The 6 Best Pads for Teens, According to OBGYNs

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The primary few years of getting your interval are an absolute rollercoaster. You’re wading by the ups and downs of hormonal change (thanks puberty!), discovering all the fun of cramps and PMS (… thanks, puberty), and naturally, studying what period products you prefer. Many teenagers and tweens go for pads throughout these first few years: they’re easy, straightforward to make use of, and don’t contain as a lot of a studying curve as tampons or menstrual cups. (Though many firms are making it a lot simpler to make use of these choices now, too.) However the interval aisle seems to be a little bit totally different now than it did after we have been teenagers, and all these choices can get complicated even to essentially the most savvy of oldsters. So what precisely are one of the best pads to your teen or tween?

The large priorities are the identical: all of us want our pads to be dependable, comfy, and leak-proof — no teen desires to stay by the nightmare of discovering a telltale stain on the again of their denims in the midst of a college day. These days, although, firms are creating choices with much more teen-specific issues in thoughts, considering issues like pad measurement, packaging, and discreet wrappers. (No extra loud crinkling within the faculty rest room stall? Sure please.) They’re much-needed enhancements, as teenagers and tweens could discover conventional (aka adult-sized) pads “too giant or cumbersome, which could be uncomfortable and result in leaks,” Dr. Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified OB/GYN and creator of Julva for vaginal dryness, tells SheKnows. Teenagers may additionally be extra delicate and self-conscious about utilizing merchandise that aren’t discreet or tailor-made to their age group, Dr. Cabeca added.

We requested three OBGYNs to share one of the best pads obtainable to your teen or tween and rounded up all their suggestions beneath, together with suggestions for what to search for in a pad (measurement? form? absorbency??) and a few suggestions for serving to your teen handle throughout this fraught — however thrilling — time.

Navigating your teen’s durations

It is likely to be awkward, however you possibly can and will talk to your teen or tween about their cycle — possibly even earlier than they begin menstruating. “You will need to set up early on how ‘regular’ it’s to have durations,” Dr. Cabeca explains, “and that it’s a part of the course of feminine biology.” There’s nonetheless a stigma round menstruation, particularly amongst teenagers and tweens, which might result in younger folks feeling like they must navigate all of the overwhelming signs and interval product decisions by themselves. Alleviate their stress by letting them know they will ask you about something to do with their interval.

OBGYNs are additionally a terrific useful resource to introduce your teen to, particularly in the event that they’re feeling overwhelmed or confused (and are possibly embarrassed to speak to you about it). Plus, some questions are simply simpler to speak about with a health care provider. “I’m going over genital anatomy with my sufferers on a regular basis,” Dr. Suzanne Bovone, board-certified OB/GYN at Pediatrix Medical Group in San Jose, California, tells SheKnows. “I’ll have them maintain a mirror to allow them to see their physique as we go over correct anatomical phrases.” It’s all about normalizing durations and reproductive well being. (PS: specialists suggest taking your teen for his or her first OB/GYN visit proper earlier than or once they have their first interval, which could occur earlier than you think.)

As soon as they’re accustomed to precisely what’s occurring down there, exploring totally different interval merchandise doesn’t really feel fairly so scary. “Teenagers can use pads, tampons, cups and discs from the primary interval. It’s about being conscious of 1’s anatomy,” Dr. Bovone says. Preserving the traces of communication open additionally lets them know that “it’s OK to ask for assist when utilizing any new product,” she provides.

You may as well speak about methods to handle PMS signs and correct interval hygiene practices, Dr. Cabeca provides, “together with altering pads usually and sustaining cleanliness.”

What to search for in pads for teenagers

There are a couple of key traits to search for if you’re selecting one of the best pad to your teen or tween.

Be sure they’re a part of the dialog. Your teen most likely doesn’t love the thought of going looking for pads with you, however invite them alongside anyway. Don’t drive it — in the event that they don’t wish to come, ask them if they’ve any product preferences. In the event that they don’t (not stunning — they’re new to this!), speak to them about what merchandise you selected and why. Even when they’re resistant in these early conversations, you’re exhibiting them that durations are regular and retaining the road of communication open.

Smaller sizes are higher. The larger the pad, the bulkier it’ll really feel to your teen or tween. That’s why you wish to “select pads particularly designed for teenagers,” Dr. Cabeca says, “which provide smaller sizes that match comfortably in teen underwear.”

Search for absorbency and safety. “You will need to purchase the menstrual product that matches their circulation – mild, medium or  heavy,” says Dr. Bovone. “They are going to get one of the best safety this fashion.” You additionally wish to search for pads that aren’t overly cumbersome, Dr. Cabeca provides, whereas prioritizing options like wings that “present additional safety in opposition to leaks.”

Go unscented. Fragrances scent good, however they normally contain components you don’t need anyplace close to a vagina. Our specialists beneficial unscented pads which might be freed from fragrances or chemical compounds.

Select comfy supplies. “Go for pads produced from mushy, breathable supplies like natural cotton, that are mild on delicate pores and skin and free from irritants like dyes and fragrances,” says Dr. Cabeca. “I’m an enormous fan of pads which might be manufactured from pure supplies and lack chemical compounds and fragrances,” board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Somi Javaid, founding father of HerMD, tells SheKnows.

Discreet packaging is a plus. No teen desires to succeed in for his or her telephone solely to have their super-obvious pad fly out of their backpack. Fortunately, many manufacturers now use extra delicate packaging to make this much less of a priority. “Pads with particular person wrappers or pouches make them straightforward to hold discreetly in a backpack or purse,” Dr. Cabeca says.

Finest pads for teenagers at a look

Finest general: Pinkie Teen & Tween Organic Pad Combo Pack

Finest finances pad: Always Radiant FlexFoam Teen Pads

Finest for heavy circulation: U by Kotex Balance For Teens

Finest earth-friendly pad: August Day & Night Pads

Finest mission-based pad: Aunt Flow

Finest washable pad: KT by Knix Reusable Snap Pads