How Often Should You Change Your Pad?
In general, change your pad every 4 hours, even if it does not feel full. Change it sooner if it is full, feels damp, or starts to smell. This article explains why, and how to adjust for your flow.
Why change pads regularly?
Menstrual blood and moisture held on the surface of a pad allow bacteria and fungi to grow. This can lead to odor, itching, skin irritation, and infection. A pad that is too full is also more likely to leak.
Guide by situation and activity
| Situation and activity | When to change |
|---|---|
| Light flow | Every 4 hours |
| Heavy flow | Every 3β4 hours, or as soon as the pad feels full or damp |
| While sleeping | Right before bed and as soon as you wake up. Use UMA Ultra Slim Overnight 35 cm at night. |
| After exercise or heavy sweating | Right after you finish |
| Daily pantyliner | Every 4 hours |
On heavy flow days, you may need 4 to 6 pads a day.
What about overnight?
One overnight pad can be worn for a full night's sleep. Change your pad right before bed, use a longer size such as Ultra Slim Overnight 35 cm or Maxi Protection 42 cm, and change it as soon as you wake up.
Other helpful habits
- Wash your hands before and after changing your pad.
- Rinse the intimate area from front to back, then pat dry.
- Wear cotton underwear and change it if it feels damp.
- Carry spare pads when you go out.
- Roll up the used pad, wrap it in its wrapper or a tissue, and put it in the bin. Do not flush pads down the toilet.
Not sure which size to use? Read How to Choose the Right Pad Size.
- Tags: Menstrual Vaginal Health
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