A sanitary pad, also known as a menstrual pad or sanitary napkin, is an absorbent item worn in the underwear to collect menstrual fluid after it leaves the body. The pad is a layered system, typically featuring a soft topsheet, an absorbent core, and a waterproof backsheet with an adhesive strip to secure it to the garment. Its primary function is to prevent menstrual blood from staining clothing, offering comfort and protection during menstruation. This external collection method makes it a widely accessible hygiene product for managing a period.
Selecting the Right Pad
Choosing the right pad begins with accurately assessing your menstrual flow intensity, as products are designed with varying absorbency capacities. Manufacturers label pads for light, regular, or heavy flow, and often include options like “maxi” or “overnight” for maximum absorbency and coverage. A panty liner is the thinnest option, suitable only for very light spotting or as a backup for other products, while a maxi pad is thicker and longer, containing more of the absorbent core material.
Pad features also impact comfort and security, with size and style being important considerations. Pads vary in length and width, with longer versions recommended for heavier flow or for use while sleeping to provide better coverage against leaks when lying down. Many products include “wings,” which are adhesive flaps that fold over the sides of the underwear to provide extra stability and help prevent the pad from shifting out of position during activity. Selecting a breathable topsheet material, such as cotton or a treated non-woven fabric, can also help minimize irritation and maintain skin comfort, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
Step-by-Step Application
Before handling the new pad, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure hygienic application. Remove the new pad from its individual wrapper, being careful to save this wrapper for later use in disposal. Peel away the long paper strip covering the main adhesive on the back of the pad.
Position the pad sticky-side down directly onto the center of the underwear’s crotch area, aligning it lengthwise so that it covers the area where the flow is expected. Press the pad firmly onto the fabric to ensure the adhesive fully grips the material, preventing bunching or movement. If your pad has wings, remove the smaller paper strips covering the adhesive. Fold the wings around the underside of the underwear fabric and press them firmly against the outside of the crotch area to lock the pad securely in place.
Wearing snug-fitting underwear helps maintain the pad’s position and contact with the body, maximizing its performance and reducing leaks. Correct positioning ensures the absorbent core is directly beneath the vaginal opening for effective collection. Wash your hands again after the pad is fully secured to complete the application process.
Proper Removal and Disposal
Pads should be changed regularly, typically every three to four hours, even on lighter flow days, to maintain hygiene and prevent bacteria and odor. When changing the pad, peel it slowly away from the underwear, starting from one end. Once removed, fold the used pad in on itself, ensuring the soiled side is enclosed and the adhesive exterior is facing outwards.
Wrap the used pad tightly in the wrapper from the new pad or a few sheets of toilet paper. This seals the contents and keeps the waste contained for sanitation. Place the wrapped pad immediately into a trash receptacle or designated sanitary bin. Never flush a used sanitary pad down the toilet, as the pad’s components do not break down and can cause severe plumbing clogs. Always wash your hands after disposing of the used item.