A menstrual pad, also known as a sanitary napkin, is an absorbent product designed to be worn externally in the underwear to collect menstrual fluid. This form of external protection works by utilizing a multi-layered structure, often composed of a soft top sheet, an absorbent core, and a leak-proof backing layer. The pad functions by wicking fluid away from the body, trapping it within the core, and preventing it from staining clothing. Its primary purpose is to provide hygienic and comfortable management of menstrual flow, postnatal bleeding, or other forms of vaginal discharge.
Selecting the Appropriate Pad for Your Needs
Choosing the correct pad begins with accurately assessing the intensity of the menstrual flow, which varies throughout a cycle. Pads are typically labeled with a droplet system indicating their absorbency level, ranging from light for spotting days to regular, heavy, and super-heavy for the heaviest flow days.
Panty liners are the smallest and thinnest option, offering protection for very light flow, discharge, or as a backup for a menstrual cup or tampon. Regular daytime pads offer standard absorbency and are suitable for moderate flow. Overnight pads are specifically designed for extended wear during sleep, featuring a longer length and a wider back flare to provide maximum coverage and prevent leaks when shifting position.
Another important choice is between pads with wings and those without, which affects stability rather than absorbency. Pads with wings have adhesive flaps on the sides that fold beneath the underwear to lock the pad into place, significantly reducing shifting and bunching during movement. Non-winged pads rely solely on the central adhesive strip and may be preferred for very light flow days or when seeking maximum simplicity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pad Placement
Proper placement starts with ensuring you have the right foundation: a snug-fitting pair of underwear, typically a brief or bikini style, is necessary to hold the pad firmly against the body. Remove the pad from its individual wrapper and unpeel the long paper strip that covers the adhesive backing on the underside of the pad.
Next, center the pad correctly within the crotch panel, which is the reinforced strip of fabric running front-to-back in the underwear. The absorbent center of the pad must be aligned directly over this panel so that it is positioned to catch the menstrual flow. Press the pad firmly down onto the fabric to ensure the main adhesive strip creates a strong bond with the underwear.
If you are using a winged pad, remove the smaller paper strips covering the adhesive on each wing. Take the wings one at a time and fold them over the edges of the underwear’s crotch panel, pressing the adhesive firmly onto the underside of the fabric. This action creates a secure anchor, preventing the pad from sliding forward or backward during activity.
After securing the pad, pull up the underwear and perform a brief check for comfort and coverage. The pad should feel centered and stable, covering the area from front to back where the flow is most likely to occur. A correctly placed pad should not feel twisted or bunched when the underwear is fully pulled up.
Proper Removal and Disposal
Maintaining hygiene requires regular changes, typically every four to six hours, or more frequently on heavier flow days to prevent potential irritation and odor. To remove the pad, simply peel it away from the underwear, starting from one end and pulling gently to detach the adhesive. If the pad has wings, unpeel those from the underside of the fabric first.
The used pad should then be rolled tightly, with the soiled side facing inward, to contain the collected fluid. The wrapper from the new pad, or a few sheets of toilet paper, should be used to completely wrap the rolled pad, ensuring it is discreet.
Pads must never be flushed down the toilet, as their materials are not water-soluble and will cause significant plumbing blockages. The wrapped pad must always be placed into a designated waste bin or sanitary disposal unit. The process concludes by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for twenty seconds to maintain personal hygiene.