Panty liners are everyday feminine hygiene products that can help you feel dry and fresh
What are Panty Liners?
Panty liners are very much like your sanitary pads – only thinner, smaller, and less absorbent. However, unlike sanitary pads that are used during period days, panty liners are meant to be used during non-period days when you may experience vaginal discharge and/or spotting.
Even though vaginal discharge is completely natural and rather important for your vagina (it is a part of your vagina’s self-cleaning technique), excess discharge can stain your panties (or your bottoms) and make you feel wet and icky.
Using sanitary napkins on such days is not the best solution and that’s when a panty-liner comes in handy. It can prevent spotting of any kind and help you feel clean and fresh.
How is panty liner different than a sanitary pad?
Even though panty liners are used in the same manner as a sanitary napkin, they are fundamentally different from a sanitary pad. Panty liners are thinner and much less absorbent. Sanitary napkins are designed in such a way that they can provide the capacity needed to absorb and contain even the heaviest of the flows during your period days. Panty liners on the other hand are designed to absorb light vaginal discharge and negligible period blood flow only.
What are panty liners used for?
There are several uses of panty liners that make them a meaningful addition to the list of your personal hygiene products. Here are a few of them:
- Integral for intimate hygiene
Depending upon the stage of menstrual cycle that you are in, you will experience vaginal discharge that might lead to prolonged wetness and discomfort. Panty liners absorb this wetness and keep you feeling fresh and clean. This comes in especially handy during a workout or long days at work or school. - Absorb light urine leaks
Sneezing, coughing, laughing, or indulging in heavy workouts such as running, skipping rope or jumping jacks can lead to stress induced involuntary urination, where due to a sudden added pressure on the bladder you experience light urine leaks. Stress induced involuntary urination is a very common phenomenon and panty liners act as light padding that can absorb such light leakages. - Arrest light menstrual bleeding
During the last couple of days of your period when you are not bleeding as heavily as to warrant the usage of a sanitary napkin, panty liners can do the job by absorbing your light flow and preventing staining. - Days leading up to the period
If you can sense your periods approaching you can start using panty liners on the days leading up to your period so that you can avoid any surprises and protect your panties and clothes from getting soiled. This is especially important if your menstrual cycle is erratic, and your periods are not regular. - Added protection with tampons and menstrual cups
If you have recently switched to using tampons or menstrual cups and are still getting used to them, combining them with panty liners is a good idea. This will protect you against any accidental leakages until you feel confident and get used to using them. - Use them while travelling
Keeping a stack of panty liners handy while traveling will help you keep your undergarments clean, especially when washing them frequently is not an option, say for example, on a trek. - Use them against postpartum bleeding
Postpartum bleeding can last anywhere between four to eight weeks. If the flow during this period is not too heavy, panty liners can do the job of absorbing it.
What are the benefits of Panty Liners?
Just like sanitary napkins and other period products have proven to be a blessing for menstruating women the world over, panty liners offer numerous benefits:
- They absorb the daily vaginal discharges and help you feel fresh, dry and comfortable all day long.
- They protect you from infections that are caused due to prolonged moisture retention.
- They can provide protection against the light menstrual flow during the last days of your period when it is not heavy enough for other period products.
- They are like a readily available change of underwear in case of unexpected periods.
- They help in maintaining everyday intimate hygiene.
What are the watchouts while using panty liners?
Panty liners are very convenient and can help you in a number of ways, however, there are a few things that you must bear in mind when using panty liners:
- Just like your sanitary napkins and tampons, it is advisable to change your panty liners every few hours, preferably every 3-5 hours. This minimizes the risk of infections.
- It is not recommended to sleep with a panty liner on. It isn’t particularly uncomfortable, on the contrary, you wouldn’t even notice a good quality panty liner. However, it can prevent your skin from breathing properly.
How to use panty liners?
Using panty liners is as simple as using a sanitary napkin. Simply remove the protective strip to expose the adhesive on the bottom and stick the panty liner firmly. And you are done! Remember to change your panty liner if it starts to feel wet and in general every 3- 5 hours. Make sure you dispose off used panty liners in a garbage bin and avoid flushing them as they can clog the toilet. In case you do decide to use a panty liner, JNTL Consumer Health (India) Private Limited (Stayfree’s parent company) markets and distributes Carefree Pantyliners in India which is one of the key brands in the segment. You can purchase this online or at any pharmacy store near you.
Key Takeaway
Panty liners can help you in maintaining your daily intimate hygiene. However, not everyone feels the need for panty liners. Now that you know all about panty liners, you can make an informed choice based on your needs.