Got your first period, worry not. Your mother might have given you a sanitary pad, that is long, white, and looks like a neat rolled piece of tissue. But if this is all you know about sanitary pads. Then you need to update your knowledge.
Periods are one of the crucial things that are signs of adulthood. The onset of menstruation in a female’s life is often the time when she is the most curious of a number of things. Sanitary pads, their types, and how to use them are some of the common queries at that time.
Thus, we have decided to shed life on all that you need to know about sanitary pads.
Table of Contents
What is a Sanitary Pad?
Before digging deep into the depth of how to use them. It is important to learn what sanitary pads are.
A sanitary pad is a thin pad that is made of some absorbent material commonly a gel-like substance that keeps the bleeding at bay during periods.
It is a common product that is often used during periods. You can also use sanitary pads during other types of vaginal discharge. Learn more about these other sorts of vaginal discharge here.
It is a widely used menstrual hygiene product that is worn externally as compared to other vaginal products such as tampons and menstrual cups.
Why Should You Use a Sanitary Pad?
Sanitary pads are highly safe and offer good menstrual hygiene on so many levels. Rather than a tampon that is inserted inside the vagina, they are used externally. Thus those little girls that are new to periods can use it without feeling uncomfortable.
Depending on the rate of bleeding, the outside exposure, and other factors, one should decide which type of sanitary pad is the most suitable for them.
How to Use Sanitary Pads?
Wondering how to use a pad. Well, it is a simple process that is explained to you in the given below steps:
Make Sure to Clean Your Hands
Pay close attention to personal hygiene. One of the initial steps on how to use sanitary pads is cleaning your hands. Wash your hands and then read the next step.
Take the Pad Out of the Wrapper
Once you have taken the pad out of its wrapping, remove the sticky paper and carefully place it on your underpants. Remember to stick it carefully so that it is properly placed alongside the length. This will ensure that there is no leakage while you carefully carry out your everyday tasks.
Disposing of the Wrapper
The last but not the least part is throwing away the wrapper. The one that you were previously wearing, wrap it in the wrapper and dispose of it in the recycle bin. This way the used sanitary pads are easily removed from the washrooms.
How Long Should You Wear a Sanitary Pad?
Now that you have an idea of how to use pads, it is high time for you to learn about how long you should wear a pad. Using the same pad for more than 5 hours can cause vaginal irritation, redness, and itching in the sensitive areas.
Wearing the same pad for long hours can also lead to the release of unpleasant odor. It can also be the reason for several other health complications. The mucus and blood that are being released from your body should not be in contact with your skin for too long.
Just like how you take care of your hands and other body areas. Try to be a bit more attentive towards your sensitive areas and their hygiene.
Types of Sanitary Pads
There are different types of sanitary pads available in the market.
- Super
- Slender
- Overnight
- Scented
- Maxi
- Mini
The type of sanitary pad that you are using depends on several factors such as heavy menstruation or lighter bleeding. Sanitary pads also differ on the basis of size, rate of absorption, and scented or unscented.
Try to find a pad that is the right fit for you because you have to carry out your everyday tasks after wearing it. Although scented sanitary pads are also available in the market, make sure you avoid them because they can cause vaginal irritation in worst-case scenarios.
Want to learn about effective remedies to treat vaginal itching, click here.
Additionally, there are also two types of sanitary pads that are used in a bit different manner.
Disposal Pads
The most commonly used type of sanitary pad is this one. They come with a peel-off in a wrapping. You remove the wrapper, stick the wings to the side of the underpants, and place them in the middle.
Then, when you have to remove it, you unstick it and wrap it in either toilet paper or the wrapper of a new sanitary pad that you are about to use.
Reusable Pads
Reusable pads are washable pads that are commonly available in health stores and clinics. Women tend to use these types of sanitary pads because they are better for the environment and can help to save a lot of money.
What are Cotton Pads for Periods?
Sanitary cotton pads are entirely made up of cotton. Cotton is one excellent material for the purpose of absorption. In addition to the leakage problems, cotton is a soft material that does not cause irritation. This is because they are free of any chlorine, bleach, perfumes, and plastic. Thus they are not only good for your vagina but are also super comfortable.
What Pad is Good to Wear at Night?
Overnight bleeding is a common thing during periods. It is such an uncomfortable situation that women find themselves changing pads various times during the course of a night. Thus a good sanitary pad for such excessive bleeding is an ‘overnight’.
Overnight sanitary pads are the best choice when you are suffering from heavy menstruation.
Can You Wear a Pad Through the Night?
Wondering if you can wear a pad throughout the night. Well, let us tell you how you can do that. You can wear a pad for a maximum of 6 hours. After that you need to change it. If you fail to do so it can cause serious health complications such as itching and redness in the vaginal area.
Are Cotton Pads Good for Periods?
It is a common question that is often asked by women. The use of organic cotton pads for periods lessens the onset of allergy and irritation. Furthermore, sanitary cotton pads are extremely good for the environment because they use less water and energy in the production process.
The Final Takeaway
There is no other way of saying this when it comes to the matter of your menstrual needs; you need to make informed decisions. If you need further consultation regarding sanitary pads and vaginal health, you can reach out to the best gynecologist in your area via healthwire.pk
