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Finding your flow: the ultimate guide to sanitary towels
Written byLaura Harcourt
Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson
Make managing your period feel easier with the right sanitary towel. We break down the different types, from pantyliners to overnight maxis, to help you find your best fit
Summary
1How does a sanitary pad work?
Sanitary pads work by sitting in your underwear and absorbing menstrual blood during your period…
2How do you use a period pad?
To use a sanitary pad, simply unwrap the packaging, place the pad sticky-side down in your underwear…
3What are the different kinds of pads?
Everyone’s body and period are different, so sanitary pads are available in various absorbencies, ranging from…
Whether you know them as sanitary towels, sanitary pads or period pads, chances are you’ve used this staple period product. They’re easy to use and hugely popular, with over 10 million people choosing sanitary pads as their go-to.1 We know that getting your first period can be overwhelming and choosing the right sanitary towels from the endless options on the shelf can add to the stress.
If you're new to periods or just want to feel prepared and informed, we're here to take the confusion out of it by walking you through the different types of sanitary towels, how to use them and answering your most-asked questions.
How do sanitary towels work?
Sanitary pads work by sitting in your underwear and catching menstrual blood during your period. With a soft, padded side made with absorbent material, often cotton, and a sticky base, these pads stay put in your underwear whilst you wear them.2 Some pads also have sticky wings that wrap around your underwear to offer extra protection – great for sleeping or for days when you have a heavier flow.
How do you use a sanitary towel?
To use a sanitary pad, simply unwrap the packaging, place the pad sticky-side down in your underwear and you’re ready to go. Each pad will absorb menstrual blood for a few hours before you need to change it. Once you’re ready to change, simply peel off the sanitary towel, roll it up in some toilet paper, and pop it in the bin or a specific sanitary bin if one is available. But remember to never flush your sanitary towel down the toilet.3
How to choose the right sanitary towel for you
Everyone and every period is different, so sanitary pads are available in various absorbencies, ranging from lighter options for light flow days to higher absorbency pads for heavier days. Depending on your needs, you can choose from pantyliners, pads with wings, sensitive options, night-time pads and even reusable sanitary towels. Each option suits different flows, lifestyles and comfort preferences. Here’s a look at some of the different types of sanitary towels you can choose from...
Reusable sanitary towels
Unlike disposable pads, reusable pads are built to last, saving you money and helping to cut back on the amount of menstrual products sent to landfill. Simply toss them in the wash with your usual laundry for a clean refresh between uses. Made with comfy, breathable fabrics like cotton, they'll keep you feeling dry and confident. They even have handy wings with snaps that clip onto your underwear for a secure fit. Plus, just like regular pads, reusables come in different sizes and absorbencies to handle your flow.
Panty liners
Panty liners are a great discreet option and a handy little secret for lighter flow days or everyday freshness. Whilst they may look like sanitary towels, panty liners are generally smaller and thinner, so you may barely notice you’re wearing one.2 They're perfect for catching light discharge or spotting, keeping your underwear feeling fresh all day. Plus, panty liners come in a variety of absorbencies, so you can find the perfect match for your needs – just remember to change them regularly for optimal comfort and hygiene.
FAQs
Depending on your flow, you should swap to a new sanitary towel every four to six hours throughout the day. If you have a heavier flow, you may need to change your sanitary pad more frequently. Just wrap up your used pad and pop it in the bin – never flush it down a toilet, though.3 Overnight, you can use a night-time sanitary pad to keep you safe and secure while you sleep. These pads are designed to be worn for longer; just remember to put on a fresh sanitary towel when you wake up.
We know going for a swim or even lying by the pool on holiday whilst on your period can feel daunting, especially if you’re worried about leaks. While period pads are a great choice for keeping you dry during the day, you shouldn’t wear them while swimming. Sanitary towels absorb moisture really quickly, so they won’t work once you get into the pool. Instead, wearing a tampon, a menstrual cup or specially-designed period underwear will keep you comfortable while swimming.
You should really only use incontinence pads for bladder leaks and not for periods because there’s quite a difference between incontinence pads and sanitary pads. Whilst they may look similar and have similar compositions, incontinence pads are designed to hold more liquid and have a super absorbent core.6 These pads need to absorb liquid quickly and lock it away to keep you feeling dry and to prevent leaks.9
Sanitary towels don’t need to hold as much liquid, so they’re not as absorbent. However, they’re uniquely designed to absorb thicker liquids like menstrual blood and discharge, whereas incontinence pads can’t.7 When it comes to periods, stick with a sanitary towel as they’ll help you tackle whatever your cycle throws at you.
Yes... sanitary pads do typically have an expiration date to make sure the materials are safe, reliable and effective. It’s always worth checking the packaging to make sure your products are still in date. After this time, the materials could degrade and lose their absorbency, as well as increasing the risk of hygiene concerns like bacterial growth.
The final say
It’s no wonder sanitary towels are the go-to period product for so many people. Comfortable and easy to use, they’re an essential tool for managing your period. Plus, with so many different types available, we’re sure you’ll find the right fit.
If you’re curious to learn more about your period, you’ve come to the right place. From understanding PMS to decoding period pain and cramps, our guides will help you feel confident in tackling your menstrual cycle.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Blair LAG, Y. Bajón-Fernández, Villa R. An exploratory study of the impact and potential of menstrual hygiene management waste in the UK. Cleaner engineering and technology [Internet]. 2022 Apr 1 [cited 2024 May 8];7:100435–5. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666790822000404
2. NHS Choices. Overview - Periods [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 May 15]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/
3. Hawkins A, Sharpe R, Spence K, Holmes N. Inappropriate flushing of menstrual sanitary products. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Water Management. 2019 Aug;172(4):163–9. Available from: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/18941/3/Hawki
4. Maria A, Jayasinghe N, Garazi Zulaika, Mason L, Muthusamy Sivakami, Unger HW, et al. Exploring menstrual products: A systematic review and meta-analysis of reusable menstrual pads for public health internationally. PloS one [Internet]. 2021 Sep 24 [cited 2024 May 15];16(9):e0257610–0. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0257610
5. Choosing period products [Internet]. NHS inform. 2022 [cited 2024 May 8]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/choosing-period-products
6. Krause EL, Hattersley AM, Abbinante-Nissen JM, Gutshall D, Woeller KE. Support of adult urinary incontinence products: recommendations to assure safety and regulatory compliance through application of a risk assessment framework. Frontiers in reproductive health [Internet]. 2023 Jun 8 [cited 2024 May 15];5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10285159/
7. Mahajan T. Imperfect Information in Menstrual Health and the Role of Informed Choice - Tanya Mahajan, 2019 [Internet]. Indian Journal of Gender Studies. 2019 [cited 2024 May 15]. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0971521518811169
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