How Often Should You Change Your Pad
With the rise of free bleed period panties, we get this question all the time – Is it safe to sit in my blood all day? Most women know they need to change their napkin at least every 4 hours to lower their risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). But did you know it’s also important to change your sanitary pads regularly? While TSS is not a risk when using sanitary pads, the development of bacteria and other microorganisms is. Then there’s the issue of personal comfort, and the fact that menstrual blood, once outside the body, takes on an unpleasant odor. Below is a more in-depth look at the risks associated with prolonged use of a single pad, as well as how to prevent any problems. Most underwear are not designed to support a pad which makes blood spill and leak. Freeda Napkins always stay in place plus the absorbent cotton liner also is a leak guard back up to prevent stains.
Infection
Vaginal yeast infections (also known as fungal infections) can occur any time there’s excess moisture around the vaginal area. This can happen from something as simple as a woman wearing incorrect underwear, or to not drying off fully after bathing, or – you guessed it – from wearing a dampened sanitary pad for a long period of time.
The same way babies need to be changed to prevent diaper rash (a type of yeast infection), menstruating women need to change their pads frequently to prevent microbial cultivation. Every person body reacts different.
But yeast infections aren’t the only potential danger. A range of bacterial infections can develop by allowing the microbes in expelled menstrual blood to accumulate and grow. To prevent all types of infection, make sure you change your pad at least every four hours, even if there’s only a small amount of blood on it.
Discomfort
Freeda Napkins make you so comfortable, it feels as if it is not there. We remind everyone all the time – remember to change your pad. Though it is a great feeling that the sanitary pad feels comfortable, it is also very important to not sit in menstrual blood for so long. Even if an infection doesn’t occur, wearing a damp pad will likely cause some skin irritation. Itchy or reddened skin are typical signs of mild dermatological irritation, and – if ignored – can eventually lead to a more severe infections.
Additionally, when not disposed of in a timely manner, soiled sanitary pads will begin to stink. Like any organic matter, menstrual blood effectively ‘rots’ when outside the body, creating a strong and unpleasant odor. Even pads are only a little dampened will begin to smell after a little while.
So why do some women wear pads longer than they should ?
Some women don’t like to dispose of a pad that only has a little blood on it, either for financial or environmental reasons. If the high cost of sanitary pads is keeping you from changing them frequently, buy affordable napkin and the appropriate thickness according to your flow. Freeda is very economical it only cost you P19 for a pack. Use Freeda panty liners or thin pads on your lighter days, changing them more frequently.
It also helps to remember that treating an infection is far more costly than using a few extra pads.
When it comes to your health, don’t take the chance. Change your sanitary pads at least once every four hours to keep yourself safe from infection and discomfort. Your body deserves it.
