking it is! Sharing this from Rael, one of my fav period product companies! I have been using their products for over 5 years now🤍 Link: https://www.getrael.com/pages/education-page Share all your period & female t
Madison Ahlgren

Madison Ahlgren

3 likes

See more