3 Habits of Using Sanitary Napkins that are not Good for Health

Sometimes, there are still many women who use the wrong pads during menstruation. Naturally, if there are still mistakes when practicing the rules and how to use pads. Moreover, if you experience menstruation for the first time. The following is how to use pads that must be considered.

How to use the right pads?
A bandage is a rectangular device, in the form of a soft cotton pad that is used to absorb blood or fluid that comes out during a woman’s menstrual period. Sanitary napkins differ from diapers (to absorb urine), even though the ingredients are almost the same. Sanitary napkins are also used for women who experience childbirth after giving birth or after performing surgical operations on the vagina.

One side of the pad has glue or adhesive. This section is what will be placed on women’s underwear in the part where the vagina is located. And because of its function to absorb menstrual blood, sanitary napkins must be diligently replaced after 4 hours, or even before if you have a lot of menstruation.

The habit of using pads that can damage health

1. Use a pad that has long been lying in your bag
Almost all women keep their pads in their bags on menstrual days, just in case or just to prepare. But did you know, if the pads that have been stored for months turned out to be dangerous?

Even though the packaging is undamaged and still looks clean, a bandage that has been left for a long time in a place can in fact absorb the surrounding dirt. Generally, bacteria and dust will be absorbed and will cause irritation to the skin of the vagina if the dressing is used.

Therefore, it is recommended to use a new sanitary napkin. If you want to store for inventory in a bag or wallet, replace inventory every 1 to 2 weeks. You can also store it in a special box of sanitary napkins to be safe from the dangers of dirt and bacteria.

2. Do not replace pads after wearing for hours
One of the rules and how to use sanitary napkins is to replace them within a certain period of time. Normally, for early menstruation, when the fluid is “swift” out, change it every 3-4 hours.

However, changing pads depends on the frequency of fluid that comes out during menstruation. Even if you use ultra-absorbent pads, this does not guarantee that your vagina will still be protected from bacteria present from menstrual fluid.

In addition, pads that are “full” and not replaced immediately will make the vagina become moist due to the liquid absorbed by the pads. A moist vagina will be a place for bacteria and fungus to multiply. These bacteria can cause itching on the surface of the genital skin and the presence of warts and irritation in the vagina.

3. Do not clean the vagina after changing pads
Many women who become lazy and are reluctant to clean the vaginal area during menstruation, and choose to clean it when menstruation is over. Obviously this is one of the wrong ways to use sanitary pads when applied, given that the vagina is a very sensitive organ, which must always be kept clean.

Clean the vagina when changing pads, in fact important. It is recommended to rinse the vagina with water before using a new sanitary pad.

Can I clean my vagina with soap? This is not recommended. Because the vagina can clean itself, you don’t need to clean it with soap that contains chemicals for your sex organs. It is feared, it can cause skin irritation.

After cleaning the vagina, don’t forget to let it dry first, before wearing the dressing again. As explained above, if the vagina is moist it will facilitate the bacteria for bacteria to multiply. During menstruation, women become more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections around their genitals.

Some other things that must be considered when using pads

  • Do not throw pads in the toilet. Bandages that accumulate will cause clogging and become pollutant waste afterwards.
  • Clean the pads from menstrual fluid after use, considering that many animals are attracted by the aroma of menstrual fluid. After that, cover with plastic wrap or used newspaper when disposing.
  • Always wash hands before and after handling the sanitary napkin that has been used.