If you have just had your first period, you may want to start using sanitary pads. The use of pads is simpler and easier than tampons. The process of using it is a little difficult because you have to wear it properly, otherwise the issue of putting sanitary napkins in the female area will become a problem. Avoid clutter, problems and worries and get started with Step 1 below.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Wearing Pads
Step 1. Choose a sanitary napkin with the appropriate thickness, absorbency, shape, and style
With 3.5 billion women in the world, there are many options needed to accommodate various needs. The following is a general description of the types of sanitary napkins you can choose from:
- Thickness. The less fluid that comes out, the thinner the pads needed. However, the absorbency of sanitary napkins has grown dramatically in recent years. Some of the thinner pads are good enough to absorb. This type of sanitary napkin is more comfortable to wear, so when you sit down, you forget that you are wearing a sanitary napkin.
- Absorption. Research the grade (thin, medium, or thick) and length of the pads and try several brands and styles before deciding on a pad you like.
- Form. There are many different forms of women's underwear on the market, so there are different types of sanitary napkins too! However, the three main sanitary napkins are those used for ordinary underwear, thongs (underwear that do not cover the buttocks and have a fabric link between the back and front of the underwear), and sanitary napkins for the night. Night pads are self-explanatory (longer in size, made specifically for lying down) but what about the other two types? Using pads while you're wearing a thong can be difficult. You can try it, but if it's your first time using sanitary pads, wear regular pads.
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Style. Again, there are two styles of dressing: with wings and without wings. The "wings" on the pads are the parts that can be attached to the underwear. These wings keep the pads from sliding and feel like disposable baby diapers. In short, these pads are for you if they don't cause irritation or other problems.
- In general, avoid scented pads, especially if you have sensitive skin. Pads like this can irritate areas that you don't want to irritate.
- There are also panty liners that are different from regular sanitary napkins. Use a panty liner when your period is just starting or when it's about to end, when there is very little discharge.
Step 2. Put the pad in position
Some women change their pads when they are going to discharge menstrual fluid, but sometimes there is also the urge to urinate. Whatever it is, find the nearest toilet, wash your hands, and take off your pants. Unfortunately, pads will not be easily attached to the female area. It is still being investigated scientifically.
An easy way is when you sit down and remove your panties up to your ankles. Standing position is okay too, all you need is for everything to be done within reach
Step 3. Get rid of the wrapping or box of the pads
You can throw it away, but it would be better if it is used as a wrapper for a sanitary napkin you already use. Nobody wants to see used sanitary pads in the trash, right? And don't throw it in the latrine because it can float!
Step 4. Open the cover or flap of the pad and remove the long adhesive layer on the back that is stuck in the middle of the pad
Also remove the adhesive layer on the wings of the pad and throw it in the trash (you don't need it as a wrapper).
In some brands of sanitary napkins today, the wrapper also acts as a back cover. It is more environmentally friendly and simpler. If you find a pad like this, it will be easier for you
Step 5. Attach the adhesive pad to the underwear
The pad should be directly under the vagina, not in front or behind it! If you're going to lie down a little, you'll need to align it slightly back, but you may know where to place the most effective pad. You'll get better at putting your pads on properly the more you do it!
Do you use winged pads? Be sure to attach the wings of the pad to the outside of the underwear. The wings keep the pad in place when you move, for a more comfortable and natural feel
Method 2 of 3: Wearing Pads Comfortably
Step 1. Put on your underwear as usual
Finished! If your pad is itchy or irritates your skin, change it to a different type of pad. Wearing pads shouldn't be a problem. You can check in the bathroom if the pads you are using need to be changed or if there is a problem. Change pads every few hours if needed to avoid bad odors.
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Once again: change pads every few hours.
This depends on how much menstrual fluid comes out. However, changing your pads frequently will not only help you relax, but you won't have any unpleasant odors either.
Step 2. Choose clothes that are more comfortable
Although at first it feels strange when wearing a sanitary napkin, but usually the pad will not be visible. The pads will follow the shape of the body and are neatly hidden. However, you may find it more comfortable to wear loose-fitting pants or skirts. It's all about the comfort of the mind! If you are worried, choose your clothes carefully!
The common way is to wear old-fashioned underwear like what our grandmothers used to wear when they were menstruating. Save your thong for the next 25 days
Step 3. Get regular checkups, especially on days when you're draining a lot of fluids
You'll quickly know how often you need to treat menstrual problems, how long a pad to wear, on what days to wear it, and when you start to feel uncomfortable, you'll know the exact cause. However, at least in the beginning, do regular checkups, especially if the discharge is very large. A little time spent now can prevent an uncomfortable situation.
However, you don't need to go to the bathroom every half hour. Checking the pads every 1-2 hours is enough. If someone asks, just say you drank too much water
Step 4. Don't use pads if you don't need them
Some women always wear sanitary napkins because they feel their vagina is "fresh." Not like that. Do not do it. The vagina needs to breathe! Wearing pads allows bacteria to thrive in hot conditions. So, if you don't menstruate, just wear light cotton underwear. There's nothing fresher than wearing panties like that, but of course if they're clean! Except like the serial character The Fresh Prince of Bel Air which is very fresh.
Step 5. If the pad is very uncomfortable, change it
For the record, sanitary napkins are not a woman's best friend. Technology has been around for years and thankfully we don't get hung up on the belted pads that our mothers used to wear (this is serious. Ask your mom). Sanitary napkins are no longer as concerning as they used to be. So, if you feel very uncomfortable, change pads! This is very likely to happen if the pads you use need to be fixed in position, or their absorption, odor, or type/size/shape doesn't suit you.
Method 3 of 3: Changing, Disposing, and Skillfully Wearing Pads
Step 1. Change the pad about every 4 hours
And this process must be repeated again! Even if your pad isn't full of liquid, it still needs to be changed. The unpleasant odor will not appear and you will feel more refreshed. So, grab a new pad, change it in the bathroom, and you'll be refreshed.
Step 2. Dispose of sanitary napkins properly
When changing a sanitary napkin, wrap the used sanitary napkin with a new one. If your period is over or there is no wrapping for the used pad, wrap it in toilet paper. Throw it in the trash and out of sight, so as not to spoil the view in the bathroom.
Don't throw anything into the latrine. The world's sewer systems aren't magic pipelines where everything that goes into them just disappears. Everything that is discarded ends up somewhere. So, be wise and don't throw pads or tampons (or anything related to that) down the latrine
Step 3. Stay hygienic
Menstruation is not the cleanest period of a woman's routine, so it is very important that you maintain personal hygiene. Always wash your hands twice when changing pads and clean the genital area too (odorless cleaning wipes are useful for this). The less dirt you produce, the less bacteria will appear, and the healthier you will be.
We are talking about this topic, but don't be disgusted. This is a sign of your femininity, a very normal, monthly, and annoying habit. You have to stay hygienic because you need to stay clean, not because you feel disgusted
Step 4. Always carry extra pads with you
Always. You never know when your period will come, if your period is heavier than usual, when your period comes unexpectedly, or when a friend needs it! When you use an emergency pad, change it immediately. Like a good scout, always be prepared!
- If you're in the bathroom and your period is out, but there's no sanitary pad, don't hesitate to ask other women for pads. This is serious. You don't have to be sweet to do it. All women know what you're going through! This is really annoying. However, they would love to help their fellow women!
- When you're on your period, you may also need to take some painkillers with you!
Tips
- If your period starts to occur unexpectedly, don't forget to remove the blood stain with cold water, not hot water.
- Bring a pad or two. You can keep it hidden in a pocket in your purse, purse, or cosmetic bag, according to your luggage. At first, your periods will be irregular, so it's a good idea to bring a pad with you.
- Wear normal underwear when using sanitary napkins. Don't wear a thong.
- Choose sanitary napkins with cleansing wipes so that your vaginal area stays fresh. Or buy unscented and non-antibacterial pads so they don't irritate the sensitive vaginal area. Do not use sprays to clean the feminine area! Spray medicine can cause vaginal infections.
- Sacrifice a pad or two. Do as advertised and pour a little water on the pad to see how much liquid it absorbs. No need to use blue food coloring, but it would be better if you know the results using the dye.
- If your period is just starting and you don't have a sanitary pad, just use toilet paper, but change it every hour or two.
- Consider using a tampon. Many people prefer tampons during physical activity or on normal days to avoid discomfort or unpleasant odors.
Warning
- Do not throw pads or tampons into the latrine, but throw them in the trash.
- Don't be afraid to use tampons! Tampons won't be a problem if you wear them properly. You'll need to try a few times to get it on properly, but tampons are much easier than pads. Pads should be worn at night to sleep.