Menstruation involves the shedding of the uterine lining, a biological process that occurs monthly. Period pads are designed to absorb this discharge. Understanding what to expect on a pad can help individuals feel more informed about their body’s normal functions. This awareness can also help identify when variations might signal a need for further attention.
Understanding Normal Period Blood
Period blood on a pad can vary significantly in appearance. Early in the period, the blood may appear bright red, indicating a fresh and steady flow. It can also be a darker red, particularly during heavier flow days. As the period progresses or if the flow is lighter, blood might appear brown or even black. This darker coloration results from the blood being older and having had more time to oxidize before leaving the body.
The consistency of period blood also changes throughout the cycle. It can range from thin and watery to thick or slightly clotted. Small, jelly-like blood clots are common and not a concern, particularly on heavier flow days. Stringy or sticky blood is also within the normal range, often due to endometrial tissue. These variations reflect the dynamic process of uterine lining breakdown and expulsion.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While variations in period blood are common, certain changes observed on a pad may indicate a need for medical consultation. Unusually heavy bleeding, defined as soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row, warrants attention. Needing double sanitary protection or waking up at night to change pads due to heavy flow can also be signs of excessive blood loss.
Very large blood clots, specifically those larger than a quarter, should prompt medical advice. Blood that appears pale, grayish, orange, or green, especially if accompanied by a persistent foul odor, vaginal itching, or discomfort, could indicate an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Any sudden and significant changes in your typical period pattern, bleeding for longer than seven days, or bleeding between periods also warrant speaking with a healthcare provider. Associated symptoms like severe pain that interferes with daily activities or feelings of fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath due to blood loss should also be discussed with a doctor.
Using and Changing Period Pads
Proper use and timely changing of period pads are important for hygiene and comfort. To apply a pad, first wash your hands with soap and water. Remove the pad from its packaging, peel off the paper covering the adhesive strip, and center the sticky side onto your underwear. If the pad has “wings,” peel the paper from them and fold them around the sides of your underwear for added security and to prevent leaks. Ensure the pad sits comfortably and covers the necessary area.
The frequency of pad changes depends on your flow, with a general guideline of every 4 to 6 hours, or more often if your flow is heavy; wearing a pad for too long can lead to odors, even though period fluid itself is not inherently dirty. When changing a used pad, remove it from your underwear, roll it up, and wrap it in toilet paper or the wrapper from the new pad. Dispose of the wrapped pad in a trash bin; never flush pads down the toilet, as they can cause clogging. Different pad types, such as pantyliners for light flow, regular pads, or maxi/overnight pads for heavier bleeding or extended wear, are available to suit varying needs. Always wash your hands again after changing and disposing of the used pad.