When it comes to dealing with periods, sanitary pads are the standard go-to option for most. They’re readily available and easy to use. But despite being so familiar with them, we still struggle on how to use pad during menstruation leading to leakage, discomfort, irritation, and infections. Have you ever wondered why? Well, it’s because we don’t know how to use a sanitary napkin most of the time. That’s why we’re here with a detailed guide on how to use sanitary pads the right way so that you never have to encounter these issues again. Check it out:
What are Sanitary Napkins?
A sanitary napkin or a sanitary pad is an absorbent pad that you wear on your panty during your menses to absorb the menstrual blood. They come in a lot of sizes and varieties and you should get one depending on your flow and comfort. After trying multiple times on how to use a pad in a period, you’ll get to know the right sanitary napkin for yourself.
How To Use A Sanitary Pad
Before we go on to talk about how to use a sanitary pad, let us understand the types of Sanitary pads. They come in two variants–disposable and reusable. Let’s understand both these options on how to use a menstrual pad in detail:
How To Use A Pad During Menstruation
Open..stick..use..throw. That’s the drill for using disposable sanitary pads. But there’s more to it than simply being a convenient use-and-throw period aid. Follow this four-step guide to understand how to wear a sanitary pad correctly:
- Choose The Right Pad – The first step on how to use a pad in a period is to choose the correct one that suits you the best. Using the right pad can take care of half of your period leakage and discomfort woes. It mainly depends on factors like your period flow, physical activities, and skin type. For instance, if you have a heavy flow and sensitive skin, you should opt for a large-sized cotton pad with high absorbency. For those with a lighter flow, medium or small-sized pads work best. If you are always on the go, look for pads with wings and a strong glue for it to stay in place.
- Wear It Right – Start by washing your hands. Sit in a comfortable position with your briefs down to your knees. Unwrap the pad, remove all the stickers, and place it centrally on the base of your underwear. If your pad has wings, fold them around your panties. Now, press the pad down to your underwear so it sticks properly. Press the wings too to make sure the pad is secured from all sides.
- Do A Little ‘Walk Test’ – While learning how to use a pad in the period, pull up your undies and do a little walk test to see if the pad is stuck correctly once you’re done sticking the pad. Once you’re done sticking the pad, pull up your undies and do a little walk test to see if the pad is stuck correctly. If it feels uncomfortable or moves, check for any loose ends or remove the pad and place it again at the centre of the underwear. Pro tip: to prevent staining, infections, and irritation, don’t forget to change your pad every three-four hours.
- Remove & Dispose – Pad removal is as easy as wearing it. Start by washing your hands and sitting comfortably with your undies down to your knees. Detach the wings from the back of your underwear and pull out the pad. Wrap it in a sanitary disposal bag and toss it in the bin. P.S. Do not flush the pad as it can clog the drains.
How To Use Reusable Sanitary Pads
Using disposable sanitary pads adds to environmental pollution and waste. That’s why a lot of people are switching to reusable sanitary pads. They can be reused for up to 100 times and don’t require you to make any major behavioural change. They’re made with skin-friendly fabric for extra comfort and help make your period more sustainable. If you’re planning to give them a go, follow these steps on how to use sanitary pads.
Step 1: Put It On
The usage of reusable sanitary pads is quite like that of their disposable counterparts. All you need to do is place it on your underwear like you would a disposable pad and fasten it around the base of your undies with poppers, clips or velcro. Once you secure its ends, you’re set to go about your day as you would with a disposable pad on. Again, do a little walk test to ensure that they’re in place and fit well.
Step 2: Change Every 3-4 Hours
A reusable pad must be changed every three-four hours–just like a disposable one. Simply open the closure of the pad and remove it. You can follow the first step on how to use the pad (new one).
Step 3: Wash
Once you’re done putting on a fresh pad, wash the used one thoroughly with a skin-friendly disinfectant or soap and let it dry. If you’re on the go and have no time to wash your used pad, you can keep an odour-concealing pouch handy to carry it home and wash it later.
How To Use Pads Overnight
Here are a few steps on how to use an overnight pad without any hassle:
- The first step is to remove the paper from the back side of your sanitary pad and place it on your panty.
- Then remove the paper from the wings of your pad. Wrap the wings from both sides of the panty and press it firmly. And it is done after this.
- You can do the same process for using maternity pads too.
How to dispose sanitary napkin?
Below are some steps on how to dispose of a sanitary napkin:
- Wrap the used sanitary napkin around a newspaper or waste paper and throw it in a dustbin.
- A little tip though- Try to avoid using poly bags or plastic wraps before discarding sanitary napkins.
Sirona Recommends Best Sanitary Pads
Sirona Rash-Free Pads
These Rash Free Pads are a blessing in disguise for those with sensitive skin. They’re ultra-thin, bio-based, breathable, and devoid of any toxic chemicals like chlorine, parabens, and artificial colours. They’re highly absorbent and provide long-lasting, leak-proof protection. They come in two sizes–L and XL and keep you covered–literally.
Sirona Reusable Pads
These reusable pads are designed to give you a contoured, comfy fit and provide leak long-lasting protection from leakages. They’re made with highly-absorbent, breathable material and come with snap-button closure for easy use. You can wash and reuse them up to 60 times easily and save a tonne of money too.
Sirona 100% Rash-Free Overnight Sanitary Pads for Women
Sirona’s overnight pads are highly absorbent and specially designed for managing your super-heavy flow during menstruation. These pads are ultra soft, prevent rashes and are super comfortable to wear. The best part? These pads are made with 100% organic cotton without any harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Sirona Natural Ultra Soft Maternity Pads
If you’re a new mother who experiences heavier than usual menstrual flow, these pads will do the work for you. Sirona’s natural ultra-soft maternity pads are highly absorbent without causing any rashes. The most wonderful part about these pads is that they are made with natural, recyclable and made up of Carbon, captured from sustainable natural resources like corn, sugarcane, cassava & straw bale.
Folks if you understand how to use a sanitary pad correctly, you will never struggle with leakages and discomfort during shark week, we promise, We hope that this guide will help you. Happy Period!
Featured Image: Pexels
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