5 Non-Negotiables When It Comes to Your Sanitary Pads

Photo from idiva.com

When that time of the month arrives, most women reach for the old reliable pack of sanitary napkins. They're no-fuss compared to a tampon and certainly more convenient than a reusable menstrual cup. You may have been using them all your life, but here are some things you might not know about them. 

1 They should be changed every four hours.
Do tweak your changing schedule based on your needs. You definitely need to change more often if you have a heavier flow. But even if your pad isn’t full yet, it is important you change into a fresh pad regularly. Organisms from your menstrual blood, your vagina and your sweat thrive in warm, damp environments, and it can lead to urinary tract and vaginal infections and skin irritations. 

Jeunesse Anion Ultra Day Pad

2 You can get pad rash if you don't regularly change. 
Yes, babies aren’t the only ones who can get rashes from wearing damp underwear for too long. Pad rash usually happens when a damp napkin is left on for too long and rubs against the thighs causing irritation. It can easily be prevented by staying dry through regular changing. If you do experience a rash, ointment is your best friend. It will prevent any further irritation and will help heal the area. It’s still best to consult with a doctor if you’re worried about it.

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3 The pad's thickness has a purpose.  
Pads differ in thickness and length depending on flow. There are thick and long ones that are best for night use and thinner ones for light flow days. They also differ in material--"cottony" or "satin-like"--and your preference is dependent on which one feels less irritating to your skin. Some even have anion strips, like the Jeunesse brand, that emit negative ions, which supposedly eliminate harmful bacteria or odor and improve menstrual flow. It is not uncommon--and we highly recommend it--to use three kinds of pads during your menstrual cycle--one for daytime use, another for nightime, and panty liners when your menstrual flow eases up. 

4 You should wash whenever you change pads.
While the vagina has its own cleaning system, a feminine wash will provide extra protection. Try Human Nature Natural Feminine Wash with tea tree oil, which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.  

Human Nature Red Days Feminine Wash, P149.75

5. They shouldn’t just be thrown in your bag. 
Don't rely on the packaging that your sanitary napkin comes in for storage. Keep your pads in a clean pouch to protect them from contamination and save you from possible infections. Also, please dispose your pad properly after using. Don't throw it in the trash can without wrapping it in paper or envelope because it can spread infections, not to mention produce a foul odor. 


Sources: Mayo Clinic, The Health Site 

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