Many women still have doubts about using pads. Including when to change the pad during your menstrual period.
Currently, we find several types of absorbents available for purchase. Whether normal, night, dry or soft mesh, internal or external, there are different types that will meet the needs of each woman and at each moment of the menstrual period. However, many women still have questions about when to change the pad during menstruation.
According to gynecologists, it is recommended that the change be done every 4 hours at most. Regardless of the absorbent model. Because, by keeping the pad on for longer than recommended, the risk of contracting infections in the intimate area increases. Furthermore, by changing at shorter intervals you also avoid the risk of leaks.
Therefore, do not wait for the absorbent to be completely full to make the change. In fact, it is important to know which type of absorbent is best for you. Anyway, to clarify any doubts about when to change your pad, check out the tips below.
Menstruation
Each woman has a different duration of menstruation. This time depends on each person’s body. Therefore, some women usually menstruate between 2 or 3 days. While others may have a longer period, lasting up to 8 days.
Likewise, the intensity of menstrual flow also varies from woman to woman. Therefore, some people tend to have a greater amount of blood during their menstrual period. However, it is estimated that around 40 milliliters of blood is lost each month.
Therefore, depending on the intensity of the flow, when to change the pad may vary. For example, if the flow is very strong, the time to change the absorbent tends to reduce, as it will fill up faster.
When to change your pad: Different types of pads
Nowadays we can find different types of absorbents, external and internal, that will meet the needs of each woman. For example:
- Among external absorbents, there are those with flaps and those without flaps.
- Night pads, ideal for use at night. Because, they absorb a greater amount of blood.
- Furthermore, tampons, ideal for use during the day. Furthermore, they provide women with more freedom, as they allow them to practice physical activities.
- Other options are synthetic and cotton, ideal for those with more sensitive skin.
- There are also pads with or without perfume.
- Finally, there are also daily models, which are smaller and more discreet, ideal for when your period is ending.
When to change the pad: ideal time to change
When to change the absorbent? According to gynecologists, the ideal is every 3 hours, with the pad remaining in place for no more than 4 hours. On the other hand, if you have a very heavy menstrual flow, the change time may be reduced. Typically every 2 hours. This way, you avoid blood leakage.
However, if your menstrual flow is less intense, it does not mean that you should keep the pad on for more than 4 hours or until it is completely full. Because even if the pad appears to be clean or dry, blood is accumulating inside it. Favoring the reproduction of microorganisms that can cause infections and health problems.
In addition, the accumulation of blood can also give off a smell that is normal for menstruation. However, you should be careful in cases where the smell is very unpleasant.
Yes, it may indicate a problem, such as the accelerated growth of bacteria and microorganisms, for example. Caused by heat and humidity in the intimate region due to the use of pads. Finally, to avoid infections and health problems, keep your intimate area clean and dry.
Risks of not changing the absorbent within the indicated time
Finally, it is important to know when to change the pad to avoid health problems. Because the vagina area is hot and humid, staying with the same pad for a long time increases the risk of bacterial proliferation.
These bacteria are responsible for causing infections in the intimate region. Therefore, make changes within the time indicated by gynecologists. In addition to keeping the intimate area always dry and well sanitized, especially during menstruation.
Hygiene during menstruation
Regardless of whether your blood flow is during your period, whether it is sparse, moderate or intense, you need to take good care of your intimate hygiene during menstruation.
Therefore, try to wash the intimate area when changing the pad. However, don’t forget to dry well before putting on a clean pad.
Furthermore, when you remove the used pad, dispose of it correctly. You can even put it in the packaging of what you are going to put in your panties. Then throw it in the trash. Furthermore, it is important to remember that you should not flush it down the toilet. Because, in addition to causing obstruction, it will also contaminate the environment.
Finally, it is very important that you always take care of your body and your intimate area. This way, you avoid problems that harm your health. And, if you notice any different changes, especially during the menstrual period, see a gynecologist as soon as possible.
So, if you liked this article, find out more about the subject at: Types of absorbents, how to use them? Formats, differences and benefits.
