6 types of pads to try and choose your favorite

One of the biggest questions in the intimate life of most women is figuring out which types of tampons best fit their needs. The gynecologist, Dr. Priscila Hime (CRM SP 164084), will help you get to know 6 types of menstrual protection better and answer some very common questions about this topic.

Types of absorbent

Next, you will know 6 types of pads to use during your menstrual period. In addition to the traditional model, there are other options that can be more economical and even less aggressive to the environment and the region of your vulva. Check out!

Disposable external absorbent

These are the most popular among women and are distinguished by their component (cotton, cellulose, cloth), thickness, size, type of covering, shape (with or without flaps). According to Dr Priscila, “they absorb menstrual blood and should be used over panties. They must be changed every 4 hours, and this period can be shortened according to the flow”.

Some of the advantages of disposable external absorbents, according to the expert, are that “they are easy to use, easy to change, adaptable to all types of flows, have different sizes available and can be ecological”. Among the disadvantages are “the cost, they pollute the environment, can bother the user, can cause allergies and increase the possibility of proliferation of fungi or bacteria”, she says.

Disposable tampon

Already very widespread among women, according to Dr, “disposable tampons can be used by everyone, regardless of whether they are virgins or not, and allow the practice of physical activity more safely, in addition to being used in the pool and on the beach. in those days”.

Dr Priscila states that, “they must be inserted into the vaginal canal with the finger or applicator device, adjusted until their presence is not felt and must be changed every 4 hours”. In addition to being suitable for all women, the specialist says that it is “safe even for intrauterine device (IUD) users and they have different sizes to adapt to all flows”.

Among their disadvantages are “the cost, the fact that not every woman adapts to their use, the need to change them every 4 hours and that they can cause more infections by fungi or bacteria”.

menstrual cup

This is one of the types of absorbent that can be used in the menstrual period, and that arrived arriving. “It is newer on the market, but it has already become very popular with users. There are different sizes according to the age and parity (whether they have had children or not) of each person”, says the specialist.

According to Dr, “they are small cups that are positioned in the vaginal canal and that collect menstrual blood, and can remain there for up to 12 hours. They are suitable for all women, regardless of whether they have had sexual intercourse or not.”

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The advantages of the menstrual cup, according to Dr Priscila, are that “it is ecologically correct, has a good cost/benefit ratio, the change time is up to 12 hours, does not generate bad odors and allows the person to know their blood better. menstrual cycle and amount of flow”. Some disadvantages, according to her, are “the time to learn how to use it, a possible difficulty in inserting it and those who use the IUD should be careful when using it so as not to dislodge the device”.

absorbent panties

“They are also more recent on the market and have become a great option for those who are allergic to conventional external absorbents, or for those who are not comfortable with them”, guarantees the gynecologist. In addition to having different models to adapt to the body and flow of each person, “they can even be used in association with another device such as an internal absorbent, menstrual cup or menstrual sponge”.

This is one of the types of pads that you just put your panties on and use. According to Dr Priscila, “it is possible to stay up to 10 hours with the same panties, and what will determine the time of change is the flow”. Regarding use, “they are indicated for all women, including postpartum. People with more intense flows may not adapt so well to them”, emphasizes the specialist.

Among the advantages of menstrual panties are, “sustainability, ease of use and change, does not show on clothes, is very comfortable and hypoallergenic”. The main disadvantages are that “you need to have several panties to change during your period or wash too often and it can leak if it is not suitable for the flow”.

absorbent sponge

Absorbent sponges work by retaining menstrual blood in the vaginal canal. They are widely used in Europe, but in Brazil it is still difficult to find. According to Dr Priscila, “they have different sizes to adapt to the flow, they do not have a cord to remove and they can be used during sexual intercourse”. It is important to emphasize that, “although they can be used in relationships, they should not be used as a contraceptive method and do not prevent STIs”, emphasizes Dr.

About the way of use, the specialist explains that “it must be introduced as deep as possible into the vaginal canal with the finger through a little hole in the shape of a heart and can remain there for up to 8 hours depending on the flow”. To remove, she explains that “you need to insert your finger into the same hole used during insertion. In addition, they are suitable for all women and have different sizes, ideal for any flow”.

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Some of the advantages, according to Dr, are that “the absorbent sponge can be used during sexual intercourse, it allows the practice of physical activity during the menstrual period, it is very comfortable and does not cause irritation”. Among the disadvantages are “the cost, the difficulty of finding in the Brazilian market, the difficulty of introduction and removal for some women”.

Reusable external absorbent

According to the gynecologist, “these are absorbent pads made of cloth with an impermeable layer to keep your panties from getting dirty. They are made in different sizes to adjust to all flows and have buttons to fasten on”. In addition to being comfortable, she mentions that “they can be changed every 6-8 hours, depending on the menstrual flow and are the same as disposable tampons, but they are eco-friendly and reusable”.

According to Dr, “they are suitable for all women who like the option of a tampon, but wish to contribute to the environment. There are several models to suit different menstrual flows.”

This is one of the types of absorbent that has the advantages of “being reusable, it has waterproof fabric to avoid soiling the panties and not getting wet on the vulva, it has a comfortable touch, is ecological and has a good cost”. The disadvantages are that “it is necessary to keep it somewhere (bag) when you are away from home and you need to have several to change or wash frequently”, says the gynecologist.

Did you see how many possibilities of absorbents there are to use in the menstrual period? You can test each of the options until you find the one that is your favorite!

How to choose the absorbent type

Many are the doubts of women regarding the choice of the best type of absorbent for their menstrual period. Dr. Priscila answers some of the main questions regarding this topic that is so important in women’s daily lives.

What is the best low flow absorbent? According to Dr Priscila, “for those who have little flow, it is easier to choose the best absorbent and all can be used without fear of leakage.” She states that, “there is still the option of using pads for daily use, which are thinner and less uncomfortable pads.” As for conventional pads, “soft-touch pads can be used by those with little flow,” she recommends.
What is the best absorbent for heavy flow? According to Dr Priscila, “the ideal is to use a dry-touch external absorbent. However, other types of absorbents can be used as well, such as the tampon, menstrual cup and absorbent panties. The only difference will be the exchange time. There is also the option of combining the tampon, menstrual cup or menstrual sponge with menstrual panties”, she guides.
What is the difference between dry and soft absorbent? According to Dr Priscila, “the dry pad has a plastic cover, making the woman feel drier, even when the pad is dirty. It withstands higher flows, but can cause more skin irritation.” Regarding the soft absorbent, she states that, “it has a more pleasant cotton touch, which reduces local skin irritation, leaving the vulva feeling wet.”
What is the best absorbent for daily use? “The best thing is not to use absorbent daily”, says Dr Priscila. According to her, “this practice can harm female genital health and if you are uncomfortable with day-to-day secretions, the best option is to change your underwear more often.”
Is it recommended to use absorbent daily? “It is not recommended, because the vagina must breathe in everyday life, and for that, the fewer layers, the better”, guides the specialist. We produce secretions every day and according to Dr, “they help keep our vagina disease-free, however, if we smother the region, we will be favoring the environment to increase the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.”

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Did you like Dr Priscila’s guidelines? From now on, you can start testing the types of pads and find out which ones are best for your period.

Learn more about absorbent types

Do you want to ask even more questions about the various absorbents on the market? In the next 4 videos you will know even more details about this item so necessary in every woman’s life.

Menstrual cup x tampon

Dr Juliana comments in this video about the uses of the internal absorbent and the menstrual collector. She explains how both types of pads work and gives her opinion on which is the best option, as well as super important tips on using each one.

Daily panty protector, is it safe?

If you are used to using the daily protector, check out in this video by Dr Laura whether or not this is a safe practice for your intimate health. She explains in detail about the problems that can occur if you use this protector every day and gives excellent tips to avoid discomfort with the common secretions of your vagina.

Types of absorbent: how to choose the best one?

If you still have doubts about which pad is the best for you, check out this video by Dr Maria for all the details about dry coverage pads, soft coverage pads, daily pads, menstrual cups and tampons. She explains the main advantages and disadvantages of using these pads and through that, you can choose the best option for you.