A menstrual pad (sanitary napkin) is a layered absorbent material designed to manage menstrual flow outside the body. Proper placement is important for maximizing both user comfort and the product’s effectiveness in preventing leaks onto clothing. Understanding the correct method ensures the absorbent core aligns with the body’s anatomy, providing consistent protection. This knowledge contributes directly to better hygiene and confidence during menstruation.
Preparing the Pad and Underwear
Before placement, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water to maintain hygiene and prevent the transfer of microbes to the pad’s surface. Next, select the appropriate pad size and absorbency level, matching the product to the current flow. Use a thicker, longer pad for heavy flow or nighttime use, and a smaller, thinner one for lighter days. This selection influences comfort and leak protection.
The pad must be correctly oriented, identifying the absorbent, soft side that will face the body and the adhesive side that secures to the underwear. Most modern pads have a peel-off paper backing that protects a strong adhesive strip running along the center length of the product. This adhesive is what holds the pad securely within the underwear gusset.
Carefully peel away the paper backing without touching the exposed adhesive strip or the absorbent top layer of the pad itself. Keeping the top layer clean promotes skin health. Maintaining the integrity of the adhesive ensures maximum sticking power. This preparation sets the foundation for secure placement.
Step-by-Step Placement Technique
With the adhesive backing removed, the user should position the pad lengthwise directly onto the fabric gusset of the underwear. The gusset is the reinforced, narrow strip of fabric connecting the front and back of the crotch area. Centering the pad side-to-side within this area ensures the maximum usable absorption surface is available.
The most effective lengthwise alignment often requires positioning the pad slightly further back than the exact center of the gusset. Flow tends to move backward when sitting or lying down due to gravity and body position. Placing the pad’s center of absorption slightly toward the rear offers enhanced coverage. This adjustment is helpful for managing heavier flows or during sleep.
Once the pad is generally aligned, the user should press the pad firmly down onto the fabric along its entire length, ensuring a complete bond between the adhesive and the underwear material. This pressure activates the adhesive fully, which prevents the pad from shifting or bunching up during movement. A securely placed pad is less likely to cause discomfort or fail in its protective function.
For pads equipped with wings, these side flaps provide an extra layer of security against leaks near the edges of the underwear. After the main body of the pad is secured, the protective paper backing must be removed from the wings’ adhesive surface. The wings are then folded over the edges of the underwear gusset fabric and pressed firmly underneath.
Ensure the wings adhere directly to the exterior fabric of the underwear and do not stick to themselves or to the inner thigh area. Properly secured wings keep the pad centered and prevent lateral movement. Lateral movement is a common cause of side leaks.
Changing and Disposal
Maintaining hygiene requires changing the pad regularly, typically every three to four hours, even if the pad is not fully saturated. Regular changes prevent the breakdown of blood products and the proliferation of bacteria, which can contribute to odor and skin irritation. While flow intensity may necessitate more frequent changes, four hours serves as a guideline for maximizing freshness and comfort.
To dispose of a used pad, roll it up tightly, absorbent side inward, to contain the soiled material. Use the new pad’s wrapper or a few sheets of toilet paper to wrap the rolled pad before placing it into a designated waste bin. Menstrual pads must never be flushed down a toilet, as they are designed to absorb fluid and can cause severe plumbing blockages.