How to Wear Sanitary Napkins

Sanitary napkins, also called sanitary towels, sanitary pads or menstrual pads, come in different sizes and shapes 1. They are available in different thicknesses and lengths. Thicker and longer sanitary napkins are for heavier menstrual flows. They also come in different shapes to fit either full-bottom underwear or thong underwear. Some have wings. Sanitary napkins with wings have two flaps that fold over the sides of your underwear to help prevent menstrual fluid from getting on your panties. Another choice available is disposable and reusable.

1. Remove the sanitary napkin from the package and unfold it.

2. Sit on the toilet and pull your underwear down to just above your knees.

3. Remove the strip to reveal the adhesive on the back of the sanitary napkin. If you are using a sanitary napkin with wings, there will be three strips--the main one and one on each wing.

4. Press the sanitary napkin, adhesive side down, onto the crotch of your underwear. Fold the wings, if applicable, around the sides of the crotch of your underwear and press them against the underneath of your panties. If you are using a sanitary napkin designed for thong underwear, make sure the wider part of the napkin is facing the front of your underwear.

5. Pull your underwear up and check to see if the sanitary pad is in the right position. It should cover the entire opening of your vagina. If it not, pull down your underwear, pull off the sanitary napkin, and reapply it more forward or back in your underwear--whichever is appropriate.

6. Check your sanitary napkin every two hours to see if it needs to be changed. If the sanitary napkin is wet on the surface and no longer absorbing menstrual fluids, it is time to change it.

7. Fold your used sanitary napkin up like it was when you first removed it from the package. Wrap toilet paper around the sanitary napkin and throw it away in a trashcan.