Menstruation is a natural part of every woman’s reproductive health journey. Despite being one of the most common biological processes in the world, conversations around periods are often wrapped in stigma and silence. One of the most essential products that make menstruation manageable is the sanitary pad. For decades, sanitary pads have been the most widely used menstrual product, especially in India, where accessibility and affordability play a major role.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into understanding sanitary pads — what they are, how to use them, how to dispose of napkins properly, and why awareness is important. Along the way, we’ll also explore how brands like Teenx India are helping empower young girls and women with better period products and education.
A sanitary pad, also called a sanitary napkin, is an absorbent product designed to soak up menstrual blood during a woman’s period. Pads are worn inside underwear and stick to the fabric with adhesive wings or strips. They act as a protective barrier, keeping clothes clean and preventing leakage.
Pads come in various sizes, thicknesses, and absorbencies, making it easier for users to choose based on their flow. For example:
Panty liners: For light flow or daily freshness.
Regular pads: For average menstrual flow.
Super/Maxi pads: For heavy flow days.
Night pads: Longer and wider pads designed to prevent leakage while sleeping.
Pads are made from layers of absorbent material (cotton, cellulose, or synthetic fibers), a top sheet for comfort, and a waterproof bottom layer to prevent leaks.
Menstrual hygiene products have evolved significantly over the last century:
Ancient times: Women used cloth, grass, papyrus, or wool as makeshift pads.
19th century: The first commercial disposable sanitary pads were developed in Europe and America.
20th century: Mass production and advertising helped pads become mainstream.
21st century: Today, we see innovations like biodegradable pads, reusable cloth pads, and period panties.
In India, awareness about menstrual hygiene has grown rapidly in recent years. NGOs, government campaigns, and companies like Teenx India have been instrumental in breaking taboos and making pads accessible to young girls, especially in rural areas.
Sanitary pads play a vital role in ensuring menstrual hygiene. Without them, many women resort to unsafe alternatives like rags, newspaper, or even sand, which can lead to infections and long-term reproductive health issues.
Some key benefits include:
Hygiene: Pads reduce the risk of infections by absorbing menstrual blood efficiently.
Comfort: Soft materials and improved designs make periods less uncomfortable.
Confidence: Women and girls can attend school, work, and social events without fear of leakage.
Accessibility: Pads are widely available in both urban and rural areas, thanks to awareness campaigns.
For first-time users, pads may feel confusing. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling a sanitary pad.
Take the pad out of its wrapper carefully. Most pads come individually packed for hygiene.
Pads usually have adhesive strips that stick to underwear. Peel off the paper backing to reveal the sticky side.
Place the pad sticky side down in the center of your underwear. Ensure it covers the area where blood flows.
If the pad has wings, fold them over the sides of your underwear and press firmly. This prevents shifting and leakage.
Adjust the pad so it feels comfortable. It should not bunch up or cause irritation.
A pad should be changed every 4–6 hours, or sooner if it feels full. Keeping a pad on for too long can cause odor, rashes, or infections.
One of the most pressing issues in India is sanitary pad disposal. Millions of pads are used every day, and improper disposal leads to environmental and health hazards. Here’s how to dispose of napkins responsibly:
Wrap the used pad in paper or its original wrapper before discarding.
Dispose of it in a dustbin with a lid.
If available, use a sanitary napkin incinerator (common in schools and offices).
Opt for biodegradable pads whenever possible to reduce environmental harm.
Do not flush pads down the toilet — they can block sewage systems.
Do not throw pads in open spaces, fields, or water bodies.
Avoid mixing pads with kitchen or dry waste.
Some brands, including Teenx India, are advocating for eco-friendly menstrual products and educating users on safe disposal practices.
Despite widespread usage, myths still surround sanitary pads in India:
Myth 1: Pads are harmful.
Pads are safe when used correctly. Problems arise only when hygiene is neglected.
Myth 2: You can wear a pad all day.
Keeping a pad for 12–24 hours increases infection risk. It must be changed every few hours.
Myth 3: Pads are only for rich people.
Affordable pads are available today, and government schemes provide them at low cost or free in many regions.
Myth 4: Only disposable pads are good.
Reusable cloth pads are safe if washed and dried properly.
While pads are popular, alternatives exist:
Tampons: Inserted into the vagina to absorb blood.
Menstrual Cups: Silicone cups that collect blood and are reusable.
Cloth Pads: Eco-friendly, washable, and reusable pads.
Period Panties: Special absorbent underwear for light to medium flow.
However, pads remain the most widely used due to their convenience, affordability, and accessibility.
Disposable pads are often made from plastic and take 500–800 years to decompose. India alone generates over 12 billion pads annually, contributing to plastic pollution.
Solutions include:
Using biodegradable pads.
Segregating menstrual waste.
Supporting eco-friendly brands like Teenx India, which emphasize sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions.
Starting periods can be scary. Here are tips for teens:
Carry an extra pad in your school bag.
Wear comfortable cotton underwear to hold the pad in place.
Change your pad before gym or sports activities.
Track your cycle to avoid surprises.
Never hesitate to ask a parent, teacher, or friend for help.
Brands like Teenx India are working to make this transition smoother by providing education and period kits designed for teenagers.
Teenx India is more than just a brand; it’s a movement toward menstrual hygiene awareness. They:
Provide affordable, high-quality sanitary pads for teens and women.
Conduct awareness campaigns in schools and rural communities.
Advocate for sustainable menstruation practices.
Help normalize period conversations among teens.
By supporting such initiatives, we can ensure every girl has access to safe menstrual products and the confidence to manage her period with dignity.
Sanitary pads are a lifeline for millions of women across the globe, ensuring menstrual hygiene, health, and dignity. Knowing what are sanitary pads, how to use & dispose napkins properly, and being aware of eco-friendly alternatives can empower women to make informed choices.
With the right education and support from organizations like Teenx India, we can break taboos, improve accessibility, and create a healthier, more sustainable future for menstruation.