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Sanitary Napkins

An innovation born on the battlefield

In the olden days, women used wads of fabric to catch menstrual flow. Then, during World War I, army nurses started using cellulose wadding that had been developed to replace cotton (to attend to soldiers' wounds). Prepackaged pads of the same material were introduced shortly after the war ended and life has been easier ever since.

Most of today's sanitary napkins are still predominately cellulose. They're more absorbent than ever and most come individually wrapped for convenience and cleanliness. What's more, stick-to-the-panties adhesives have all but replaced uncomfortable belts and pins. So if the menstrual blues have you down, think how much luckier you are than your foremothers.

Pad Pointers

Sanitary pads are available in practically every shape, size, thickness, and absorbency imaginable. Since menstrual flow varies, you'll probably be most comfortable using at least two sizes during the course of your period.

  • Pantyliners are good for the lightest flow days at the beginning and end of your menstrual period. They may also be used during the rest of the month to absorb vaginal discharge.
  • Maxipads are generally used for the heaviest flow days, usually the second or third day. If the bulk of the pad causes shifting or bunching, you may want to try thin or ultrathin maxipads.
  • Some pads offer extra protection to keep you dry at night and on unusually heavy flow days. These pads feature extra bulk and absorbency, wings or tabs to protect the sides, and channels to collect overflow.
  • To ensure freshness, it's best to change pads at least every six hours.

Absorbents

Natural and synthetic fibers help take menstrual discharge out of your way. These absorbent products draw in fluid, keeping it away from you and your clothing.

Plastics

Plastics serve an important function in sanitary napkins: to help prevent leaks. They form the mesh and outer shell that surrounds the absorbents.

Absorbents
Ingredient
Description
Polyacrylate?A crystal found inside sanitary napkins. When it comes into contact with menstrual discharge, it changes into a gel preventing leakage from the napkin.
Cellulose wood fibers?Made from processed wood pulp, they act like sponges to soak up menstrual discharge.
Polyethylene?Often used in more absorbent tampons, it can increase the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Used in lotions, it has good stabilizing properties.
Polyester?Often used in more absorbent tampons, it can increase the risk of developing TSS.
Plastics
Ingredient
Description
Polyethylene?Minimizes leakage and forms the outer cover of moisture-proof shields.
Polypropylene?Minimizes leakage and forms the outer cover and the moisture-proof shields.

Appropriate Uses

Absorbs menstrual flow, minimizes leakage by keeping wetness in the pad, and prevents odor.

Using a Sanitary Napkin

  • Peel off the backing of the adhesive and firmly stick the product to your undergarment.
  • Change at least every six hours.
  • More absorbent products or ones with extra leakage protection may be necessary for nighttime use.
  • Do not flush used sanitary napkins down the toilet.

Know How it Works

Menstrual fluid leakage may occur due to improper placement or infrequent replacement.

Use Caution

Do not use if you're allergic to wood cellulose fibers, polypropylene, adhesives, or any other ingredient in the product.

Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading

Articles

1. Farley D.On the Teen Scene: TSS: Reducing the Risk. FDA Consumer. US FDA, October 1991.
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