Are pads or tampons better for your teen?

Two popular period products

Quick summary

1️⃣ The decision of pads vs tampons depends on your teen’s comfort level, with pads being an easy first option and tampons offering more freedom for active lifestyles

2️⃣ Each has pros and cons – pads are simple and great for overnight use but can feel bulky, while tampons are discreet and ideal for sports but can be tricky to use

3️⃣ Encourage your teen to explore different products beyond pads and tampons if needed, to find what works for them

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When your teen starts their period, choosing between pads and tampons can feel overwhelming. 

Each option has pros and cons, and the right choice can often depend on what your teen feels comfortable with.

Some teens might feel nervous about trying tampons, while others might dislike the feeling of pads. 

Your role is to ideally offer guidance and reassurance, helping them make a choice that feels right for them.

In order to help you know if pads or tampons are better, luna wants to help you by outlining what to consider when discussing pads and tampons with your teen.

Pads: a simple starting point for first periods

Pads are one of the most common first choices for teens because they are easy to use and don’t require insertion. 

Many parents find that pads are a gentle introduction to managing a period.

How pads work:

👉 Pads are worn externally inside underwear to absorb menstrual flow

👉 They come in different sizes and absorbencies to match different flow levels

👉  Some pads have wings that fold over the sides of underwear to keep them in place

👉They generally need to be changed every 4-6 hours in the daytime or when full. Some people will choose to change them more regularly however for comfort or when bleeding more heavily

Why pads might work well for your teen:

👉  No insertion required – great for beginners who aren’t ready for tampons

👉  Easy to change – simply remove and replace with a fresh one

👉 Good for overnight protection – some long and extra-absorbent pads can help prevent leaks

Things to keep in mind when using pads:

👉 Pads can sometimes feel bulky, especially during sports or physical activities

👉 They may shift or bunch up, so your teen might need to adjust them throughout the day

👉 Some teens find pads less discreet, as they can be visible under certain clothes

Tampons: a sport-friendly option

Tampons are small, discreet, and inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow. 

Some teens feel nervous about trying tampons at first, but many find them convenient once they get used to them.

👉 Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow

👉 They’re great for sports and swimming since they don’t interfere with movement

👉 Choosing the right absorbency is important, and tampons should be changed every 4-8 hours to reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) (a rare but serious infection that can be caused by a tampon that has been in for too long)

Why tampons might work well for your teen:

👉  More discreet – no visible bulk under clothing

👉  May allow for more freedom – perfect for active teens

👉  Less likely to leak as the product can’t shift about as easily

Things to keep in mind when using tampons:

👉  Insertion takes practice – it might feel uncomfortable at first

👉  Your teen might need guidance on how to insert and remove a tampon safely

👉  Changing tampons regularly is important to maintain hygiene and avoid any health risks

Common questions teens ask luna about tampons

Some teens may feel unsure about using tampons for various reasons. 

As a parent, you can help ease their concerns with gentle, fact-based reassurance.

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1. “Will it hurt?”

It shouldn’t hurt if inserted correctly, but it may feel strange at first. 

Encourage your teen to…

👉 start with a slim, light-absorbency tampon

👉 use lubrication on the tip if needed

👉 try relaxing their muscles during insertion

👉 use a mirror if needed to see where they are aiming for

2. “Can it get lost inside me?”

No. The vagina is a closed space, and the tampon stays within the vaginal canal. 

The string remains outside, making it easy to remove.

3. “What if I can’t get it out?”

If they feel stuck, it’s usually because they are tense. 

Encourage them to relax, take a deep breath, and gently pull the string. If needed, squatting can help.

How to introduce your teen to pads

You can help them feel more confident by guiding them through the basics.

👉 Explain the different types of pads – show them slim, thick, and winged options in the supermarket so they know what might suit them best

👉 Demonstrate how to place a pad – you can use a spare pair of underwear to show them how to attach and position it correctly

👉 Talk about how often to change a pad – explain that most people change every 4-6 hours, or sooner if it feels full

👉 Discuss how to dispose of pads properly – show them how to wrap used pads in toilet paper or the wrapper and put them in a bin, not flush them

How to introduce your teen to tampons

If your teen is interested in trying tampons, it can help to walk them through the process. 

Here are some steps you can take to make the transition easier:

👉 Start with the right product – choose a slim, light-absorbency tampon with a smooth applicator

👉 Explain the process step by step – many tampon brands have instructions included, but a calm explanation from you can make a big difference

👉 Encourage relaxation – suggest taking deep breaths and finding a comfortable position (standing, sitting, or squatting)

👉 Make it a no-pressure experience – reassure them that it’s okay if they don’t get it right for a while as it’s a learning process

Some teens may prefer to figure it out alone, while others appreciate guidance from a parent. Let them take the lead in what they feel comfortable with.

Pads vs tampons: helping your teen decide

It’s completely okay for your teen to try both pads and tampons to see what works best. 

Some teens prefer pads at first and switch to tampons later. 

Others use a combination – pads at night, tampons during the day.

It’s also worth discussing other reusable period product options that your teen might feel comfortable exploring:

👉 Menstrual cups: eco-friendly, these are usually silicon based flexible cup and are inserted to sit in the vagina and collect blood instead of absorbing it – it’s very important these are inserted correctly as there have been reports of kidney issues if it is not put in correctly

👉 Period pants: another eco-friendly popular option which absorbs flow similar to a pad but is more discreet – they’re very comfortable and easy to use; they can also be used with tampons or pads for heavier bleeding or extra protection from leaks

Both options are more expensive than disposable tampons and pads however over time you would get many more uses from them

Encourage your teen to listen to their body and choose what makes them feel most comfortable.

What's the most important takeaway here?

The most important thing is that your teen feels comfortable and supported in their choice of period products.

Encourage open conversations, provide them with accurate information, and remind them that it’s normal to take time to figure out what works best.

Every teen is different – their preferences may change as they grow, and that’s completely okay. 

By fostering a judgment-free environment, you help them develop confidence in managing their period in a way that works best for them.