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What is a sanitary pad?

What is a sanitary pad?  <Image-set>

What is a sanitary pad? 

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If you’ve hit puberty, your [first period](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/period-symptoms-signs-you-are-getting-your-period) won’t be too long. And when it comes to periods, you'll require something to soak up the menstrual blood. Sanitary pads are a popular choice among women across the globe. Wondering ‘__What is a sanitary pad__?’ They are made of absorbent material and are attached on the inside of an underwear so it can absorb menstrual blood. They're sometimes also called sanitary towels or sanitary napkins. 
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- [What are sanitary towels?](#what-are-sanitary-towels)
- [Are all sanitary towels the same?](#are-all-sanitary-towels-the-same)
- [How much blood does a sanitary pad hold?](#how-much-blood-does-a-sanitary-pad-hold)
- [How to use a sanitary towel?](#how-to-use-a-sanitary-towel)
- [How to dispose a sanitary pad?](#how-to-dispose-a-sanitary-pad)


What are sanitary towels

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A sanitary towel, also known as a pad, is a piece of absorbent material you place into the crotch of your knickers in order to absorb your menstrual fluid and protect your clothes when you have your period.
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They have a sticky bottom that presses in your knickers to keep them in place while you go about your day. You’ll need to change your sanitary pad about once every 4 to 8 hours.


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<h2 class="text-cobaltBlue cardimgtexth2"> What are sanitary towels? </h2>

Are all sanitary towels the same

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Sanitary towels come in a bunch of different shapes and sizes. What kind of sanitary towel you use is a matter of personal preference. Some are thin. Some are bulky. Some are long. Some aren’t. Some have wings that you wrap around the sides of your knickers. Some don’t. And, importantly, some work better than others. 
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You need to find one that suits your needs the best way possible. Someone who has sensitive skin may prefer using the [Always Soft pads](/sanitary-pads/always-soft-pads-with-wings). These are flexible, well-fitting, and are designed with a soft cover that is gentle on your skin. Its flexi channels ensure that you don't feel any discomfort when you're on the move.
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Most experience heavy bleeding in the first three days, wherein a thick pad with wings is ideal like the [Always Maxi Thick Pads](/sanitary-pads/always-maxi-thick-pads-with-wings), which has an innovative extra-absorbent core accompanied by a flexi pillow and dry top sheet that offer extra comfort so that you always stay fresh, clean, and lively. Towards the end of your period, the bleeding tends to taper down and you may find that a thin pad is more suitable. On these days, the [Always Ultra Thin pads](/sanitary-pads/always-ultra-thin-pads-with-wings) are perfect as they are thin and come with InstantDry system that absorbs the menstrual discharge in just a few seconds. 
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It locks away your menstrual fluid in an absorbent core, keeping you dry and comfortable. This lets you have a confident and worry-free period because you won’t be pre-occupied with whether or not your pad is leaking onto your clothes. No one likes stained knickers, after all!


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ALWAYS 80684500 90078996 Ultra Thin 3in1 10 Pad copy

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 How much blood does a sanitary pad hold?

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Sanitary pads are designed to be absorbent, holding a good amount of liquid. But how much blood does a sanitary pad actually hold? An average sanitary pad holds about 5 ml of blood, or just about a teaspoon.
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That sounds like a tiny amount, doesn’t it? Consider, however, that on average you bleed just 10 to 30 ml of menstrual fluid during your period.
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So, absorbing 5 ml of blood is a pretty significant amount of the total menstrual fluid you bleed on average during your period.
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Now that you know what a [sanitary towel](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/choosing-a-pad/how-to-choose-the-right-menstrual-pad) is you can be sure to have some on hand for when your period comes.


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How to use a sanitary towel

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Knowing what a sanitary towel is sure is helpful, but it’s half the battle. The other half is knowing how to use one. Here are some quick, easy instructions.
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To use a pad, peel off the back wrapper and press the pad sticky-side-down into your knickers. If the pad has wings, wrap them around the sides of your panties. You’re good to go.


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 How to dispose a sanitary pad?

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Disposing your sanitary pad after use is as important as knowing how to use it. You must never flush a used pad as it can clog the plumbing. Follow the below steps to properly dispose a pad:
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- First, wash your hands before removing the used pad from your underwear. Roll it up.
- Wrap the pad using a piece of paper.
- Once wrapped, throw it in the garbage bin.
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Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always [Period Calculator](/period-calculator)


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__FAQs__
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb"> 1. What is the importance of a sanitary pad? </h2>
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Sanitary pads are vital to maintain menstrual health and hygiene. Using good quality sanitary pads help prevent infections, reduce odour and ensures you stay comfortable during your period. Trust Always for superior quality [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) that provide the best comfort and protection all day long. 
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb"> 2. What are sanitary pads and their uses? </h2>
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If you’ve just started with your menstruation, you surely must be wondering __what is__ the use of __a sanitary pad__. Simply put, sanitary pads are rectangular pieces of absorbent material that is attached to the inside of an underwear. The primary purpose of a sanitary pad is to soak menstrual discharge. This allows the user to avoid leakages and go about their normal activities. 
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<h2 class="cardimgtexth2" style="color:#002abb"> 3. Can I wear a sanitary pad for 12 hours? </h2>
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Typically, how long you wear a sanitary pad depends on your menstrual flow. Those who have a heavy flow may need to change their pad more frequently compared to someone who has a lighter flow. However, it is important to note that even with a lighter flow, it is recommended to not use a pad for more than five to six hours.


Disclaimer

__Disclaimer:__
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Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

If you’ve recently begun menstruating and are wondering ‘what is a sanitary towel?’ or ‘what is the use of a sanitary pad?’, then this article is for you. It tackles some common and very relatable questions surrounding pads and its uses. 