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 means of 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 appears a bit completely different now than it did once we had been teenagers, and all these choices can get complicated even to essentially the most savvy of fogeys. So what precisely are the perfect pads to your teen or tween?

The massive priorities are the identical: all of us want our pads to be dependable, snug, and leak-proof — no teen needs to dwell by means of the nightmare of discovering a telltale stain on the again of their denims in the course of a faculty day. These days, although, firms are creating choices with much more teen-specific issues in thoughts, bearing in mind issues like pad measurement, packaging, and discreet wrappers. (No extra loud crinkling within the college 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 will 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 might also 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 the perfect pads out there 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 intervals

It is perhaps awkward, however you’ll be able to and will talk to your teen or tween about their cycle — perhaps even earlier than they begin menstruating. “It is very important set up early on how ‘regular’ it’s to have intervals,” 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 may 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’ll ask you about something to do with their interval.

OBGYNs are additionally an amazing useful resource to introduce your teen to, particularly in the event that they’re feeling overwhelmed or confused (and are perhaps embarrassed to speak to you about it). Plus, some questions are simply simpler to speak about with a physician. “I am 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 intervals and reproductive well being. (PS: consultants advocate 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 acquainted with precisely what’s occurring down there, exploring completely 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. Conserving the traces of communication open additionally lets them know that “it’s OK to ask for assist when utilizing any new product,” she provides.

It’s also possible to speak about easy methods to handle PMS signs and correct interval hygiene practices, Dr. Cabeca provides, “together with altering pads commonly and sustaining cleanliness.”

What to search for in pads for teenagers

There are just a few key traits to search for while you’re selecting the perfect pad to your teen or tween.

Be certain that they’re a part of the dialog. Your teen in all probability doesn’t love the concept of going purchasing for pads with you, however invite them alongside anyway. Don’t drive it — in the event that they don’t need to come, ask them if they’ve any product preferences. In the event that they don’t (not stunning — they’re new to this!), discuss to them about what merchandise you selected and why. Even when they’re resistant in these early conversations, you’re displaying them that intervals are regular and holding the road of communication open.

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

Search for absorbency and safety. “It is very important purchase the menstrual product that matches their stream – gentle, medium or  heavy,” says Dr. Bovone. “They may get the perfect safety this fashion.” You additionally need to search for pads that aren’t overly cumbersome, Dr. Cabeca provides, whereas prioritizing options like wings that “present further safety towards leaks.”

Go unscented. Fragrances scent good, however they normally contain elements you don’t need anyplace close to a vagina. Our consultants advisable unscented pads which can be freed from fragrances or chemical substances.

Select snug supplies. “Go for pads produced from gentle, breathable supplies like natural cotton, that are light on delicate pores and skin and free from irritants like dyes and fragrances,” says Dr. Cabeca. “I’m a giant fan of pads which can be product of pure supplies and lack chemical substances and fragrances,” board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Somi Javaid, founding father of HerMD, tells SheKnows.

Discreet packaging is a plus. No teen needs to achieve for his or her telephone solely to have their super-obvious pad fly out of their backpack. Fortunately, many manufacturers now use extra refined 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.

Greatest pads for teenagers at a look

Greatest total: Pinkie Teen & Tween Organic Pad Combo Pack

Greatest price range pad: Always Radiant FlexFoam Teen Pads

Greatest for heavy stream: U by Kotex Balance For Teens

Greatest earth-friendly pad: August Day & Night Pads

Greatest mission-based pad: Aunt Flow

Greatest washable pad: KT by Knix Reusable Snap Pads