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Amidst the debate about what’s better – sanitary napkins, tampons, menstrual cups, or cloth pads – we’ve brushed the key participant of the P-game under the carpet. Yep, panty liners have been around for a while, but most women still aren’t sure about how important they are. Well, we’re in the mood to get this slightly icky conversation out of the way, so join right in.
What Is A Panty Liner?
A panty liner is basically a thinner and smaller version of your usual pad buddy. It pretty much works the same way except for the fact that a panty liner isn’t meant for absorbing heavy menstrual flow, as opposed to her elder sister - the pad. Panty liners are used to absorb any vaginal discharge or negligible blood on days when you don’t have your periods or a heavy flow. Although vaginal blood is not a bad thing, in fact, a necessary excretion of your vaginal needs to maintain the pH balance and sustenance, some people find their discharge icky, wet, and uncomfortable during busy days. Moreover, the discharge is also acidic and acts like bleach to our underwear fading the colour and quality, leading them to wear and tear quicker than usual.
Difference Between A Panty Liner And Sanitary Pads
- Sanitary pads are used during the days we menstruate, and panty liners are used when we are not menstruating.
- Sanitary pads are thicker, and more absorbent while panty liners are thinner and less absorbent.
- Pads are used to absorb heavy flow and prevent leakage, liners on the other hand are used to absorb any discharge or minimal blood on the days we are not on our period.
- Pads are bigger and offer more overage, and panty liners are small and only cover a small area.
Benefits Of Using A Panty Liner
Here are the benefits of using a panty liner:
- Helps maintain intimate hygiene when you are out and about for long hours.
- Avoids any chances of infections on the off chance of an extended moisture retention period.
- Keeps the area clean, dry, and comfortable.
- Acts as a safety net for an unexpected period.
- Absorbs vaginal discharge and any minimal or negligible blood flow.
- They are easy to carry and wear even if there isn’t a clean washroom, unlike other menstrual products such as tampons and menstrual cups.
- They keep your underwear clean and prevent it from getting bleached from the acidity of the discharge and blood.
- Feels lighter than a pad.
Why Do I Need To Use Panty Liners?
Unlike its peers, a panty liner isn’t specifically designed only for when Aunt Flow is in town. In fact, we have reasons to believe that a blessed pack of panty liners can be a save on the most embarrassing days. Here’s why.
- For most women, the last days of our period are more frustrating than the first few, simply because Miss. P. is in the mood of hide and seek. She’s gone and that’s what she wants you to think and then she’s back for a final see-off. Dammit. Good thing, panty liners have our back. Perfectly sized, comfortable protection for days when you’re spotting.
- Vaginal discharge isn’t news to anybody. That damp, uncomfortable feeling in your panties isn’t welcome at all, thank you very much. To maintain optimum vaginal hygiene, line your undies with this tiny saviour and enjoy that ‘all-day long freshness and comfort’ that advertisements keep talkin’ about.
- Findings suggest, urinary incontinence, or bladder leaks, are more common than you think. If you happen to pee a little every time you’re stressed, anxious, or just in a sudden fit of laughter or a sneeze fest, stop with the self-induced embarrassment and start with the solution. Panty liners provide adequate protection from such untimely pee oopsies, so you can finally stop stressing about lousy bladder control.
- A study suggests, that with the rising number of women hit by the PCOD/PCOS storm, an unpredictable menstrual cycle has become quite the norm. For women who simply cannot count the days to their next cycle, always carrying a bunch of liners in their handbag is the way to go. This way you won’t be caught by surprise (or rather shock) and will have basic protection until you gain access to stronger sanitary hygiene.
- We all know at least one woman who leaks like a bloody tap and is constantly petrified of leakages, especially when she’s using a tampon or a menstrual cup. Add a trusted panty liner to the equation and you have an extra layer of protection for all those just-in-case moments.
How To Use A Panty Liner?
Panty liners are worn the same way sanitary pads are used. For the uninitiated, here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the protective paper that covers the adhesive side of the liner.
- Place the adhesive side onto your panty and seal it in.
- Dispose of the liner in a dustbin and never flush it down the drain. Panty liners too are made of absorbent cotton that can clog the drain and cause the toilet to malfunction.
- Change the panty liners whenever you start feeling uncomfortable or in 3–5 hours.
P.S. Always keep a few panty-liners on you because you never know when you or your friend might be in need of one.
What Are The Best Panty Liners?
1. PINQ POLKA Cotton Feel Daily Liners
What’s so special: Premium organic cotton top sheet cover for extra comfort that lasts all day long, perfect for on-the-go women.
2. SIRONA Ultra-Thin Premium Panty Liners
What’s so special: Every panty liner is powered with a pink Anion chip that has antibacterial properties, so you can go for a minimum of eight hours without worrying about rushing to the loo.
3. Pee Safe Aloe Vera Panty Liners
What’s so special: Each liner is crafted with a cottony-soft surface infused with Aloe Vera that keeps bacterial infection at bay. Not to forget, the fresh fragrance of Aloe manages vaginal odour effectively.
4. Nua Everyday Panty Liners Rash-Free and Toxin-Free - Pack of 48
What’s so special: Each liner is crafted with a cottony-soft surface infused with Aloe Vera that keeps bacterial infection at bay. Not to forget, the fresh fragrance of Aloe manages vaginal odour effectively.
5. Whisper Daily Liners Clean & Fresh - Normal (40 Pads)
What’s so special: Do your bit towards the environment by opting for these soft, hypo-allergenic, cloth panty liners. Leak-proof, reusable and sustainable.
Panty liners are a huge lifesaver, and if you want to know more about what are panty liners used for, then check out our article: The Best Panty Liners For Added Period Protection.
FAQs
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Can I use panty liners every day?
Yes, you can use it every day as it keeps your intimate area clean and dry and absorbs any moisture that might stain your underwear or pants. It also smoothens out that area if you are wearing thigh pants and you need to conceal a camel toe.
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Are there side effects to panty liners?
Yes and no. No, because they absorb any excess discharge and moisture that can cause infection and discomfort. Yes, because if you don’t change the liner every 3–5 hours then they can cause harm to your pH and vaginal health.
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How often should I change my panty liner?
Change your panty liners every 3–5 hours, or if you feel uncomfortable and/or it feels heavy. If you start bleeding as part of your monthly menstrual cycle then switch to bigger sanitary pads.
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Are panty liners better or sanitary pads?
You can’t really compare panty liners and sanitary pads, because even though they perform the same function of absorption, their purpose is different. Sanitary pads are used for periods when there is a heavy flow and it is bigger, thicker, and more absorbent. Panty liners on the other hand are thin, light, and meant to absorb minimal or no blood and vaginal discharge.
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What are the panty liners used for?
Panty liners are used to keep your intimate areas dry, comfortable, and clean, absorb any discharge, and help maintain hygiene.
