Although majority of women still prefer tampons to maxi pads, the pads have been making a comeback lately.
Women who prefer pads to tampons usually do so because of the fear of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare, but life-threatening complication of bacterial infection, caused by ultra-absorbent tampons. However, TSS has become very rare. Most studies quote 3 to 4 instances out of 100,000 tampon-using females per year.
So what’s the real reason behind an increased usage of maxi pads?
There are two major reasons, both suggesting that the trend might hold steady in the future.
First of all, it’s the unprecedented variety of pads. If a few years ago women were able to choose only between a few national brands, now there are tens of brands, some of them little know, but increasingly available even in chain stores.
Even the biggest pharmacies now carry more than 3 or 4 kinds of pads. Specialty health stores or even some chain stores dedicated to natural and organic products carry many more kinds of maxi pads, including reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups.
Another reason why pads are gaining momentum is the increasing popularity of online shopping. Many of niche feminine hygiene products are exclusively available online. As consumers are more and more comfortable shopping online, even for such products as personal hygiene items, they choose pads over tampons, if they are able to find what they exactly need. Women who are more health conscious or simply prefer higher-end products, tend to shop online. These types of consumers have helped increase online sales of niche menstrual pads.
What is it that has captured attention of women, who otherwise would use tampons?
Mostly, it’s science-based technology used in new generation pads, that was able to address safety issues and provide unprecedented absorption without compromising quality. New generation menstrual pads are far superior not only to regular big brand pads, but also to any kind of tampons. There are no tampons capable of providing antibacterial and antifungal functions, nor any tampons can prevent genital inflammation and skin irritation.
Although the idea of manufacturers putting asbestos in tampons is an urban myth, bleaching is still very common in tampons, as well as in many big brand pads. Bleached paper can cause rashes and inflammation that could lead to urinary tract infections.
Also, even though TSS is very rare, growth of bacteria is not, especially in more absorbent tampons. Greater absorption rates encourage women to change tampons less often, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and multiply.
