Wash your hands before you change the pad. You want your hands to be clean when you handle the new pad. You should change your pad every three to four hours unless your period is heavy. In that case, you should change your pad more frequently. Your pad can begin to smell if you don’t change it promptly. A heavily saturated pad that is worn too long can also cause chaffing or a rash, and the build up of bacteria can potentially cause an infection.
Make sure your underwear and pants aren’t touching the outside of the toilet when you pull them down around your legs.
If there is not a trash receptacle in the bathroom stall (there is usually a little bin on the floor or built into the side of the wall, just bring the pad out with you and throw it out as soon as possible. There’s probably a trash can in the bathroom by the sink. If you have pets at home, make sure you always throw out your pad in a garbage can with a lid. Animals can be attracted to the smell and might take your pad out of an open trash can. They may rip it up and cause a mess, or they may consume parts of the pad, which can endanger their lives.
Use an overnight pad if you are going to sleep. They have maximum absorbency and are often extra long to prevent leaking if you sleep on your back. Pads with wings will give you more security–they will keep your pad in place and are especially great if you plan to do something active. If you are near the end of your period, and you have a very light flow, consider pantyliners, which are very slim and protect your underwear from spotting.
If your pad has wings, remove the paper to expose the adhesive glue and wrap them around the fabric of your underwear. If you are sitting or laying on your back, you may want to slide the pad backward slightly, toward your butt. You may have a few leaks at first, but as you get more used to wearing pads and your period, you will have a better idea of the best placement.
Before you pull up your pants, you probably want to wipe with toilet paper or a baby wipe so feel fresh and clean.
