How Frequently Should You Change Your Sanitary Napkins During Menstruation? Doctor Explains

Menstrual Hygiene: Maintaining proper hygiene during your menstrual cycle is extremely important to reduce the risk of infections and promote good health. Changing your sanitary napkins at regular intervals is necessary to maintain good hygiene. Consider the factors like your period flow, the type of pad you are using and personal comfort and hygiene on when to change your pads. 

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Sunita Varma, Senior Director & HOD Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Shalimar Bagh explained about when you should change your sanitary napkins based on your menstrual flow. 

According to Dr Varma, there is no single answer to this question as a number of factors affect menstrual hygiene. As a gynaecologist, I recommend changing your sanitary napkin every 4 to 8 hours, even if your flow seems light. The frequency can change depending on your menstrual flow, type of pad and your comfort level. This simple habit is important for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections during your menstrual cycle.

Menstrual blood is absorbed by sanitary napkins, but it also attracts bacteria from the anal canal, which is close by. If a pad is left unchanged for too long, bacteria can grow, leading to potential health issues. These can include bad odours, skin irritation, rashes, and in some cases, more serious infections. The warm, moist environment created by a used pad makes it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast infections, which increases the likelihood of discomfort, itching, and redness in the vaginal area. Hot weather, exercise and sweating can potentially increase these problems, especially bad odour.

Menstrual Hygiene Tips (Image Credts: Canva)

Women with heavy periods may need to change their pads more frequently than every 4 hours to prevent leakage and maintain dryness. A full pad not only leads to discomfort but can also irritate the skin. It is recommended that you change your pad before it gets full. On lighter flow days, it might seem unnecessary to change your pad as often, but it’s still important to do so. Prolonging pad usage, even with less blood, can still create an environment for bacteria to thrive, posing a risk to your health.

In addition, wearing a pad for too long can reduce its effectiveness. As the pad becomes more saturated, it can lose its ability to absorb properly, making you feel uncomfortable and disrupting your day-to-day activities.

Changing your sanitary napkin every 4 to 8 hours is a simple but crucial step to safeguard your health. It helps prevent infections, reduces discomfort, and keeps you feeling fresh throughout your period. If you notice signs of infection, persistent irritation, or any unusual symptoms despite changing your pad regularly, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

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