It's necessary to know how to keep yourself hygienic while on your menstrual period to be comfortable, healthy, and confident during the period. Probably the most usual question about menstruation is how often to change your sanitary pad. Though it will slightly vary depending on how heavy the flow is and the type of pad you wear, there are strict rules that will protect and make you feel comfortable. Let's explore what happens when you don't change your pad after long hours and why changing it at regular intervals is important.
The rule of thumb is to switch your pad every 4 to 6 hours. On high flow days, this may need to be more often, but on low flow days, perhaps a bit longer. Even though the pad looks clean, it isn't advisable to wear it longer than 6 hours.
Your body loses tissue, mucus and blood during menstruation, and the site is fertile soil for bacteria if you fail to change your pad in time. If you fail to change your pad in time, it will be uncomfortable, lead to skin irritation and even infection in severe cases.
Wearing a single pad for 24 hours is highly unhygienic. This prolonged use creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. The blood and moisture encourage bacterial growth, leading to unpleasant odours, skin irritation and a higher risk of urinary tract or vaginal infections.
In severe but uncommon instances, extended wear of a sanitary pad can result in irritation so severe that it peels the skin or creates sores. Pads are meant to be worn to successfully absorb menstrual flow, but they cannot be worn for a full day, no matter what the flow rate is.
Let's talk about the other key question: what happens if you wear a pad for too long? Although the answer is pretty much the same above, the result may begin occurring very early in a less than 24-hour timeframe.
Long-term use of a pad will lead to:
● Rashes and Chafing: Friction, along with moisture, leads to uncomfortable rashes.
● Infections: Damp, warm areas are ideal conditions under which fungi and bacteria can gain a foothold.
● Bad Odour: Even a moderate rate, if allowed to accumulate too long, will produce a foul, pungent odour.
● Discomfort: A soggy or abused pad is clumsy, sticky and uncomfortable.
You must note that there is no necessity to wait till the pad fills up. Rotation keeps physical and psychological inconveniences at bay due to odour or fear of leakage.
One of the most common grievances during menstruation is overnight bleeding. Most people would appreciate knowing how long you can wear a pad overnight. Overnight pads are longer and bulkier, with greater absorbency. But still, it is not advisable to use them for more than 8 hours.
If you’re sleeping longer than usual, consider setting an alarm to wake up and change, or use a fresh pad just before sleeping and change it immediately upon waking. Even during the night, extended use beyond 8 hours can risk hygiene and comfort.
There is an enormous variety of pads available: ultra-thin, maxi, night-time and so forth. Getting the correct one can make the difference between performance and comfort. Daytime calls for a standard or thin pad, but nighttime calls for a longer, more absorbent one.
Always find suitable alternatives for your flow and replace them according to the suggested intervals. Don't forget to clean your hands before and after pad replacement to prevent infection.
When problems with periods, abnormalities, or pain are involved, early specialist consultation can be the difference. Cloudnine provides specialist consultations according to personal needs, either for period problems, matters related to hygiene, or any other question of gynaecology. The experts still take care of every step of a woman's health process with warmth and medical care.
From menstrual hygiene education to addressing health problems resulting from poor menstrual care, Cloudnine makes sure women are able to get the right advice and trustworthy treatment.
Menstrual hygiene is not all about pad-changing; there are some other habits as well:
● Don't use scented pads or powders because they are likely to irritate sensitive skin.
● Always dispose of used pads properly by wrapping them up and placing them in a closed bin.
● Wear clean, airy undergarments.
● Never use a disposable pad more than once.
● Bring extra pads when venturing out, especially on heavy flow days.
Good menstrual hygiene is essential in preventing health complications and being comfortable during your menstrual period. Irrespective of whether your menstruation is heavy or light, changing your pad every 4 to 6 hours is imperative, and none of them should be worn for longer than 8 hours, not even overnight. Failure to adhere to these habits can cause discomfort, smell, rashes and infection.
If you have ever wondered what happens if you don’t change your pad for 24 hours or how long one can sleep wearing a pad, the answer is straightforward: not long. Prioritise your health by practising safe hygiene practices, and never be afraid to seek assistance when uncertain.
