How to Use Sanitary Napkins

Getting your first period is a big sign that you are growing up, and it is normal to have doubts. Menstruation is nothing to be scared or ashamed of. On the contrary, it is a journey with ups and downs, and with sufficient knowledge, you can manage it like a pro in no time! 

If you have just got your period or want to know more about it so that you can be there for a loved one during her first menstrual cycle, we are here to help! So, you do not need to frantically type "How to use sanitary pad" in a search engine anymore, since you shall find all the answers here. 

The concept of periods is usually introduced to a person during puberty, since this is usually when a girl starts menstruating. In this phase of life, it is natural to be curious about the whats and the hows of periods, and along with them comes the inevitable questions - how to use sanitary napkins, when to use them, what they do, how they help, and so on. Fret not; it may seem like a lot, but we shall go through it, one step at a time. 

First things first, what is a sanitary pad?

Sanitary pads, also known as sanitary napkins, are absorbent pads worn on the underwear during menstruation to absorb the blood and help women have a hygienic period. Knowing how to use pads will help women manage their periods with ease and give them the confidence to move around without worrying about leakage or stains. There is no one-size-fits-all to this, and it takes some time to understand periods and choose the correct type of sanitary pads. 

How to Use Sanitary Napkins

We have listed the steps below:

1. Make sure your hands are clean.

Hygiene is the most critical step during menstruation. The first step while learning how to use a sanitary pad is washing your hands.

Explore: Best hand washes in india

2. Take the pad out of its wrapper. 

Once you unwrap the pad, peel off the center backing and stick it on your underwear. In most cases, the pad has wings. Remove the adhesive from them and wrap the wings around the edges of your underwear to ensure it stays in place. It guarantees minimal leakage during heavy flow.

Check out: Top 7 sanitary pads for heavy flow

3. Dispose of the wrapper.

If you are changing your pad, wrap the used sanitary napkin in the wrapper and throw it in a trash can. If not, make sure that you do not litter the washroom with the wrapper and put it in the dustbin.

The range of sanitary napkins with respect to size, absorbency and thickness is endless. Pads come with various features for different purposes. Whether you are looking for long pads that will help you avoid staining your bedsheets while you sleep at night, pads with greater absorbency for heavy blood flow or thin panty liners to keep your underwear free from stains, you can always find them in the market. We suggest that you do your research and try out a few before settling on one with the right size, shape, and thickness for you.

4. When Should You Wear a Pad?

Some menstruating women think that wearing pads at all times will keep them fresh. However, it is a misconception. Do not wear a pad when you are not on your period. Your intimate hygiene is compromised if you do not allow your private parts to breathe. You should be aware that wearing pads unnecessarily will lead to bacterial growth. Use cotton underwear since it lets your intimate parts breathe and absorbs any bodily secretions.

5. How Long Should You Wear a Sanitary Pad?

While it is essential to understand how to use a menstrual pad, you should also have a fair idea about when to change it. To avoid skin rashes, irritation, and infection, do not wear a pad for more than six hours. Wearing a pad for longer periods may also emit an unpleasant odor. If you think your pad has not been completely used, change it into a new one anyway. The blood and mucus that your body eliminates during menstruation should not remain in contact with your skin for too long. Just like you wash your hands before wearing a sanitary pad, you should also wash your hands thoroughly once you change it.

You should also keep in mind that the period often comes unannounced, and it is vital to be ready for it at all times. Keep extra sanitary pads in your bag, wherever you go. It's always better to be prepared.

Finally, reach out to someone you trust for any doubt regarding menstruation. You are not alone in this. We hope we could help you better understand how to use sanitary pads and be prepared for any challenge that the world throws at you! Before or after periods there is always a vaginal smell or disorder. Here are few tips to maintain healthy vaginal health. If you have sensitive skin, and are worried about it then here is the solution. Check out these pads for sensitive skin.

Read more:
- Top 10 Best Sanitary Pads For Beginners In India
- Difference Between Panty Liners And Sanitary Napkins