Sanitary Napkins

Choosing sanitary pads

• Absorbency: use heavier pads on the first days and lighter ones or liners as your flow eases.
• Wings: help keep the pad in place and prevent leaks at the sides.
• Overnight pads: longer at the back for sleeping.
• Cotton top layers: may irritate less than plastic-feel covers, especially in hot weather. Unscented pads are gentler on sensitive skin.

How often to change

Change pads every four to six hours, or sooner if they are full, to prevent odour, rashes and infections. Change tampons every four to eight hours, use the lowest absorbency you need, and never leave one in overnight for more than eight hours, because of the rare but serious risk of toxic shock syndrome.

Reusable cloth pads

Many women in Bangladesh use cloth during their periods. Reusable cloth pads designed for menstruation are a comfortable, low-cost and low-waste choice when cared for properly: rinse in cold water, wash with soap, and dry completely in sunlight rather than hiding them indoors, as damp cloth can cause infections.

When to see a doctor about your period

See a doctor if you soak through a pad every hour for several hours, pass large clots, bleed for more than seven days, have periods that stop for three months without pregnancy, bleed between periods or after sex, or have pain that stops you from daily activities. Heavy periods often cause anaemia, which leaves you tired and breathless.

Local or imported?

Good-quality pads are made and sold widely in Bangladesh at lower cost than imports. Ordering online is most useful for specific products such as organic cotton pads, reusable cloth pads or tampons, which can be harder to find locally.

Period pain that is mild can be eased with a heating pad, gentle exercise and painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, following the label.