Sanitary Pads

Sanitary Pads

A sanitary pad is often termed a menstrual pad or a sanitary napkin. Sanitary pads are an absorbing pad that is used to retain uterine flow during menstruation. They come in various forms and sizes, with varying absorbency capacities to cover days of intense and mild menstrual flow and vaginal secretion. There are three types of sanitary pads: reusable, disposable, and cloth menstruation pads. Female pads are hygienic and have a high absorption capacity. Their better functionalities over cloth napkins have enhanced the quality of everyday life for many women and girls. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory pads manage personal hygiene. These soak up liquids, allow air movement, and are comfortable to use. These aid in the regulation of the monthly cycle. A woman's choice of sanitary pads is influenced by the relative relevance of the characteristics of high absorbency, length and flow, and quality.

Buy Sanitary Pads Online

Zivame offers a wide variety of intimate hygiene products to comfort women during their menstrual cycle.

• Clovia Gal Pal Sanitary Pads - XL for Heavy flow

Almost 80% of women suffer from pain, irritation, discomfort, and rashes due to the synthetic top sheet of pads. Gal Pal sanitary napkins have a cotton-feel top layer with a feather touch. This rash-free technology feels as soft as the skin, with 160 mm wide back coverage. This sanitary pad is made up of a strong absorbent designed for heavy flow. The strong adhesive lets it stay put throughout the day. It is comfortable for both night and day use.

• LAIQA Premium Cosyfluff Night Pads (XL)

These sanitary napkins have been designed to prevent heavy flow by using superabsorbents. They are feather soft and chlorine-free. These pads are pH compatible, skin-friendly, infection-free, and rash-free. In addition, LAIQA pads are biodegradable and thus eco-friendly.

• LAIQA Premium Ultrathin Day Pads (L)

These sanitary napkins have been designed for moderate flow and are made of rash-free technology.

• Clovia Gal Pal Sanitary Pads - XXL for Extra Heavy flow

These sanitary napkins are extra long to protect against stains and leakage. In addition, gal Pal sanitary napkins have a cotton-feel top layer with a feather touch, thus very comfortable to use.

• Gal Pal Sanitary Pads - XXXL for Overnight uses

These sanitary pads are ultrathin and leakproof with anti-bacterial strips to protect skin from rashes, itching, and infection. In addition, since these pads are larger, they are suitable to use overnight for heavy flow and comfortable sleep.

• LAIQA Premium Sanitary Pads Combo Pack

This combo comprises ten-day pads and five-night pads. These sanitary pads are highly comfortable, rash-free, and soft, thus maintaining menstrual health.

• Masmi Natural Cotton Sanitary Pads (Ultra night)

These sanitary napkins are made of 100% verified organic cotton. They are biodegradable, ultrathin, and chlorine-free, with a special cotton non-woven cover sheet interface to avoid the fibre from sticking to the skin. These pads are chlorine-free with a rayon-free absorbent core. They are hypoallergenic, so they reduce the chances of allergy and irritation.

Sanitary Napkins and Menstrual Pads For Women

Intimate hygiene is critical for the well-being of women and girls. Sanitary pads have a high absorption capacity, providing good health and hygiene. The proper disposal of sanitary napkins is essential to decrease the chances of infection. It must not be flushed into the toilet as it may cause clogging. The best way is to wrap it and throw it in the dustbin. Later, the collection must be incinerated in a facility.

Different types of sanitary pads:

• Reusable sanitary pads: These pads are an alternative to disposable pads and are readily available online and in pharma stores. Reusable pads are sustainable for the environment because they are made up of cotton and hence can be reused by cleaning and drying.
• Disposable sanitary pads: These are the most convenient and comfortable sanitary napkins available in the market. They are ideal for use especially during travelling. Disposable pads are available in a wide range of forms. These pads can soak menses flow, vaginal secretion, and urinary retention. Many disposable sanitary napkins have fragrance and anti-bacterial substances inside them.

Pads vs Tampons

Sanitary pads are roughly rectangular pieces of absorbing material made with cotton. They can stick to the underwear and absorb flow during the menstrual cycle. Conversely, tampons are made up of absorbent material compressed inside a tube. They absorb the blood when inserted inside the vagina.

Pros of Pads

Those women who are not comfortable with inserting sanitary products inside their vaginas can opt for sanitary pads. They are easier and more comfortable to use. It is simple to see the blood flow, and decide if there is a need to change the pad.

Pads are ultrathin, so they don't hinder everyday life activities. The risk of suffering from toxic shock syndrome (infection by a toxin released by Staphylococcus aureus after using a menstrual cup or tampons) is lesser with sanitary pads. They can be easily used during the day and night. They come in various sizes and forms according to body, skin, and flow.

Cons of Pads

It is not possible to swim while wearing sanitary pads. Thus, it is not suitable for swimmers. Sometimes under tight or minimal clothing, pads might be visible. If not used properly, they can shift and result in leakage. During physical activities and movements, friction between the legs can sometimes result in rashes and irritation. After a while, pads feel heavy and cause discomfort.

Pros of Tampons

Tampons are good menstrual hygiene products for sportspersons, especially swimmers. They are easier to carry and are non-visible under clothing. They don't irritate due to friction and can be easily used during any physical activity.

Cons of Tampons

Tampons have a higher risk of causing toxic shock syndrome (a life-threatening condition due to certain bacterial infections) in women. In addition, the insertion of tampons in the vagina can result in dryness and itching. With tampons, there is more risk of leakage during heavy flow. They are also not suitable for women whose menstrual discharge has blood clots.

Factors to consider while buying sanitary pads

Sanitary napkins are a good choice as they help avoid leakage and irritation and offer good absorption and comfort. Women consider the following points while buying sanitary pads:

• Size: Sanitary pads come in varying sizes (regular, XL, XXL, and XXL). Longer pads can absorb more fluid. Night pads have wider hip guards to prevent leakage while sleeping. Some pads also have edge gathers matching body shapes, thus avoiding leakage at night by giving a better fit. Women with mild bleeding can use regular-sized sanitary pads, while those with heavy flow must opt for XXL or XXXL to avoid leakage.
• Absorbance: Sanitary pads must have a good capacity to absorb blood in a short duration of time. Blood must be sealed inside the central core with absorbent material to decrease the chances of leakage due to the pressure exerted by the menstrual flow.
• Comfortable material: Every woman has a different skin texture. So, the fabric that suits one may not suit another. Some women prefer net as the upper surface of the pad, while some prefer it to be soft and natural. Women with sensitive skin are prone to infections. The nature of the fabric on the upper surface of the sanitary pad determines its feel on the skin. Usually, cotton pads are suitable for all skin types. Pantyliners are ideal for women who have light flow and sensitive skin.
• Lifestyle: Sometimes, the choice of sanitary pads doesn't solely depend on the amount of flow but the activities performed by its user. Winged ultrathin pads are suitable for women who have to perform serious physical activities like gymming or sports.

Visit Zivame to choose from a wide variety of menstrual hygiene products and ensure your best menstrual health and comfort.

FAQs on Sanitary Pads

1. For how many hours can a pad be used?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), women must change the sanitary pad every 4 to 8 hours during mild flow and every 4 hours during heavy flow. The frequency of changing pads depends upon the amount of flow, type of pad, and comfort.

Changing sanitary pads prevents the growth of bacteria inside it and also controls the smell. Using scented sanitary pads can irritate the vagina. Regular-sized pads are suitable for the day during mild flow, while overnight pads and extra-large pads are suitable to use at night.

2. Is sanitary pad usage related to other health concerns?

Usually, sanitary pads don't result in severe health concerns if they are changed frequently. However, during summer, continuous use of the same sanitary napkin at night may result in itching, irritation, and rashes. In rare cases, prolonged use of sanitary napkins during heavy flow at night results in toxic shock syndrome. The material used in the absorbent core must not contain chlorine or any other harmful substance.

3. Is it okay to switch brands, or should we stick to one?

Usually, there is no issue while switching sanitary pad brands, but doctors suggest that women must stick to a single brand of sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups. The reason is discomfort, irritation, or rashes after switching the brand. It is advisable to switch to biodegradable, chlorine-free sanitary pads prepared using rash-free technology without fragrance. According to their comfort, women can use different brands of sanitary pads during the same cycle (regular cotton pads during the day while ultrathin pads during the night).

4. Are sanitary pads the best option for menstruating women?

Most women find sanitary pads the best option during the menstrual cycle because they are more comfortable and affordable compared to tampons. There is no need to insert them into the vagina, and they are easy to dispose of. However, there are also other alternatives available, like tampons and menstrual cups. For swimmers, inserts are more suitable than sanitary pads.

5. What is the best thing to use on your period?

There are a variety of menstrual hygiene products available in the market, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, menstrual cups, and period panties. Sanitary napkins are rectangular pads made of cotton and absorbent core to be placed in the panties.

Tampons are tube-like materials inserted in the vagina with the help of an applicator. A menstrual cup is a silicone cup inserted into the vagina to collect the blood. It is reusable and thus doesn’t need disposal.

Period panties are similar to normal panties, except they absorb the menstrual blood.

6. Are tampons better than pads?

Tampons and pads are equally efficient intimate hygiene products and can be used according to personal choice. Those who are more physically active, like swimmers and athletes, prefer tampons over pads. Tampons are easy to carry and use. It is necessary to change tampons every three to four hours to avoid the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Many tampons come with superabsorbent cores that are beneficial during heavy flow.

7. What is the price of a sanitary pad?

Zivame offers a pack of 20 sanitary pads for Rs 400 to 500.

8. How many pads per day are normal?

A reasonable estimate might be four or five pads, considering you receive the necessary 7 hours of sleep every night.

9. Why do ladies wear pads in periods?

Sanitary napkins absorb and contain menstrual fluid while also isolating it from the body.

10. How do you put on a pad?
• Take off the wrapper:Remove the pad or panty liner from the wrapper with clean hands.
• Take out the backing: Remove the backing, a lengthy sheet of paper that wraps the adhesive back of the pad.
• Place the pad: Insert the adhesive side of the pad in the lowest portion of your undergarments, between your legs. Do not place it too far backward or too far forward. Remove the covering from the wings and wrap it around the underside of your underpants.