This article will help you replace and dispose of used sanitary napkins properly.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Throwing away used sanitary napkins
Step 1. Bring a new pad to the bathroom
The bathroom gives you personal space, and is equipped with a sink for washing your hands and tissues you may need. You can also change pads in other private spaces (such as the bedroom), but the bathroom is the most comfortable place to be.
- Wash your hands before changing sanitary napkins. Your hands should be clean when handling a new pad.
- You should change pads every 3-4 hours, unless you have a heavy menstrual flow. In such conditions, you should change the pads more often.
- If not changed in a timely manner, your pads will smell. Pads that are saturated from being worn for too long can also cause irritation or rashes on the skin. In addition, the accumulation of bacteria also has the potential to trigger infection.
Step 2. Take off your pants or skirt and underwear and squat down or sit on the toilet
Menstrual fluid may continue to flow out of your body while you change pads. So, let the liquid go down the toilet so that your body and clothes stay clean.
Make sure your underwear and pants don't touch each other outside the toilet when you take them off
Step 3. Remove the pad by pulling the clean edge with your finger and peeling it off the underwear
If your pad has wings, you'll need to remove the wings first. The easiest way is to grab the back or front edge of the pad and pull it off the underwear easily.
Step 4. Roll up the pads so that the adhesive side is outside and the dirty side is inside
The adhesive side will make the pads stick together and roll. Roll up your pads like you would a sleeping bag, just not too tightly! Do not let the liquid in it drips out.
Step 5. Open the new pad and use the wrapper to hold the old pad
That way, you can reduce waste and properly wrap your old pads. You can also wrap old sanitary napkins in toilet paper so they don't unroll and help the trash can cleaners and other people who enter the bathroom after you.
Step 6. Throw old sanitary napkins in the trash, never put them in the toilet
Pads won't crumble like toilet paper and are too thick and can absorb the flow of water in the toilet. If you put a sanitary napkin down the toilet, there's a good chance that the drain pipe will become clogged, causing you big, expensive, and embarrassing problems.
- If there is no trash can in the bathroom (usually there is a small trash can on the floor or mounted on the wall), take old sanitary napkins out and throw them away as soon as possible. There might be a trash can near the sink.
- If there are pets in the house, be sure to always dispose of old pads in a tightly closed trash can. Animals can be attracted to the smell of sanitary pads and remove them from the open trash can, then tear and litter around the trash can, or even eat some of the pads that endanger their safety.
Part 2 of 2: Installing a New Pad
Step 1. Make sure you have prepared the right pads
There are various types of sanitary napkins on the market. The amount of menstrual fluid on the old sanitary napkin can be an indicator of the flow, is it heavy, regular, or light? In addition, also consider what you will do. Are you getting ready for bed? Sitting in class or playing basketball? There is a choice of sanitary napkins to suit this type of activity.
- Use a pad at night if you are getting ready for bed. These pads are highly absorbent and are often longer to prevent leakage while you sleep on your back.
- Winged pads will be safer for you because they can maintain the position of the pads and are very suitable to be used during your activities.
- If your period is almost over, and the flow is very light, consider using pantyliners that are very thin and can prevent blood spots from forming on your underwear.
Step 2. Peel off the layer of paper on the back of the pad
Thus, the adhesive layer of the pad will be exposed. If your pad has wings, do not remove the paper before placing the pad on the underwear.
Step 3. Press the place pad in the middle of the underwear, making sure the pad fits tightly in the middle
In general, do not place the pads too forward or backward. The center of the pad should be parallel to your vaginal opening. The shape of the pad should help you figure out how to place it on your underwear.
- If your pad has wings, remove the protective paper to reveal the adhesive layer so it can be attached to the underwear.
- If you are sitting or lying on your back, you may need to slide the pad back slightly toward your buttocks.
- At first, you may experience several leaks. However, as you get used to dealing with your period and wearing pads, you'll better understand the best position.
Step 4. Stand up, put the pants back on, and check the fit of the pads
Make sure you are comfortable and that the pad is not too backward or forward. If the pad is uncomfortable, you may need to tighten it again, or try a new pad.
Before you put your pants back on, you may need to wipe down toilet paper or wet wipes to feel clean and refreshed
Step 5. Wash your hands before leaving the bathroom
During changing pads or wiping your vagina, you come into contact with bacteria. So, make sure to clean your hands with soap and hot water afterward.
