How to Choose a Menstrual Pad

Whether you’re experiencing your first period or have had countless cycles, the endless display of period products can be overwhelming, making it confusing to find the right menstrual pad for your cycle.

While you know your body best, your cycle might fluctuate or even activity level and seasonality can change your flow. So, let’s break it down with a few simple guidelines you can follow the next time you’re shopping for menstrual pads to make the process easier and tailored to your flow, helping to provide comfort and great leak protection.

What is a Menstrual Pad?

Before we uncover how to find your perfect period pad, let’s get into the fundamentals of what a pad is as well as what to consider when making your choice.

Period pads are absorbent pieces of material that can be worn in your underwear. These pieces of material can absorb blood, sweat, or discharge, helping keep your underwear and clothing fresh and you comfortable during your period.

When choosing the right menstrual pad for your cycle it’s important to consider your flow and the amount you bleed during the day. Every woman tends to have a different flow where you might find that yours is heavier for the first 2-3 days, then lessens for the reminder of your cycle. Knowing this will help you understand the ideal absorbency regimen, you’ll need in a pad for the duration of your menstrual cycle.

You should also consider whether you want pads that are winged or unwinged. Pads with wings (that wrap around your underwear) may help to keep your pad in place. This can help you feel confident and comfortable throughout the day. Pads without wings can be more comfortable than winged pads and can be easier to stick onto your underwear.

How Many Pads Should I Use in a Day?

Are you curious about how many pads you need per day?

If this is your first period, then understanding how your menstrual flow changes will help you determine the kind of pad you need as well as how often to change it throughout the day.

If you have a heavy period, you might find yourself needing to change your pad frequently, especially if you bleed more during the first few days of your cycle. The average woman goes through about three to six pads on the heavier days of her period; however, everyone is different, so this is a general guideline.

Pro tip: Be sure to change your pad regularly as the combination of moisture and warmth can promote yeast or bacteria growth if your pad isn’t changed regularly.

How Long Should I Wear a Pad for?

While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends you change your pad every 4-8 hours, remember that this is more of a guideline than a steadfast rule you must follow.

By being attuned to the rhythm of your body and knowing the ins and outs of your menstrual cycle, the best practice to follow would be to change your pad whenever you feel it's necessary.

So how do you know when it’s time to change?

Chances are you’ll be fully aware of when you need to change your pad. If you know you’re in the early stages of your cycle, then you’ll know heavier bleeding meaning more frequent pad changes.

You can also keep tabs on the time to change your pad whenever you visit the bathroom. If you have an uncomfortable feeling of wetness and fullness in your pad that means is time to change as the pad may have absorbed all the fluid that it can.

Factors that affect how often you need to change your pad

Bleeding during your menstrual cycle isn’t the only thing that’s going to affect how often you change your pad. You might want to consider:

Exercise: The combination of sweat, blood, and movement might just leave you with an uncomfortable feeling pad after your workout class, period wedgie, anyone? Also, to avoid those infections mentioned earlier it's best to change pads after an intense sweat session.

Hot weather: Similar to exercise, hot weather means your body - and vagina – can sweat more. Carrying an extra pad (or two) in your bag will give you an extra layer of protection and comfort during the warmer seasons when you’re on-the-go.

Types of Menstrual Pads

As you stand in front of the many types of pads in your menstrual product aisle you’ve probably realized that not all pads are made equally. Some pads are made thicker than others and often - but not always - this might affect its absorbency level. Depending on your lifestyle and flow, choosing the right pad will make a huge difference on your level of protection and absorption. Thick pads are often used during heavier cycles; while thin pads are ideal for lighter days.

Other important factors include the length and absorbency of the pad. Both aspects contribute to your comfort level when wearing your pad, affecting the protection you receive.

Length of Menstrual Pads

All pads are made differently with some being longer than others. Regular pads are about 21cm in length and are often just a tad longer and thicker than your average panty liner.

If you’re looking for more coverage, you might consider a larger pad that measures 21-24 cm.

To help with a peaceful night’s sleep, using a longer pad with wings can offer nighttime protection. The U by Kotex® overnight absorbency pads (available in both Clean & Secure and Balance) range from U by Kotex® offers pads that are 60% larger in longer the back than U by Kotex® regular pads and offers overnight absorbency for up to 12 hours. These pads have wings that help it stay secure and in place, providing you with peace of mind and restful sleep.

Absorbency of Menstrual Pads

Are you a light, moderate, heavy bleeder, or experience constant fluctuations? It is crucial to understand your flow and whether it changes throughout your cycle. If your flow changes throughout your cycle, you might need a combination of pads, tampons, and panty liners, in different absorbencies depending on your flow and activity level.

Pads for Every Period Day

With varied range of pads, U by Kotex® has you covered to help you find the perfect menstrual pad for your specific absorbency, flow, and comfort needs.

Take this simple quiz to find your perfect period product and make your period a comfortable one.

“This content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.”