Pads are absorbent products worn inside underwear to catch menstrual blood during a period. They’re the most common form of period protection worldwide, and they’re also used after childbirth, surgery, or for light bladder leaks. A pad sticks to your underwear with adhesive on the back, sits against the body, and absorbs fluid so it doesn’t reach your clothes.
How a Pad Works
Every pad has three layers, each with a specific job. The top layer, which sits against your skin, is a soft fabric designed to let fluid pass through quickly while staying relatively dry to the touch. The middle layer is the absorbent core, where fluid gets trapped. Most modern pads use a polymer material that uncoils at the molecular level when it contacts liquid, forming a gel that locks fluid in place and prevents it from leaking back toward the surface. The bottom layer is a waterproof film with adhesive that sticks the pad to your underwear and keeps fluid from soaking through.
Some pads also have “wings,” which are flaps that fold over the edges of your underwear for extra security against side leaks.
Types of Pads and What They Hold
Pads come in a range of sizes and thicknesses to match different flow levels. The differences in capacity are significant. A light or “pantyliner” pad holds roughly 4 mL of blood, which is suited for very light days, spotting, or as backup with a tampon. Heavy-day pads hold between 31 and 52 mL depending on the brand. Overnight pads are longer front-to-back, designed to catch leaks while you sleep in different positions.
Here’s what’s typically available:
- Pantyliners: Thin, minimal absorbency for spotting or daily discharge
- Regular pads: Medium absorbency for lighter flow days
- Heavy or maxi pads: Thicker core for the heaviest days of a period
- Overnight pads: Extra-long with broader coverage at the back
- Postpartum pads: Wider, thicker, and softer, built for the heavier bleeding after childbirth
Pads After Childbirth
After giving birth, whether vaginally or by cesarean section, bleeding called lochia can last up to six weeks. This discharge contains blood, tissue, and mucus from the uterine lining. It starts heavy and red, then gradually shifts to dark brown, pink, and eventually white as the body heals. The first 10 days tend to be much heavier than a typical period.
Postpartum pads are specifically designed for this. They’re thicker, wider, and more absorbent than regular menstrual pads, holding around 40 mL of blood. They’re also made with softer materials that provide cushioning, which matters if you have stitches, swelling, or perineal pain. Internal products like tampons or menstrual cups aren’t safe to use during this time because tears or cuts in and around the vagina can become infected.
Reusable Cloth Pads
Not all pads are disposable. Cloth pads are typically made from cotton or hemp, snap into place on your underwear, and can be washed and reused for years. Because they’re made from natural, breathable fabrics rather than plastic-based materials, they tend to cause fewer rashes, less skin irritation, and less sweating.
The tradeoff is maintenance. After use, you soak or rinse the pad in cold water (hot water sets blood stains), then hand wash or machine wash with a mild detergent. Drying them in direct sunlight helps kill bacteria. They need to be completely dry before you store them, since moisture promotes bacterial growth. Adding a small amount of white vinegar to the wash helps with odor and disinfection. Fabric softener should be avoided because it leaves residue that reduces absorbency over time.
How Often to Change a Pad
The general recommendation is every 4 to 8 hours. On heavier days, you’ll likely need to change more frequently, closer to every 2 to 3 hours. On lighter days, the 6 to 8 hour range is reasonable. Even if the pad doesn’t feel full, changing it regularly matters because warmth and moisture create conditions where bacteria thrive. Wearing the same pad too long can lead to odor and skin irritation.
A good rule of thumb: if the pad feels wet or heavy, it’s time to change it regardless of how long it’s been.
Skin Irritation From Pads
Some people develop contact dermatitis from pads, which shows up as redness, itching, burning, or small fluid-filled blisters in the area where the pad sits. This reaction tends to come and go with each period, appearing when you start wearing pads and clearing up after your period ends. The most common irritant is a preservative chemical used in some pad manufacturing, though fragrances and adhesives can also trigger reactions.
If you notice a pattern of irritation, switching to an unscented pad or a cloth pad often resolves the problem. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options are widely available.
How to Dispose of Pads
Used pads should never be flushed, even if labeled “flushable.” Pads are designed to absorb and expand, which makes them ideal for creating plumbing blockages. The plastic components don’t break down like toilet paper, and flushing them can cause sewage backups.
The proper method is simple: remove the pad, wrap it in toilet paper or the wrapper from your new pad to contain fluid and odor, and place it in a bathroom waste bin. Wash your hands afterward. Many public restrooms have small disposal units mounted inside stalls specifically for sanitary products.