Today
you can choose from a wide variety of menstrual
protection products to suit your daughter's needs.
The commonly used options are :
1. Sanitary pads that are worn externally, outside
the body.
2. Tampons, which are worn internally, in the vagina.
Sanitary
Pads
: (also
known as Sanitary Napkins)
These are flat pieces of absorbent material usually
with a plastic lining underneath to prevent leakage.
There are basically two types of napkins belted
and belt-less. The belted napkins are secured around
the waist with the help of an elastic belt. Nowadays,
the belt-less pads, with self adhesive strips that
can be stuck inside underpants are popular.
Types
of Sanitary pads :
Many brands and varieties of pads are available.
Each make comes in different sizes and thickness.
There are pads:
* |
With
wings and without wings - Wings help hold
the pad in place and offer extra side leakage
protection. |
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Thin
and ultra thin. |
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With
cottony feel covers or the more synthetic,
dry feel covers |
* |
Depending
on their absorbency, they are called - mini,
light, regular, maxi and super maxi, classic,
super long maxi, extra heavy weight, and heavy,
moderate and light use ones. |
More
and more companies are offering ultra thin sanitary
pads, for greater comfort, or with extra features
like odour control that prevent period smell from
forming. A good sanitary napkin will provide your
daughter the right protection, freeing her from
worries of pad disintegration and staining. As there
is a range of products, girls can choose one that
best fits her sense of comfort and lifestyle. Using
a particular brand, the type and the thickness,
is a matter of trial and error and personal preference.
It is also possible to buy her panty liners, which
are very thin and protect the pants from staining.
These can be used on very light flow days or on
non-menstruation days to absorb white discharge.
Sanitary pads are available in varying pack sizes
from 8 - 20 napkins at any chemist or general store.
Advantages
of Sanitary pads
:
* |
Easier
to use. |
* |
They
can be used by a woman of any age and are
a common choice for girls, who have just begun
their periods. |
* |
Many
varieties available to suit different needs. |
Queries about Sanitary Pads
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As
the sanitary pad is outside the body, can
the blood get contact with air and develop
an unpleasant odour?
A frequent change every 3-4 hours will help
maintain proper menstrual hygiene with less
chances of an unpleasant odour. You can also
choose napkins with odour control which prevent
period smell. |
* |
Is
there a possibility of leakage off the sides,
especially at night?
Using a variety with wings and super maxi
ones decreases the chances of leakage. Moreover,
on days of heavy flow, one can use a panty,
about ½ size too small, so that the
pad does not move. |
* |
Is
it true that sanitary pads cannot be used
while swimming?
Yes, however almost all other activities can
be done while wearing a pad, and this advantage
outweighs the single disadvantage. |
* |
Can
sanitary pads cause irritation on inner thighs?
It is a possibility, but this is overcome
by keeping the genital area clean and dry
and dusting slightly with powder. Using a
different brand or changing to another type
may solve the problem. |
Tampons
Tampons are pieces of highly absorbent fibres inserted
into the vagina to soak up the blood flow. They
have strings for removal and some brands have cardboard
or plastic applicators for insertion. As with pads
there are different brands of tampons with varying
absorbencies for different phases of the period.
Great care must be taken to wash the hands before
introducing the tampon, otherwise there are chances
of infection. It needs good practice to put the
tampon in the vagina, accurately, easily and comfortably
without any pain. If there is pain, don't force
it in. It is actually best to first try it on a
heavy flow day when there is maximum lubrication.
Advantages
of Tampons :
* |
If
it is the right size, and properly inserted,
one does not feel the tampon at all. |
* |
As
they are within the body, they tend to be
less smelly. |
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They
cannot be seen through tight clothing. |
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One
can even swim while wearing a tampon. |
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There
is no irritation between the thighs. |
Queries about Tampons
* |
What
is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?
TSS is an extremely rare, but serious illness.
TSS has been associated with tampon usage,
though it can also occur without tampons.
Since TSS is quite serious, it is important
to recognize the symptoms. The person may
start vomiting, develop high fever, diarrhoea
and a rash resembling sun-burn. In case you
notice these symptoms, you should immediately
remove the tampon as a precaution and contact
your doctor. |
* |
How
do we know when to change?
By lightly tugging the cord, you can tell
when it's time to change. If the tampon doesn't
move, it means it's not yet saturated. Tampons
must be changed every 6-8 hours or more often
depending on the flow. |
Using
Cloth
Though this is the oldest, cheapest method, it is
not recommended. Why?
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The
cloth or rag used may not be really clean.
Therefore, there are greater chances of infection. |
* |
There
are more chances of staining since cloth does
not absorb well. |
* |
There
is an enhanced risk of skin irritation of
the thighs, as the cloth pad has to be thick
to provide any degree of effectiveness. |
* |
It
is cumbersome to wash the rags. One has to
soak it in cool, mildly salty water and dry
out in the sun, which may not always be possible. |
Personal hygiene during menstruation
It is critical that you ensure your daughter understands
what constitutes good hygiene during menstruation,
and that she practices them.
| * |
Bathing
daily with warm water is an essential start.
Menstrual blood gives off a distinctive odour,
when it comes in contact with air, so washing
one's genitals twice a day with mild soap
and warm water is essential. One should avoid
the use of deodorants or perfumes in the vaginal
area as they may cause irritation and possible
infection. |
| * |
Sanitary
napkins or tampons need to be changed at least
twice a day depending on the menstrual flow,
and on the level of body perspiration between
thighs. |
| * |
The
bloodstained pads sometimes rub against the
skin of the thigh, which gets sore and causes
discomfort while walking. Hence, the thigh
region should be kept dry or dusted with powder. |
| * |
Hands
should be washed before and after use of sanitary
pads. |
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