When it comes to your own menstruation cycle, your body is unique. This is why there are multiple feminine sanitary products available. The most common ones being pads, tampons and panty liners.
To be confident and comfortable during your period, it’s important to have a good understanding of which product is right for you, and when to use them. Check out our Panty Liner vs Pad article to learn the differences between those two products. In this guide, we will explore the difference between panty liners vs tampons.
What are Panty Liners?
Like the name suggests, a panty liner is a lining that adheres to the inside of your panties. They are generally thin, absorbent, and can be scented.
Most women decide to use panty liners for two main reasons. The first, as an extra layer of protection during her period, especially on heavier flow days. Because panty liners line the inside of the underwear and are designed to be very absorbent, they
are great for catching any leakage that might occur from tampon use (discussed next).
A second reason for using a panty liner is for everyday freshness, even when your period is over. Because they are so thin yet absorbent, wearing panty liners on a daily basis can help absorb any excess moisture in your vaginal area, as well as absorb
any unexpected vaginal leakage outside of your normal period.
The Carefree® Acti-Fresh® Thin liner, for example, does a great job of keeping
you fresh, confident, and comfortable every day.
What Are Tampons?
Tampons, on the other hand, are feminine care products that are inserted into the vagina to absorb any blood or discharge that may come out during your periodi. The key difference is that tampons are inserted, absorbing menstrual flow before
it exits.
However, even properly inserted tampons can leak occasionally. That is when panty liners can save the day. Panty liners are external, absorbent, and line your underwear. They can help catch any additional leakage not caught by the tampon.
Using a tampon will prevent the mess usually experienced with a sanitary pad, which is discussed in our Panty Liner vs. Pad article. However, if you don’t insert a tampon correctly, it can be quite uncomfortable. You will probably need to practice a couple of times to get used to it, and some women still prefer to use sanitary pads instead.
Tampons, like pads and panty liners, normally come in a variety of absorbency levels and sizes, depending on your specific needs. Active women may find tampons to be a more comfortable option, allowing for more freedom of movement since they are internally
inserted. Some tampons are even effective while swimming, where a pad or panty liner would not be.
Tampons are made from a combination of materials and are shaped into the vagina canal. Some tampons may come with cardboard or plastic applicators. Others, known as digital or non-applicator tampons, are inserted with the help of your finger.
Which One Should You Choose?
We can’t say it enough; your body is unique. It would be impossible to tell you which feminine care product is right for your needs. However, it’s likely that a combination of feminine care products at different times depending on your needs
would best suit your lifestyle.
For very heavy flow days, you might find a combination of heavy flow tampon and a panty liner offers the best protection and helps you feel confident all-day long. Days when your flow is lighter and you just want some extra piece of mind, a panty liner
might offer the all-day protection you need. Maybe you have a swim meet that coincided with your period, and a tampon will be the best option for you.
To find the panty liner that works the best for your lifestyle, check out the Carefree® panty liner product page.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
i.https://www.girlshealth.gov/body/period/pads.html