Period is a journey. It starts with demolishing an entire tub of ice cream by yourself and ends at an unnecessary verbal spat with bae (hi mood swings). It’s both crazy and beautiful. Yet, it comes with its own share of constant paranoia.
The good news is that with a few good choices, you probably won’t have to waste your monthly sick leaves on your menstrual cycle, honey. Yes, with the ideal sanitary napkin, frequent period stains can be a thing of the past.
Before delving further into the different types of sanitary pads, let’s look at some other menstrual products as well.
Unlike sanitary pads, which are absorbent, menstrual cups collect the fluid. Inserting a menstrual cup into the vagina can be a little challenging and intimidating as compared to using a sanitary pad. The Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup with FDA Compliant Medical Grade Silicone and Pee Safe US FDA Approved Reusable Menstrual Cup with Medical Grade Silicone for Women are some of the best menstrual cups for beginners.
Using tampons for periods is a great option if you’re looking for a period product that’s a mix of both sanitary pads and menstrual cups. A tampon is an absorbent material that is inserted inside the vagina, just like a menstrual cup. They also have a string attached to the bottom that stays out of the vagina and can be used to pull it out when required. Tampons need to be changed frequently. If you’re a beginner, try the O.B. Pro Comfort Tampons Regular and Bella Regular Easy Twist Tampo.
Types of Sanitary Pads
Let’s first have a look at the various types of sanitary pads so it gets easier for you to pick.
1. Organic Cotton Sanitary Pad
Great for women with latex allergies, as organic cotton pads are made of natural products and are free from chemicals and bleaches.
2. Cloth Sanitary Pad
These types of sanitary pads are eco-friendly. They are made of soft fabric and can be reused after a wash, although the hygiene standards are questionable.
3. Reusable Sanitary Pad
Reusable menstrual pads also known as washable pads come with a slit in the centre for inserting absorbent liners. They’re an eco-friendly alternative as they need not be disposed and can be reused.
4. Regular and Heavy Flow Sanitary Pad
A regular pad is ideal for normal flow and has a lighter build. It’s best for women who prefer to change every few hours irrespective of the flow. On the other hand, heavy flow pads are bulkier with extra absorption power and side wings.
How to Use Sanitary Pads
Sanitary pads are pretty easy to use. Here’s a quick guide on how to go about using one:
Step 1:
Unwrap the pad, unfold the wings and peel the paper from the body and the wings to expose the adhesive below. Do not throw the wrapper yet, you’ll need it for pad disposal.
Step 2:
Now place the pad, with the sticky side facing down, over the center of your panties.
Step 3:
Fold the wings on either side to secure it to your panties. This grip will keep your pad in place.
Step 4:
Now wear the panties as usual and go about your day.
How to Remove Sanitary Pads
Menstrual pads should be ideally changed every 4-5 hours, especially during heavy flow days. Here’s a quick guide on how to remove and dispose a used pad:
Step 1
First pull off the wings of the pad from either side of your panties.
Step 2:
Next hold the front end of the pad and peel it off the center of your panties.
Step 3:
Once the pad is out, wrap it in the wrapper and throw in the bin. Use a disposable bag if available.
Step 4:
For hygiene purposes, wash your hands with soap and rinse with water.
Why Choose Period Pads
Here’s a lowdown on the reasons that should convince you to stick to pads or stick the pad, if we may.
Easy-Peasy
Pads are easily one of the less messier methods of period protection since they do not require you to insert your fingers inside your bleeding queen. Just stick the pad on your underwear and you’re good to go.
No Risk
Did you know that you risk developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) when you leave your tampon or menstrual cup inside for too long? Well, pads don’t have such problems.
Sleep Peacefully
Your shut-eye time is non-negotiable, especially during your period. Specially designed overnight pads allow uninterrupted beauty sleep since they are designed to absorb and lock in heavy night flow.
No Allergic Reactions
Sensitive much? You are safe from any allergic skin reactions as long as you regularly change your pad.
No Leakage
Sure, compared to its peers, a pad is bulkier and diaper-esque. But the larger surface area ensures greater coverage and decreases the chances of possible leakage. A good trade-off, we say.
Simple And Safe
Call us lame but the idea of inserting a foreign matter up our vagina freaks us out a bit. If you said aye to that, come join Team Pad.
Your BFF may swear by a certain type of sanitary pad but that doesn’t mean it’d be perfect for you too. Pick the one that suits you.
1. PINQ Bulk Me Box - 40 Premium Cotton Feel Ultra Slim Sanitary Pads
All days are not the same. Some days you’ll just experience light flow, other days your body will ovary-act and you’ll need a pad to brace the heavy flow. The PINQ Bulk Me Box has pads dedicated to all kinds of period phases. And thank God for its superior gel technology that locks in the liquid faster. Oh and look out for its cute printed packaging that doesn’t skimp on style either.
2. Paree Plus 30 Sanitary Pads - XL (with multipurpose wipes)
If you don’t wish to leave stains for the world to witness, what you need is a pad with larger surface area, wider back coverage and well-gripped side wings. Cue to bring home the Paree Plus 30 Sanitary Pads that is specifically designed for women who leak like a tap during their cycle. The multipurpose wipes are just a bonus to maintain post-use hygiene. Reporting for double-duty, sir.
3. Sirona Ultra-Thin & Natural Sanitary Pads Black Colour – Small
You think period means boring white pads? We choose to disagree. The Carbon infused Sirona Ultra-Thin & Natural Sanitary Pads is a pack of bio-based and breathable black pads that’ll redefine your idea of ‘those five days’ forever. How? Picture a team of Corn, Sugarcane, Cassava and Straw Bale help you fight heavy flow. We’re looking at anti-bacterial, super-absorbent, biodegradable and leak proof pads.
4. Sofy Antibacteria Extra Long Sanitary Pads Value Pack
While it’s natural to obsess over the external size and wings while choosing a period pad, what we often fail to consider is its anti-bacterial protection power. Why is it important? Because this the main factor that’ll ensure long lasting hygiene minus the foul smell. The Sofy Antibacteria Extra Long Sanitary Pads comes with a green antibacterial sheet layer that blocks 99.9% bacteria while the perfume tree fragrance keeps you smelling fresh.
5. Whisper Ultra Nights Sanitary Pads (XXXL Wings)
If you think a good night’s sleep during your period is the stuff of dreams, you’ve got it wrong, baby. The Whisper Ultra Nights Sanitary Pads is designed with a cushioned center and wider back coverage promising overnight protection, even during heavy flow nights. Along with its 5X absorbency power, it’s equipped with lock core technique that traps the absorbed liquid flow in gel form. Ugly granny panties for the night? No, thank you!
6. Azah Ultra Soft Organic Sanitary Pads
Having your period is alright, constantly being reminded of it is not. Well, you can escape these unwanted reminders by wearing a pad made of soft organic cotton. Enter Azah Ultra Soft Organic Sanitary Pads. It’s also free from harmful chemicals and fragrances. After enduring all that bloating, who wants to deal with skin rashes anyway? Full marks for being softer and safer on pretty Miss. V down there.
7. LAIQA Combo Premium Sanitary Pads 5 Cosyfluff Night XL + 10 Ultrathin Day L Pads
Fact: Night flow and day flow differs. Also fact: There’s a brand that understands that and has curated a pack of pads for all your period struggles, from sunrise to sunset. A set of the LAIQA Combo Premium Sanitary Pads, with its ultra-absorbent front and breathable back sheet, packs in the perfect period flow defense without being harsh on your skin. Oh, and if you’re still guilty of wrapping used pads in unhygienic sheets of old newspapers, please use the disposable bags that come with this pack.
