How to Wear a Sanitary Pad Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide for First Timers

 Here is how to wear a sanitary pad: wash your hands, remove the wrapper and the backing paper, and press the sticky side onto the centre of your underwear with the wider end towards the back. If your pad has wings, fold them around the underwear and press them down. Check that the pad sits in the centre, then change it when it feels full, damp or uncomfortable.

Wondering how to wear a sanitary pad for the first time? It can feel confusing at the start, and that is completely normal. This guide explains how to wear a sanitary pad in 7 simple steps, how to check the fit and what to do if the pad moves.

Key takeaways

•        Place the sticky side on the centre of your underwear, with the wider end at the back.

•        Press the pad down firmly, and fold the wings around the underwear if your pad has them.

•        A pad that sits well is designed to stay in place and feel comfortable.

•        Change the pad when it feels full, damp or uncomfortable, and follow the guidance on the pack.

What Do You Need Before You Start?

A little preparation makes it easier to learn how to wear a sanitary pad without stress.

•        A clean sanitary pad in a size that suits your flow

•        Clean hands

•        Comfortable underwear that fits snugly

•        A bin nearby, so you can wrap and dispose of the used pad

•        A spare pad in your bag

How to Wear a Sanitary Pad: 7 Simple Steps

1.      Wash your hands. Clean hands keep the pad hygienic.

2.      Open the wrapper. Take out the pad and keep the wrapper, because you will use it to wrap the used pad later.

3.      Unfold the pad. Spread it out flat. If it has wings, open them too.

4.      Peel off the backing paper. Remove the paper from the sticky strip, and from the wings if your pad has them.

5.      Place it in the centre of your underwear. The sticky side goes against the underwear, the soft top sheet faces your body, and the wider end goes towards the back.

6.      Press it down firmly. Press along the whole strip so the pad does not slide. Fold the wings around the underwear and press them on the outside.

7.      Check the fit. Pull up your underwear, stand and walk a few steps. The pad should feel centred and steady.

Which Way Does a Sanitary Pad Go?

If you are not sure which side is which, use this table.

Many pads have a longer or wider back to give more coverage when you sit or lie down. If you are unsure, check the picture on the pack.

How to Wear a Sanitary Pad With Wings

Wings are the small flaps on the sides of some pads. They are designed to hold the pad in place and give more side coverage.

•        Peel the backing from the wings after you place the pad.

•        Fold each wing over the edge of your underwear.

•        Press the wing onto the outside of the underwear so it sticks flat.

How Do You Know You Are Wearing It Correctly?

Use this quick checklist to confirm you know how to wear a sanitary pad correctly:

•        The pad sits in the centre of your underwear.

•        The wider end is at the back.

•        It feels steady when you walk or sit.

•        It does not bunch up or twist.

•        The wings, if any, are stuck flat.

Common Mistakes in How to Wear a Sanitary Pad

Which Pad Should You Choose Before You Wear It?

Choosing well first helps with how to wear a sanitary pad comfortably. At TIME, our range is designed for different flows and times of day.

Individual experience may vary, so choose the length that feels comfortable for you.

How to Remove and Dispose of a Used Pad

1.      Wash your hands first, if you can.

2.      Peel the pad gently off your underwear.

3.      Fold it inwards, with the sticky side facing in.

4.      Wrap it in the wrapper or a piece of paper.

5.      Put it in a covered bin. Never flush a pad.

6.      Wash your hands again.

Tips for First-Timers

•        Practise at home. Try how to wear a sanitary pad once before your first period, so it feels familiar.

•        Carry a spare. Keep a pad and a small pouch in your bag.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Pads should not cause pain or burning. Please speak to a doctor if you notice any of these:

•        Itching, rash or redness that does not settle

•        Burning or an unusual smell

•        Very heavy bleeding that soaks through pads quickly

•        Severe period pain that stops you from your normal day

•        Periods that are very irregular or stop suddenly

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Wear a Sanitary Pad

How do you wear a sanitary pad for the first time?

Wash your hands, remove the wrapper and the backing paper, and press the sticky side onto the centre of your underwear. Keep the wider end at the back, press firmly and fold the wings around the underwear if your pad has them.

Which side of a sanitary pad goes down?

The sticky side goes down, against your underwear. The soft top sheet faces your body. If you are unsure, check the picture on the pack.

Which end of a sanitary pad is the front?

Many pads have a longer or wider back for more coverage. Place the wider end towards the back and the narrower end towards the front.

How do you wear a sanitary pad with wings?

Place the pad in the centre of your underwear first. Then peel the backing from the wings, fold them over the edges of the underwear and press them flat on the outside.

How do you stop a sanitary pad from moving?

Press the whole sticky strip firmly, place the pad in the centre and wear snug underwear. If the pad still moves, check the size and try a different length.

When should you change a sanitary pad?

Change it when it feels full, damp or uncomfortable. Follow the guidance on the pack, and carry a spare pad so you can change when needed.

How do you throw away a used sanitary pad?

Fold the pad inwards, wrap it in the wrapper or paper and put it in a covered bin. Never flush it down the toilet.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and is not medical advice. Individual experience may vary. Please speak to a doctor for any personal health concern.