Encomium
WHEN it comes to feminine hygiene, we have options like sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, panty liners and feminine wipes as major categories to choose from, depending on your needs and how easily you can get them.
In our part of the world, sanitary pads are the most popular, while tampons are beginning to get more attention.
Sanitary pads are usually placed on the panty to absorb a flow of blood from the vagina, protecting clothes and furnishings. It is worn externally between the vulva and a woman’s panty. In Nigeria, the most popular sanitary pad brands are Always, Dr. Browns, Ladycare, Everyday, etc. A lot of Nigerian women prefer pads because they are easy to use, and they offer external protection.
Tampons, on the other hand, are designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the menstrual flow. They are comfortable and even recommended for women who engage in exercises like running, dancing, swimming, jogging, etc. They are a discreet form of period protector. They don’t show through the clothes and you feel nothing once you have them on.
Tampons come with applicators for comfortable insertion. They are easy to insert and if inserted properly, it won’t hurt, you won’t even know it’s there.
Whichever one a woman decides to use is her choice. It is, however, good to try both to see which suits the body best and offers the best protection.
It should also be known that none of them should be worn for more than eight hours. Recommended time is six hours to avoid/prevent infection or rashes.
After thoroughly examining both the sanitary pads and tampons, ENCOMIUM Weekly did a check by speaking with some young women on their preferred one between the two and why.
A regular pack of sanitary pad containing about 8 pieces costs between N250 to N300, while a regular pack of tampons with 20 pieces costs between N1,000 to N1,200.
BUNMI VICTOR
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads. I have never used a tampon.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are what I’m used to, and they are readily available in my town.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Sanitary pads are definitely better.
IDOWU TINUOLA
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use tampons.
Why do you use tampons?
I use tampons because they are very comfortable. I even forget that I am on my period sometimes when I have a tampon on.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Tampons are better than sanitary pads because of the comfort they give.
TOYIN OKEOWO
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use tampons. In fact, I’ve used them since my first period, thanks to my older sister who showed me how to use them.
Why do you use tampons?
I love tampons and the comfort I get. I think sanitary pads are rather bulky and they get in the way.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Tampons are definitely better than sanitary pads.
TOLUWANI ADEWUYI
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads and tampons.
Why do you use sanitary pads and tampons?
I use both because they have their different uses.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Even though I use both from time to time, tampons are my favourite.
FUNKE ADEOSUN
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I prefer sanitary pads because they are easy to use and they are quite comfortable.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I personally think sanitary pads are better.
BIMBO BALOGUN
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are easier to get and use.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I think sanitary pads are better.
SIJUADE ADEOTI
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are easy to wear. I think tampons are scary. I have never tried them but the thought of sticking a tampon in there scares me.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
In my opinion, sanitary pads are better.
BUKOLA FANIRAN
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use both pads and tampons, but I prefer tampons.
Why do you use sanitary pads and tampons?
I use both because they serve different purpose for me depending on how heavy my flow is.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Tampons are better because they are less noticeable than pads.
OMOLOLA ADEKANMBI
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are comfortable for me. I tried using tampons and it made me uncomfortable and hurt me.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I think sanitary pads are better.
BISOLA GEORGE
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads. I have never seen a tampon. I’ve only heard about it, not sure I can identify it when I see one.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they’re what I am used to.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Sanitary pads are better.
FOLAKE ADEKUNLE
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are easy to wear, more popular and easy to find unlike tampons that are scarce. You can’t find tampons at your regular next door mallam.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I think sanitary pads are better.
CYNTHIA AKUNNA
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are simple to use, tampons are scary. I’m not sure I even know where to insert a tampon.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I think sanitary pads are better.
FUNTO WILLIAMS
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use tampons.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
When I first got my period, I used pads and I was always getting stained, especially at night. I always had to get up several times to check or change pads. Now that I use tampons, I sometimes forget that I’m on my period. It’s so comfortable.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I personally like tampons.
SHADE AKINDELE
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use both sanitary pads and tampons.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because it’s easy and less complicate, tampons are also very comfortable and last longer. When I’ll be at the gym for long hours, tampons stay put and don’t move or leak.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Both are great and have their uses but the tampon is my personal best.
BANKE OSHOMOJI
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are everywhere. You can easily get sanitary pads to buy, but you won’t get a tampon if you don’t go into big stores like Shoprite or Domino.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I think sanitary pads are better.
DEBORAH AKINTAN
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use sanitary pads because they are within my reach and I can easily get them. Aside that I also like tampons because of the comfort they give.
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
I like both but I think tampons are better.
AISHAT
Do you use sanitary pads or tampons?
I use sanitary pads.
Why do you use sanitary pads?
I use them for menstruation or do they have another use?
Which do you think is better between tampons and sanitary pads?
Sanitary pads are the best any day, any time, especially Always.
