Pads are a popular feminine hygiene product that takes on the function of protection and comfort. However, pads are used not only during menstrual days, daily absorbent products are relevant throughout the cycle. Now pads have become more affordable, and their choice in the market of hygiene products is large and diverse. But how not to get lost in this variety and choose a really suitable product?
How do I choose pads?
The choice of any hygiene product is an individual process. It is important to take into account the characteristics of the body, the intensity of discharge and materials, as the pad is in close contact with the skin and mucosa.
Girls who are just experiencing their first menstruation are often lost in the question of how to choose the right size of pads. There is nothing complicated here, the size is selected for the intensity of discharge. On each package of pads is depicted drops. They indicate the size and volume of the pad (its ability to absorb secretions). More drops - more absorbency and thickness of the product.
Whether it is a pad or a tampon, the principle of selection is the same. In case of heavy menstruation - Super pads with 5 drops or Super+ pads with 5 and a half drops and higher are suitable. For night comfort during heavy periods, there are special night pads that provide protection from leaks even in sleep.
For the first and last days of menstruation, when the discharge is very small or smeary, Normal pads or dailies with two or three drops of absorbency are suitable.
Daily pads can and should be used every day. Modern research in the field of gynecology and female confirmed that dailies have no effect on the change of microflora and do not cause harm. The choice of daily pads is diverse, it is important to choose a product for individual needs: antibacterial dailies with odor neutralizer, long 2in1 - for additional protection against incontinence, hypoallergenic pads made of 100% cotton and ultra-thin for every day.
What is the proper way to use the pads?
Using sanitary pads should not be difficult. It is a fairly simple process, which experienced women have brought to automaticity.
The use of pads does not involve close hand contact as with tampon or cup insertion, but hand cleanliness and hygiene is essential. The first rule is to wash your hands with soap and water.
Assume a comfortable position. Most women feel comfortable sticking the pad while sitting down. In case of heavy discharge, it is better to do it in the toilet to avoid getting dirty.
Unwrap and remove the individual packaging from the pad.
Remove the adhesive tape from the base of the pad and glue the pad onto the underwear. The side wings are glued to the outside of the underwear.
After using a personal hygiene product, it should be wrapped in paper (or in the individual packaging of the next hygiene product) and thrown in the trash. It is not recommended to flush the pads down the toilet, as this can cause a clog. It is also not environmentally friendly at all.
If there is irritation, itching or redness in the perineal area, it is better to change the sanitary product. It may be that the pads are just not right for you. It is also important to wear comfortable, roomy underwear to avoid the risk of chafing.
The rules of use can also be found on the packaging of feminine hygiene products.
How often should the gaskets be changed?
Personal hygiene is important on any day, but especially during menstruation. Pads should be changed quite often. Experts recommend to do it once every 4 hours, making sure to take a shower when changing the sanitary product. In the conditions of modern rhythm of life is not always possible to take a shower every 4 hours. It is enough to limit yourself to a timely change of pads or wet wipes for intimate hygiene.
If it is not possible to change the pad within the specified interval, you should not immediately worry. Toxic shock syndrome from using a pad for more than 8 hours will not occur. TSS from hygiene products is only possible if the tampon is used incorrectly.
However, if possible, try to change the pad on time. Pathogenic bacteria can form in it under the influence of natural heat and cause a change in the microflora.
As for the daily diapers, you can really use them every day. These hygiene products are suitable as daily extra protection and comfort in light-colored clothes, providing freshness throughout the day.
How many pads do you need per day?
There is no exact number of gaskets that need to be changed. These are individual values. However, there is a general indicator, the conditional norm of pads per day during menstruation, which helps to track the amount of discharge.
Usually the loss of fluid during menstruation is from 30 to 50 ml, but the norm can be 80 ml. Therefore, in the first days of heavy menstruation on average should go away 5-8 pads (provided the correct frequency of their replacement). In the following days, 3-4 pads per day is enough.
Reusable pads
Nowadays, reusable pads are gaining popularity. They work on the same principle as regular pads, but unlike disposable pads, they are not thrown away, but washed and reused. These pads are a good alternative to disposable pads if you are trying to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle. In addition, it is a good option to save money on hygiene products. The main difficulty is the need to wash reusable pads. It is not difficult to do this, you can just throw the pads into the washing machine, selecting the temperature mode of 90 degrees. But not everyone is comfortable with this method, so disposable hygiene products still win. Pads are a convenient means of hygiene, which helps women during their periods. It is not difficult to use pads, but if there are questions, it is better to consult with an expert. You can specify not only the rules of operation of the pad, but also learn how to combine all the means of hygiene among themselves. You should not limit yourself during your periods. Try different hygiene products with different absorbency.
Photo: taken from the internet