A menstrual pad is an external absorbent product worn in the underwear to collect menstrual fluid. This guide offers a simple, practical walkthrough for correct pad selection, placement, and disposal. The goal is to ensure you feel secure and comfortable throughout your cycle.
Understanding Pad Components and Types
A typical disposable menstrual pad is composed of three main layers that work together to manage fluid. The top sheet is the layer that touches the skin, often made of a soft fabric designed to wick moisture away quickly. Beneath this is the absorbent core, which typically contains Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) mixed with cellulose pulp. These SAPs absorb and lock away liquid, preventing fluid from returning to the surface and keeping the skin dry.
The bottom layer is a liquid-impervious backsheet, usually made of polyethylene film, which acts as a barrier to prevent leaks from reaching your clothing. A strip of adhesive runs along the backsheet, covered by a protective release liner that is peeled away before use. Many pads also feature wings, which are side flaps with additional adhesive that fold over the edges of the underwear for enhanced stability and side leak protection.
Pads come in various types tailored to different needs, with absorbency generally indicated by droplets on the packaging. Pantyliners are the thinnest option, used for very light spotting or daily discharge. Regular or maxi pads are designed for moderate daytime flow, while maxi/super and overnight pads are longer and wider for heavier flow or extended wear. Selecting the correct type based on your flow intensity is the first step toward effective leak prevention.
Step-by-Step Placement and Positioning
Proper placement begins with preparation: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the pad. Ensure you are wearing underwear that has a relatively snug fit, as this helps hold the pad securely in place and prevents shifting during movement. A loose garment can cause the pad to bunch up, reducing its effectiveness.
After selecting the appropriate pad, unwrap it and peel off the protective paper from the adhesive backing. The central part of the pad must be positioned longitudinally in the crotch area of the underwear, known as the gusset. The absorbent center needs to be aligned directly beneath the vulva, ensuring maximum absorption where the flow originates.
Once the main body of the pad is centered and pressed firmly onto the fabric, secure the wings if your chosen product has them. Peel the paper from the wing adhesive, then wrap each wing around the underside of the underwear gusset, pressing firmly to adhere it to the fabric. This wrapping action creates a secure anchor and forms a protective barrier, reducing the risk of side leakage.
Finally, pull your underwear back into position and check the alignment by moving around slightly to ensure comfort and security. If the placement feels awkward or tight, remove the pad carefully and reposition it, as correct alignment is vital for both comfort and leak protection.
Managing Usage and Hygienic Disposal
For proper hygiene, a disposable pad should generally be changed every four to six hours, regardless of the flow intensity. On days with a heavier flow, you may need to change it more frequently, perhaps every two to four hours, to prevent saturation and discomfort. Wearing a pad for too long allows the collected menstrual fluid to become an environment where bacteria can multiply, which may lead to skin irritation, odor, and potential infections.
When it is time to change, peel the used pad away from your underwear and roll it tightly, starting from one end to contain the fluid. You can then use the wrapper from the new pad to wrap around the used one, securing the roll neatly and discreetly. If you do not have a wrapper, a few layers of toilet paper or tissue work just as well for containment.
The wrapped pad should then be placed into a waste bin or a dedicated sanitary disposal container. You must never flush a used pad down the toilet. Pads are made of absorbent and plastic materials that do not dissolve in water and will cause severe blockages in pipes and sewage systems. Always dispose of them in the trash, and remember to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.