Menstruation often causes malaise, headaches, lower abdominal pain, weakness, mood swings, and irritability. Imposes some restrictions on the usual way of life. During this period, careful adherence to personal hygiene rules and regular washing are required. Can't do without special means to protect against leaks. These could be tampons or pads. The range of products on the shelves of stores and pharmacies that help a woman survive her critical days as comfortably as possible is huge. However, the question of which one is better still remains relevant.

Interesting: Easy-to-use self-adhesive gaskets appeared in the 1970s. Until this time, women were forced to use fabric or cotton wool folded several times, which was secured with a special belt or rubber panties.

Types of hygiene products

Modern sanitary pads vary in thickness, degree of absorption, shape, structure, and price. Can be picked up suitable option for discharge of any intensity. The best and highest quality products are those from the manufacturers Always, Kotex, Libresse.

An important criterion when choosing is the amount of menstrual flow. It depends on the individual characteristics of the woman and the day of her cycle. As a rule, the largest volumes of blood are released on the 2nd and 3rd days of the onset of menstruation.

All sanitary pads are marked with the number of drops and absorption coefficients, which are indicated by:

• Light;
• Normal;
• Super;
• Super plus (or night).

Super and Super plus markings – the best option for heavy discharge. Such gaskets are larger in size and thickness compared to Normal. Products labeled Night, due to special double wings, help prevent leaks and soiling of underwear and bed at night.

During menstruation, regular panty liners are also used. They are distinguished by their small size, small thickness and lack of wings. Convenient in the last days of menstruation, when the discharge becomes scanty and the use of large pads is impractical.

Features of application

The main rule for using sanitary pads is to change them frequently. It is advisable to wash yourself after each replacement, since menstrual blood is a good environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms. Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules during this period increases the risk of infection spreading upward to the internal genital organs.

According to recommendations, you need to change the gasket when it is more than one-third full. Periodic monitoring of filling will avoid leaks. In addition, many women note that when using the product for a long time (more than 5 hours), it causes bad smell.

Advantages and disadvantages

According to most gynecologists, pads are positioned, first of all, as a safe hygienic product. Their advantages are:

• maintaining the possibility of natural elimination of menstrual flow;
• safety for the health of the female reproductive system;
• lack of contact with the vaginal mucosa;
• convenience and ease of use;
• speed and ease of the replacement process;
• possibility of visual control of the degree of filling.

However, they also have significant disadvantages, including discomfort while wearing, the feeling of a foreign object in underwear, the possibility of sweating, irritation, and chafing. The composition contains synthetic materials (polyethylene base, adhesives) and aromatic additives, so some women may experience allergic reactions. The main disadvantage is considered to be restrictions on clothing, refusal of tight clothes, swimsuits, short skirts, and light-colored clothing.

Tampons

Unlike pads, tampons have a different operating principle. They are inserted into the vagina and absorb menstrual blood from the inside. In appearance, they are a cylindrical absorbent material equipped with a strong thread for easy removal. The brands Tampax, o.b., Kotex are recognized as the best.

Interesting: The history of tampons began in the 1930s. They were created by the American doctor Earl Haas. The first products were very simple and consisted of a piece of cotton wool wrapped in several layers of gauze. Industrial production of tampons by Procter and Gamble under the trade name Tampax began in 1936.

Types of tampons

The degree of absorption on tampons is indicated by droplets and markings:

• Mini – for scanty discharge;
• Normal – for scanty and moderate discharge;
• Super – for moderate and heavy menstruation;
• Super plus – for heavy discharge.

The products differ in appearance, size (length, diameter), shape (smooth or with spiral grooves), and the presence or absence of a special applicator in the kit for ease of administration.

Features of application

You should change your tampon every 3-4 hours, regardless of whether it is completely full or not. Its longer stay in the vaginal cavity can provoke infectious complications.

The most convenient way to replace a tampon is with a special applicator. Be sure to wash your hands first. If there is no applicator, use your index finger to insert the tampon. It is necessary to carefully move the product into the vaginal cavity so that the process is not painful and proceeds easily. The return thread should remain outside. When inserted correctly, the product will not be felt inside, fall out, or cause discomfort during movements and changes in body position.

When using tampons for the first time, it's best to start with the Mini size, which has spiral grooves and a silky finish. Also in this case, kits that include an applicator are suitable. If you feel discomfort after inserting a tampon, you need to remove it and insert a new one. Re-insertion of the same tampon several times is not allowed.

It is recommended to replace the sanitary product over the toilet or in the bathroom, as a little blood may spill out after removing it. Before inserting a new tampon, you should wash yourself with antibacterial soap to avoid the risk of infection in the vaginal cavity.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of tampons compared to pads are obvious:

• ease of use;
• invisibility to others;
• the opportunity not to limit yourself in choosing clothes;
• the opportunity to go to the beach, visit the pool, play sports;
• natural composition (cotton and viscose).

However, tampons are not without their drawbacks:

• may cause dryness and irritation of the vaginal mucosa;
• have a more complex method of use compared to gaskets, on initial stages this can be difficult;
• inability to visually control the degree of filling;
• cannot be used for inflammatory processes in the vagina and abnormalities of its structure;
• the possibility of injury to the mucous membrane if administered incorrectly;
• If the product remains in the vagina for a long time (more than 8-10 hours), a dangerous condition such as toxic shock syndrome may develop.

For your information: Some gynecologists prescribe women to use tampons for certain vaginal conditions. To do this, medicinal ointments are applied to hygiene products and then introduced into the vaginal cavity.

What to choose, tampons or pads? It all depends on the individual preferences and lifestyle of the woman. Many people use both hygiene products, alternating them depending on needs.

Tampons the better which give more freedom. They are absolutely invisible even in a swimsuit. You can play sports and swim with them without fear of leaks. However, they are not very convenient to use at night, since in this case you will have to wake up to an alarm clock to replace the hygiene product in a timely manner.

While the use of pads does not raise any questions, the topic of tampons is quite controversial, surrounded by myths and often unfounded speculation and statements. For example, they are said to be contraindicated for girls and women who are not sexually active, since their insertion can cause rupture of the hymen. In fact, this is not true. In consultation with the gynecologist, even teenagers can use tampons during menstruation. The hymen is elastic and has a hole in the center about 1.5 cm in diameter, through which menstrual blood flows and a tampon passes without any obstacles.

Whatever a woman chooses, tampons or pads, the most important thing is to use them correctly and change them in a timely manner.

Video: Obstetrician-gynecologist on the advantages and disadvantages of tampons and pads

The history of the use of feminine pads goes back to the distant past. Menstruation and women's health issues forced women to get creative. The pads were made from various fabrics, animal skin, and papyrus. A few decades ago, our mothers used cotton wool, gauze, and cotton fabric. Life modern woman simplified the gaskets that appeared 15-20 years ago. Manufacturers took into account all the wishes of women and created products that meet hygiene requirements.

On the shelves of pharmacies and stores today there is a wide variety of gaskets. Women have the opportunity to choose according to the individual characteristics of the body. The scope of application is by no means limited to use on menstrual days. All types pursue a single goal - to make a woman’s life easier during periods of temporary difficulties, to absorb liquid.

The purpose of the product is to absorb vaginal discharge. Be it menstrual periods, daily leucorrhoea, urine leakage. Hygienic products for absorbing menstrual flow must meet the following requirements: absorb moisture well, do not release it back, and do not change shape. The woman is already accustomed to this and chooses just such pads for herself. They are made from synthetic materials. Because natural fabrics cannot ensure the fulfillment of a woman’s wishes. But there are hypoallergenic pads, the top layer of which remains natural.

Daily hygiene products are practically no different from the previous ones in composition. The materials used are the same. Thickness, shape, color changes. Panty liners come in white and black, matching the color of your underwear. To prevent odor during menstrual periods and during daily prolonged use, the product is impregnated with scented substances. For better absorption of secretions, a layer of gel is placed inside. The same applies to urological pads.

A modern woman cannot imagine her life without these hygiene products; she uses them constantly or periodically.

Types of pads for critical days

Hygiene products for menstruation are divided into daytime and nighttime. Each of these types is divided into subspecies, according to their ability to absorb. They differ in size, and on the packaging manufacturers indicate the number of drops and the designations “light”, “normal”, “maxi”. Pads with a normal ability to absorb secretions are designated “normal” with 3 drops. For increased bleeding, hygiene products with 4.5 drops are intended. Next come the night ones. For moderate bleeding, you should choose “normal” with 3 drops.

Interesting video:

During the day, a woman moves more and can afford to change pads several times a day. There should be a full night's sleep. No one will change a hygiene product every 2 hours unless there is such a need. They should absorb more and prevent secretions from leaking. After all, during sleep, the posture can be very different. Thus, the appearance has changed somewhat - they have become longer. Otherwise they are no different from daytime ones. Gaskets can be recognized by the packaging without reading the label, not counting the drops. They depict a night with a starry sky. Based on their composition, disposable sanitary pads can be divided into several types:

• With and without an inner layer of gel. The gel helps retain moisture inside the product and prevents it from leaking out. Allows thin padding to absorb a large number of discharge on menstruation days.
• Flavored, odorless. During critical days, a specific smell appears. Not every woman treats him with patience. For some, it simply irritates and reduces self-confidence, since it seems that the people around them feel it. The top layer of the product is impregnated with a flavored substance. Smells like flowers, perfume, and other pleasant aromas.
• With synthetic, natural top layer. Synthetic pads during critical days. Sometimes it is so strong that it leads to the formation of thrush, inflammation, and other problems with the health of the reproductive system. The woman is forced to replace them with hypoallergenic ones. There is also plenty to choose from. Hypoallergenic hygiene products are no different in appearance. There is a difference in the fabric used. The top layer is made natural, flavors and gel are removed. All auxiliary components that can cause allergies. Such a gasket causes some inconvenience when used on critical days. The top layer does not absorb secretions well enough. The gasket changes shape and causes discomfort when moving.
• With wings, without them. This part of the hygiene products serves to attach to the panties. It allows the gasket to remain in place at all times. Protects underwear from menstruation from the sides. Some hygiene products for critical days do not have wings. The pad is attached to the underwear with glue. It is located on the bottom layer of the gasket. You can choose any type, the main part does not change.

They make pads for critical days white. This hygiene product looks sterile and safe for a woman’s health. The color of the discharge is clearly visible. During menstruation, it may change, indicating diseases of the reproductive system.

Daily hygiene products

There are also several types of gaskets. The panty liner is intended for one-time use. They make it in a form similar to underwear. Every woman prefers to wear different panties: regular panties, shorts, thongs, tango. The panty liner should not stand out or go beyond the edges of the underwear. They are made without wings, different color. The most common ones are white. This color is considered standard. It allows you to see the consistency and color of the discharge. React in a timely manner if diseases or abnormalities in the functioning of the genital organs appear. For the sake of aesthetic satisfaction of women's needs, panty liners are made black or a different color. There is plenty to choose from. The color range is presented in any product line of each manufacturer.

With daily use of disposable pads, women may experience an allergic reaction to the skin of the perineum and external genitalia. In order to prevent this situation, some manufacturers make the top layer of hygiene products natural. The division of types of pads according to the amount of absorbed secretions is not as diverse as the first type - for critical days. The packaging shows 1,2, maximum 3 drops. Based on this, panty liners vary in thickness.

Reusable hygiene products

Among the types of gaskets, there are the following. Women use them for various reasons. Firstly, their composition is completely natural, which prevents the occurrence of gynecological diseases and skin irritations from synthetic compounds and other chemicals. Secondly, the cost of sanitary pads for critical days is not so small. allows you to save significant money.

The production of such hygiene products falls on the shoulders of the woman. She chooses the shape, selects the fabrics. As a rule, the main layer for absorbing secretions of reusable pads is made of cotton wool. Place gauze on top in several layers or natural fabric. The gasket is stitched or left as is. To avoid leakage, the bottom layer is made of denser fabric or a piece of cellophane is sewn on.

Using reusable types of pads causes some difficulties. They do not retain moisture inside, change shape, and increase in size as secretions accumulate during menstrual periods. The main unpleasant moment is washing. Remove stains with peroxide laundry soap. The use of powders and bleaches is not recommended. Making reusable pads doesn't take much time. You can use them as long as the main layer of cotton wool is not damaged. Washing should be as gentle as possible; hygiene products should be dried while lying down. When hung, the appearance of reusable pads changes. Only clean ones can be used. For scanty discharge, simply fabric folded in several layers is used as pads. You should choose cotton fabric. A sheet or baby diaper will do.

Medical pads

Manufacturers of hygiene products state that they must be used periodically, or even constantly, during menstruation. The use of medicinal types of pads makes it possible to avoid skin irritations, prevent diseases, and regulate the monthly cycle. You can choose based on the individual characteristics of the female body. There are 2 types of such hygiene products in pharmacies.

1. Anion spacers

Produced in China. The cost is quite high. According to manufacturers, they prevent skin irritation and have anti-inflammatory, regenerating, and antibacterial effects. The top layer of the product is unique. Most likely, we are talking about ozone, which is used in the treatment of many gynecological diseases. Inside the layer there are additional substances of natural origin, in the form of herbal extract. Used for female diseases: fibroids, thrush, endometriosis.

1. Pads with medicinal additives

The products are manufactured in China. The inner layer is impregnated with extracts and infusions of medicinal plants, which have long been used to treat gynecological diseases. They have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Soothe the skin during menstruation and restore hormonal levels. It is recommended to use it for almost all diseases of the female reproductive system.

The effectiveness of these funds is questionable; no studies have been conducted in our country.

Types of urological pads

Used by women with urinary incontinence. Constant leaks spoil underwear and permeate clothes with odor. The problem is solved with the help of urological pads. They are used by women after childbirth, when muscle tone decreases and the bladder cannot function normally. The use of urological pads is temporary. The situation with urinary incontinence occurs in women before menopause. The use of reusable pads or those used during menstruation is not suitable in this situation. The product is not able to eliminate the odor. The use of urological pads is not limited to this. The product is used for heavy periods. Different from the rest appearance, ability to absorb.

• Urological pads are characterized by their large size.
• There is a possibility of absorbing a large amount of liquid.
• The composition includes adsorbents that quickly eliminate odor.
• The top layer of urological pads is made of natural hypoallergenic fabric, which protects the skin from irritation.

Urological pads are changed as they are filled, but at least 2 times a day. Famous manufacturers MoliMed, Seni, Tena. It is possible to choose the option that suits you more.

Test gasket

Used by pregnant women who are in their last months awaiting childbirth. The test makes it possible to detect leakage amniotic fluid. The appearance changes when liquid enters. The indicator turns blue. When exposed to urine, feces, or secretions, no reaction occurs. Blue spots appear in the presence of gynecological diseases during pregnancy. Allows you to take action in a timely manner.

Currently, a woman can. The era of reusable pads is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Manufacturers are not going to stop there. It wouldn't be surprising if the next species appears soon. And the composition of the current ones will change.

One of the most important inventions of the last century can be safely called sanitary pads, which made the lives of all women in the world much easier. However, with today's variety of brands, choosing the best option for “these very” days is not so easy. What gaskets can you safely give preference to, and who has become the leader, according to experts?

9th place. Naturella Camomile Ultra

Naturella Camomile Ultra pads are a budget option suitable for women of any age. As the results of tests and experiments show, they do not have a high absorption rate and are able to absorb less than 10 milliliters of liquid, so they are more suitable for protection against light discharge. The soft surface, reminiscent of delicate cotton, fits well to intimate areas and does not cause irritation.

Advantages:

• low price;
• pleasant fit to the body;
• good moisture transfer indicators;
• do not cause discomfort.

Flaws:

• specific flavor;
• slow absorption;
• poor moisture absorption rates.

8th place. Fine Life Ultra Normal

Fine Life sanitary pads also fall into the ultra-thin category. This is a real salvation for women during critical days, which will be almost imperceptible. The SEP protective system protects against leaks, and the velvety Extra Soft non-woven material will gently adhere to the body. They have fairly good indicators of the wetness of the upper absorbent layer and absorption time, however, the actual indicators of complete moisture absorption do not correspond to the declared ones.

Advantages:

• rapid moisture absorption;
• ultra-thinness of products;
• guaranteed protection against leaks;
• comfortable fit.

Flaws:

• incomplete moisture absorption (not suitable for heavy discharge).

7th place. Bella Perfecta Blue Ultra

Bella Perfecta Blue Ultra, with its minimal thickness, quickly absorbs moisture, which makes it an ideal option for women who prefer tight-fitting clothes. The surface is made of Extra Soft non-woven material, which has “breathable” properties. The absence of latex in the composition of the product guarantees a comfortable fit to the skin without the risk of irritation. Their only drawback is strong moisture transfer: despite the fact that Bella Perfecta instantly absorbs secretions, the inner layer does not retain them well under external influence (for example, when pressed).

Advantages:

• low price;
• fast absorption;
• ultra-thinness of products;
• protecting the skin from irritation;
• do not cause discomfort;
• neutralizes unpleasant odors.

Flaws:

• poor moisture retention when exposed to external factors.

6th place. Always Ultra Normal Plus

Always Ultra Normal Plus are sanitary pads popular among women, which suit the fairer sex for one simple reason - the optimal price-quality ratio. They absorb even heavy discharge well, and thanks to their excellent moisture transfer, they guarantee a minimal risk of stains on clothes. The 3D texture of the pads provides protection against leaks, but not everyone likes the proprietary mesh top layer: with prolonged use, it begins to stick to the skin and cause discomfort.

Advantages:

• absorb moisture quickly enough and retain it;
• have good wetness properties;
• ultra-thinness of products;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• discomfort is likely when worn for a long time (mesh sticking).

5th place. Lidie Ultra Normal

Lidie Ultra Normal pads have a soft mesh surface and are superabsorbent, which guarantees protection against leaks on critical days. Ultra-thin products are not felt when worn, do not rub or cause any discomfort.

Advantages:

• ultra-thinness;
• soft surface pleasant to the touch;
• good moisture absorption properties.

Flaws:

• not found.

4th place. Ola! Ultra Normal

Ola! Ultra Normal are distinguished by fairly good absorbency and retention capacity, as well as an affordable price, which makes the gaskets Russian manufacturer on a par with the most popular models among women. They have a soft surface that gently adheres to the skin, easily adheres to linen and meets all safety standards.

Advantages:

• guaranteed protection against leakage;
• comfort of use.

Flaws:

• not found.

3rd place. Genial Day

Genial Day eco-pads are a little-known product in our country, but abroad they are perhaps the most popular brand premium sanitary pads. Their main feature is the presence of so-called anion strips, which protect the female body from bacteria and unpleasant odors. It is impossible not to note the absorbent abilities of Genial Day: as studies show, they are ideal for heavy discharge, as they easily absorb and retain many times more than many other pads.

Advantages:

• perfectly absorb liquid;
• have a high level of moisture retention;
• protect even hypersensitive skin from irritation;
• provide good air permeability;
• made from natural eco-friendly materials.

Flaws:

• not found.

2nd place. Kotex Ultra Normal

Kotex Ultra Normal literally instantly absorbs liquid and retains it well even under external influences. They have an anatomical shape, which guarantees their comfortable use during active movements. The declared volume of absorbed liquid corresponds to the actual volume. The soft mesh of the top layer does not stick, but adheres well to the skin.

• excellent absorption and retention of liquid;
• impeccable moisture transfer performance;
• soft top layer;
• mask unpleasant odor;
• have an anatomical shape;
• Suitable for long-term wear (more than 3 hours).

Flaws:

• not found.

1st place. Libresse Invisible Normal

Thin and comfortable to use, Libresse pads always delight with their absorbent properties, and laboratory tests have confirmed this fact. The volume of absorbed liquid not only corresponds to what is stated, but even exceeds the norm, which allows you to use Libresse Invisible Normal both with an average intensity of discharge and with more heavy menstruation. One of the Efficapt layers is responsible for the distribution of liquid over the entire surface, which guarantees zero risks of leakage and good moisture transfer performance.

Advantages:

• high absorbency;
• guaranteed fluid retention;
• perfect fit to the body;
• freedom of movement when using;
• natural composition.

Flaws:

• not found.

All the brands reviewed are well known to most women, but each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. When choosing gaskets, you should pay attention to models that not only perform their direct function, accumulate moisture and retain it well, but also prevent the development of a pathogenic environment. This will ensure that the use of hygiene products is not just comfortable, but also safe for the female body.

Choose only the best for yourself and be healthy!

From the editor. The quality of some cosmetic products is difficult to determine empirically alone. But why not hand over every package, jar and tube to the laboratory? The Lady Mail.Ru project, together with Product-test.ru - the first Russian site for testing and expert evaluation of consumer goods - is launching a series of materials. We will tell you about laboratory testing results for beauty and health products.

This time Product-test thoroughly tested 21 gasket models in laboratory conditions. The results were surprising. In this material we will talk about five types of ultra-thin pads of the Normal category (4 drops). And in order not to be unfounded, we asked Product-test experts to “capture” the behavior of the gaskets at the 1st, 5th, 10th and 30th seconds.

For reference. The domestic market for feminine hygiene products has been growing since the late 90s. Moreover, recently the sale of ultra-thin gaskets has increased significantly compared to all other models.

According to the analytical company "Dao-Pharm":

• 83% of women buy expensive pads and only 16% buy cheap ones.
• 43% of consumers are forced to buy expensive pads because they are not satisfied with the quality of inexpensive ones.
• 40% of women are not satisfied at a high price gaskets and are forced to buy cheap gaskets, the quality of which does not satisfy them.

Always Ultra “Normal Plus” (price: 135 rub. for 20 pcs.)

Always Ultra “Normal Plus” turned out to be the best in the normal category (4 drops) among the tested pads. However, their price is slightly above average.

The top layer of Always Ultra “Normal Plus” does not begin to absorb moisture immediately - only from the second drop, but after that the absorption rate increases. The moisture retention of the model is also excellent, which guarantees a low likelihood of stains on clothes even during heavy discharge. In maximum liquid absorption tests, the Always Ultra was one of the best, holding an average of up to 12 ml. The gaskets are thin (2.4 mm). The mesh surface, typical of all Always models, has a coarse texture and can stick to the skin, causing discomfort during prolonged wear.

Libresse Invisible “With a soft surface” (price: 120 rubles for 20 pcs.)

Libresse Invisible "With a soft surface" in tests showed one of best results Among the Normal pads (4 drops). At the same time, their price per gasket is low.

The Libresse Invisible's maximum liquid absorption capacity was the highest of all tested. The pad showed excellent absorption rate - also one of the best in tests, and moisture release was slightly better than other hygiene products with protection level 4 drops.

Thus, the pads are well suited for medium-intensity discharge, but will also be able to withstand more intense discharge. The only drawback: the top layer begins to absorb only from the second drop. The upper surface is a non-woven material resembling cotton. The gaskets are very thin.

Kotex Young (price: 81 rub.)

Interesting marketing ploy Kotex was successful in creating sanitary pads for teenage girls - Kotex Young are popular.

At the same time, experts did not find any significant differences between the regular Kotex Ultra and Kotex Young, except for the bright and fashionable design. Only the price of the second model turned out to be higher when calculated per gasket. In general, the gasket showed normal results in laboratory tests.

The pad has a good top layer that instantly absorbs moisture into the absorbent. Kotex Young pads did not absorb moisture very quickly: the maximum volume of liquid absorbed by the pad was average compared to other pads with a protection level of 4 drops. The only one strong point Kotex Young - they retain moisture well when exposed to external influences.

The top surface is mesh, but the edges and wings of these pads are covered with a non-woven material similar to cotton.

Bella Perfecta Blue Ultra (price: 61 RUR)

In tests, Bella Perfecta Blue pads showed mediocre results, but were the worst in their ability to retain moisture under external pressure.

The gasket quickly absorbs a large amount of liquid, and the top layer gets wet from the first drops, which is not typical for the Normal category. Bella Perfecta Blue absorbs moisture well. However, moisture is not retained in the absorbent layer; it flows out under external influence. This is the worst result in liquid retention of all the tested gaskets. The upper surface is soft non-woven material. The gaskets are very thin.

Feminine pads are one of the most popular and basic items that a woman uses for her own hygiene during menstruation. Several decades ago, women were in difficulty, because there was not yet a special choice of pads. Now a woman can choose exactly those sanitary pads that will suit her perfectly and will not create inconvenience.

Nowadays there is a lot on the market big choice this product, there are many brands and types of gaskets. The most popular of them are Bella, Always, Meshisan, SUN HERBAL, FOHOW and others.

At first glance, it may seem that choosing the right gaskets will be very difficult, because among all this variety you can get confused. Read our article about how to choose the right gaskets.

History of gaskets

Women's sanitary pads appeared a very, very long time ago; one might even say that they appeared when a woman began menstruating. Since ancient times, women have used various kinds of objects as pads - fabric folded in several layers as a pad, and also used the skin of various animals, grass, cotton and other items.

A significant leap in the creation of sanitary pads was the appearance and production of disposable sanitary pads, and this happened thanks to a man - Benjamin Franklin. The first disposable sanitary pads went on sale in 1898, produced by Johnson & Johnson. But it wasn't until 1920 that improved packaged gaskets went on sale. The first pads were very expensive and not all women could purchase such a necessary hygiene item.

Over time, the problem with the gasket leaking and holding it in place was resolved. For this purpose, they were lengthened, which made it possible to secure them at the waist with a special belt. Next, we started using tape with adhesive properties at the bottom of the pad so that it could be attached to the gusset of the underwear and secured. This method of securing the pad replaced the belt clip in the mid-1980s and has become very popular.

Intimate hygiene products for women during menstruation

During menstruation, women can use other items in addition to pads. Let's look at the most popular and widespread of them:

Sanitary napkin is a hygiene item that in most cases has rectangular shape, in order to absorb menstrual blood, they need to be secured to underwear. This hygiene item is very popular and is often used by women during menstruation.

Tampons is a hygienic disposable product that has a cylindrical shape. Most often it contains cotton wool, which is treated with a special material. Tampons should be inserted directly into the vagina.

Menstrual cups- these are cap-shaped cups, they are made of silicone rubber or soft plastic, they need to be placed in the vagina so that they can collect menstrual blood.

sea ​​sponge is a feminine hygiene item that is used as a tampon.

Fabric pad- This is a fabric that is placed directly into underwear to retain blood.

Intralabial pad– This is a treated cotton pad for disposable use, has small size. You need to put it between the labia minora to block the vaginal opening, this will make it possible to absorb all the discharge during menstruation.

Types of feminine sanitary pads

Nowadays, there is a very large selection of feminine sanitary pads that a woman can use during menstruation. There are reusable and disposable pads. Let's look at some of them:

Regular pads– these pads are designed to absorb moderate intensity discharge.

Panty liners– for minor bleeding, they are ideal, as well as for weak discharge, or they can be additionally used when using tampons.

Ultrathin gaskets- These are very thin and compact pads, but they have low absorption capacity.

Maxi/Super– these pads are designed to absorb more intense discharge.

Night pads– these are long-length gaskets that provide better protection in a lying position.

How to choose sanitary pads

All gaskets have almost the same structure, despite the fact that there are a lot of them. The outer layer of the pads is made of artificial material in the form of a mesh or treated cotton. Artificial material has its positive properties, because it is always dry and does not deform the pad, but a woman does not always feel comfortable using such a pad.

The inner layer contains a special filler (airlight granulate) or cellulose. Pads with cellulose absorb secretions very well and do not irritate the skin, but also have big sizes, their thickness is about 1cm. If the gaskets contain filler, their thickness is no more than 3 mm. The filler, absorbing secretions, turns into a gel, but such pads can irritate the skin.

The bottom layer is made of polyethylene or a hydrophobic non-woven (breathable) material that can be air-permeable and liquid-resistant.

All pads have their own absorption coefficient, which is indicated by droplets drawn on the packaging. The more dark droplets, the more they absorb liquid. Pads with wings can protect your laundry from getting dirty.

There is no need to use one pad all day, because with heavy discharge, an unpleasant odor may appear and, moreover, this is an ideal place for the growth of microbes.

Some manufacturers scent pads with natural or artificial substances to eliminate unpleasant odor, but they can cause allergic reaction or irritation. Therefore, it is best to simply not neglect hygiene.

In stores you can find pads of various colors, but their disadvantages are the same as scented ones; it is better to buy regular pads without scent and colors.

Gynecologists say that there is no need to use pads every day because they can cause disturbances in the vaginal microflora, they all create a greenhouse effect. It is best to use pads when ovulation occurs, before menstruation and in the first few days after menstruation, during menopause and after childbirth.

Remember, more “breathable” pads are those in which the adhesive layer is applied in strips, and not over the entire surface.

Internet publication "My Choice"