Sanitary pads

Sanitary pads

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Type	Personal hygiene product
Inventor	Mary Kenner
Inception
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Available	Yes
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A sanitary pad, also known as a sanitary napkin, menstrual pad, or simply a pad, is an absorbent item worn by women in their underwear when 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 use of menstrual pads dates back to ancient times, but the modern disposable pad was invented in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first commercially available pads were Lister's Towels, created by Johnson & Johnson in 1888. However, it was not until the 1920s that disposable pads became widely available.

Design and Function

Sanitary pads are made of layers of quilted cotton fabrics and other absorbent materials. They are designed to absorb menstrual fluid and prevent it from leaking onto clothing. The bottom layer is often made of a leak-proof material to prevent staining. Some pads have wings that wrap around the sides of underwear to provide extra protection against leaks.

Types of Sanitary Pads

• Pantyliners: These are thin and designed for light flow or daily discharge.
• Regular Pads: Suitable for normal flow days.
• Maxi Pads: Thicker and more absorbent, designed for heavy flow days.
• Overnight Pads: Longer and more absorbent, designed to provide protection while sleeping.
• Maternity Pads: Designed for postpartum bleeding.

Usage

Sanitary pads are placed in the underwear and should be changed every 4 to 6 hours, or more frequently if the flow is heavy. Proper disposal is important to maintain hygiene and prevent odor.

Environmental Impact

Disposable sanitary pads contribute to environmental waste. Many pads contain plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable options, such as biodegradable pads and reusable cloth pads.

Health Considerations

Using sanitary pads is generally safe, but it is important to change them regularly to prevent infections. Some women may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the materials used in pads.

Cultural and Social Aspects

In many cultures, menstruation is surrounded by taboos and myths, which can affect the availability and use of sanitary pads. Efforts to improve menstrual hygiene management are ongoing in many parts of the world.

Also see

• Menstrual cycle
• Tampon
• Menstrual cup
• Menstrual hygiene management
• Feminine hygiene product