What are sanitary pads?

You are first introduced to the concept of “periods” during puberty. This is the age when you (like almost every other girl) are likely to start menstruating, and a basic understanding about the what’s and how’s of periods can certainly come in handy at this juncture. Perhaps this is also the first time you’ll hear the words “sanitary pads” or “sanitary napkins” that you will need on a monthly basis to manage periods. During this time, an obvious question is - what are sanitary pads?

What are sanitary napkins?

It’s a strange term, but a “sanitary napkin” or “sanitary pad” just means an absorbent pad that you wear on your panties during your period in order to absorb menstrual blood. Sanitary napkins (or pads) come in a number of varieties and sizes. Depending on your menstrual flow and preference, you need to choose a sanitary napkin of appropriate thickness, length and absorbency. Don’t worry, after the first few times of trying to understand your body’s response to periods, you will eventually settle on the right ‘type of sanitary pad’ However, another question that pops up at this point is - how to use sanitary napkins?

How to use sanitary napkin?

Using a sanitary napkin is pretty easy. Here are a few basic steps on how to wear a sanitary napkin:

• Remove the paper on the back side of the pad and place it on your panty

• Remove the paper from wings. Wrap the wings around both sides of the panty and press firmly

Remember, it's equally important to know how to dispose after use.

How to dispose sanitary napkin?

• Remove the paper on the back side of the pad and place it on your panty

• Remove the paper from wings. Wrap the wings around both sides of the panty and press firmly

By following the right steps for disposal, you can help waste collectors easily identify and segregate sanitary waste. This waste can now be handled in a hygienic manner and be recycled to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

When to change a sanitary napkin?

A sanitary pad is meant to absorb blood, vaginal mucus and other materials that your body discards during periods. This may give you an idea of how hygienic or unhygienic it could be if you aren’t able to change your pad for long! Yes, you are on the right track if you think a sanitary pad needs to be changed frequently. However, how often to change pads during your periods cannot have a standard answer that is applicable to every woman. Like most things, it actually depends on a number of factors. Just so you know, it may seem like you bleed a lot during your period, but most girls normally lose between 4 and 12 teaspoons of blood during a typical menstrual cycle, which really isn’t a lot. However, if you normally have medium to low flow or are not bleeding much during a particular menstrual cycle, it does not mean that you can skip changing your pad for the entire day! You need to know how often you should change a sanitary pad and stick to a fairly stable routine.

If you are using a pad with higher absorption capacity that is made for long usage, then such a pad can be used slightly longer. As mentioned before, however, there is no fixed answer that will be true for every woman. Keep track of your flow for the initial few months and that could help you understand when to change a pad and what works best for you. One tip from Stayfree^® that will always come in handy is to carry an extra pad in your bag at all times so that there are no surprises!

Changing your pad on a regular basis is extremely important to ensure good hygiene and avoid vaginal odour which can be uncomfortable. It will also leave you feeling clean and fresh throughout the day! However, in spite of your research on how often to change period pads there may be times when it is not possible to do so during the entire day. Don’t worry though; Stayfree^® has taken care to find a solution for such a situation too. Stayfree^® offers pads with up to 12 hours of protection, which absorb wetness and leave you feeling clean and fresh for longer!

With a wide range of Stayfree^® sanitary pads that are meant to keep you dry and comfortable, you will never have to worry about periods ever again!

There are so many kinds, how do i choose a napkin for me?

The first thing to know is there’s no right or wrong way to handle menstruation. Every woman is different, and so is her body’s reaction to periods. That’s why there are so many types of sanitary pads to choose from. In addition, the kind of sanitary pad you choose depends on your personal preference and on what works best for your body and your period.

Your flow is not exactly the same throughout your period. Therefore, using the same sanitary napkin for all the days might not seem like the best option. Some girls use two different types of sanitary pads with different absorbencies—one that can take care of their heavy days and a lighter absorbency napkin for their lighter days. There are also special pads for the night-time. These are longer and wider at the back, so they can fully protect you while you move around in your sleep and offer you a night of worry-free sleep, even on those days.