Sanitary napkin

Sanitary napkin (also known as a sanitary towel, sanitary pad, menstrual pad, or pad) is an absorbent item worn by women who are menstruating, bleeding after giving birth, recovering from gynecologic surgery, experiencing a miscarriage or abortion, or in any other situation where it is necessary to absorb a flow of blood from the vagina.

History

The earliest references to sanitary napkins can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, where papyrus was used. In Ancient Greece, wood pulp was commonly used, while in other parts of the world, materials like wool, rabbit fur, and even grass were used. The modern sanitary napkin as we know it was made possible by advances in technology in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Design and usage

Sanitary napkins are made from layers of absorbent material. Many have a thin plastic layer underneath to prevent leakage. They are held in place in the underwear by adhesive on the back of the pad and can be of different sizes, styles, and absorbency levels.

Environmental impact

The environmental impact of sanitary napkins is a subject of much debate. As they are a single-use item, they contribute to landfill and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Some companies have started producing biodegradable pads or reusable menstrual products to mitigate this impact.

See also

• Menstrual cup
• Tampon
• Menstrual cycle
• Menstruation

Sanitary napkin Resources
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