Everything you need to know about sanitary pads

Everything you need to know about sanitary pads

Sanitary pads, also known as menstrual pads, are a vital form of menstrual hygiene product designed to absorb menstrual fluid during menstruation. Here's an in-depth overview of sanitary pads, covering types, usage, benefits, and other essential aspects.

1. Types of Sanitary Pads

There are several types of sanitary pads designed to meet various needs, such as:

Disposable Pads: The most common type, designed for single-use. These are typically made of cotton, absorbent polymers, and plastic.

Cloth Pads: Reusable pads made of fabric. These are eco-friendly but require washing after each use.

Organic Pads: Made from organic cotton or bamboo, free from chemicals, synthetic fibers, and dyes, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

Panty Liners: Smaller, thinner pads used for light discharge or spotting, or as a backup with tampons or menstrual cups.

Overnight Pads: These are longer and more absorbent, providing extra protection during the night.

Maternity Pads: Extra-large and highly absorbent, these pads are used post-pregnancy to handle postpartum bleeding.

2. Structure of a Sanitary Pad

Sanitary pads are typically made of several layers:

Top Layer (Soft Cover): This is the layer in direct contact with the skin, often made of soft cotton or synthetic fibers to ensure comfort.

Absorbent Core: Made of absorbent materials like cellulose or super absorbent polymers (SAP), this layer absorbs and locks in menstrual fluid.

Waterproof Barrier: The bottom layer is usually made of plastic to prevent leakage onto clothing.

Wings: Many pads come with adhesive wings that wrap around underwear to help keep the pad in place and prevent leakage from the sides.

3. How to Use a Sanitary Pad

Step 1: Unwrap the pad and remove the adhesive backing.

Step 2: Place the sticky side of the pad onto your underwear.

Step 3: For pads with wings, fold the wings over the sides of your underwear and secure them.

Step 4: Change the pad every 4 to 6 hours (or more often, depending on flow).

Step 5: Dispose of used pads by wrapping them in toilet paper or the packaging they came in, and throw them in a bin. Avoid flushing them down the toilet.

4. Benefits of Sanitary Pads

Convenient: Disposable pads are easy to use and widely available.

Variety of Sizes: Pads come in different lengths, thicknesses, and absorbency levels, catering to different flow intensities.

Comfort: Many pads are designed with soft materials and ergonomic shapes to ensure comfort throughout the day.

Hygienic: Properly used and frequently changed pads help prevent infections, rashes, and odors.

5. Environmental Concerns

Waste: Disposable sanitary pads contribute significantly to landfill waste as they contain plastic components that take years to decompose.

Sustainability: Cloth pads and organic pads offer more eco-friendly alternatives as they are reusable and biodegradable.

6. How to Choose the Right Sanitary Pad

Flow Level: Choose pads with higher absorbency for heavy days and thinner ones for lighter days.

Comfort and Sensitivity: For sensitive skin, look for pads made with natural or organic materials to avoid irritation.

Activity Level: If you're active, consider using pads with strong adhesive and wings for extra security.

Length: Longer pads are ideal for overnight use or during heavy flow days.

7. Health and Safety Considerations

Changing Pads Regularly: To avoid rashes, infections, or odors, pads should be changed every 4-6 hours.

Irritation: Some individuals may develop skin irritations from the synthetic materials in pads. Switching to organic or hypoallergenic products can help.

Infections: Keeping pads on for too long can lead to bacterial infections or fungal issues like yeast infections.

8. Modern Innovations in Sanitary Pads

Breathable Pads: Some pads now come with breathable back layers to enhance comfort.

Scented Pads: These have fragrances added to mask odor, though they may cause irritation for sensitive users.

Ultra-Thin Pads: Newer pads are extremely thin but still offer high absorbency thanks to advancements in absorbent core technology.

9. Disposal and Hygiene

Proper disposal is important for hygiene and environmental impact. Used pads should be wrapped securely and discarded in designated bins. Some companies offer biodegradable or compostable pads to reduce waste.

Sanitary pads are a crucial part of menstrual care, and choosing the right type ensures comfort, hygiene, and protection.