Chat with AHA!

Chat with AHA!

Hi! Ask Healthshots Anything

Get AI-powered answers
to all your health
related
queries!

Chat with AHA!
Feminine Hygiene Menstruation Sexual Health Chat Now

Period hygiene: 6 reasons to change your sanitary pad every 4 hours

To maintain period hygiene, it is necessary to change pads every 4 hours. But do you know the exact reason for this? Read on to find out.
period products
Even if the flow is low, it is necessary to change pads. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Team Health Shots Published: 26 Feb 2023, 18:00 pm IST
  • 186

Every woman experiences a variety of issues during periods. While many women go through major mood swings and cramps, other women experience weakness and tiredness. These are some inevitable symptoms of a menstrual cycle, but in case if you’re not maintaining menstrual hygiene, you may experience some other issues as well. During the monthly cycle, bacteria is released from the body. Poor hygiene, especially not changing a sanitary pad on time, can result in a plethora of problems. Expert advises to change pad every four hours when you’re on your periods.

But do you know why doing this is necessary? Well, to find out why it is necessary to change a sanitary pad every 4 to 5 hours HealthShots spoke to Dr Neeraj Sharma, an obstetrician, and gynaecologist in Bijnor who listed down the side effects of wearing a pad for a long duration.

Reasons why it’s essential to change sanitary pad every 4 hours

Dr Sharma says most women change their pads according to their blood flow. However, no matter whether your blood flow is high or low, you should change the pad every 4 hours. This will prevent the risk of bacterial infection and if you do not change the pad throughout the day, you may put yourself at risk of getting infections. Apart from this, you may also face many harmful problems related to your vagina and menstrual health.

change pad
Wearing a sanitary pad for a long period of time can lead to a period rash. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are 6 dangers of wearing the same pad all day

If you avoid changing pads for a long time, then you may increase the risk of these problems:

1. Leukorrhoea

Leukorrhea is a condition when an excessive amount of white discharge starts to come from the genital area. Due to this, women may feel weak and more exhausted. According to Dr Sharma, leukorrhoea can be caused by failing to change your pad on time.

Also read: Sanitary pads may increase cancer, infertility risk: Choose your period products wisely!

2. Vaginal itching

The only cause of skin infection is skin itching, and prolonged usage of the same pad might result in rashes and irritation. You can have unbearable itching and burning sensation down there as a result.

AHA - Ask Healthshots Anything
AHA - Ask Healthshots Anything An AI-powered chatbot to answer all your health-related queries Chat Now

3. Skin rashes

One of the major reasons for having rashes in or around the vagina is not maintaining proper hygiene, especially during the menstrual cycle. Mistakes like not changing the pad will result in fungal and bacterial infections, which can also cause rashes and irritation.

change pad
Never neglect your vaginal health. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

4. Risk of urinary tract infection (UTI)

According to Dr Sharma, not changing pads on time is the leading cause of UTI. In the problem of UTI, there is an infection in the urinary system that includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Due to this problems like a burning sensation in urination, pain in the lower abdomen and a foul smell from the vagina may occur.

5. Skin can peel off

According to Dr Sharma, keeping the vagina wet for a long time by wearing a damp pad can cause problems like skin irritation and peeling of the skin due to constant friction. This can even cause skin infections.

Also read: Caught between choosing a period panty and sanitary pads? Weigh these pros and cons

6. Foul smell

The pad can begin to smell bad if you don’t change it on time. For several days, the vagina may smell bad But, the rotten smell that results from bacteria mixed with the menstrual flow shouldn’t be strong enough for other people to notice.

change pad
Not maintaining period hygiene can cause a foul smell. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Tips to remember for menstrual hygiene

Now you know why you should change your pad on time whether your flow is less or high. Apart from this, when you start feeling wet, mmediately go and change the pad. If you have a lighter flowand your pad is clean, still go and change it. You do not have to use one pad for more than 4-5 hours.

 

 

  • 186
About the Author

We are a varied group of Health Shots writers, bringing you the healthiest scoop on wellness in town. ...Read More

Next Story