Sanitary Pads Troubles: Causes and Solutions for Itching, Leaks, and Stickiness

Problem 1: Why is my period pad making me itch?

When you're itchy, it's hard to sit still. You want to scratch but you can't, and it feels awkward and uncomfortable. This is absolutely not your fault. Often, it's just a matter of your sanitary pad and your skin not getting along.

✨ Possible Reasons:

• Wrong material: Some sanitary pads contain fragrances, fluorescent agents, or have a rough, chemical fiber top sheet. Our private areas have delicate skin that can become sensitive and itchy with prolonged contact.
• Not changing pads frequently enough: Menstrual blood can promote bacterial growth, and keeping a pad on for too long can naturally irritate your skin.
• Personal allergies: Some people might be allergic to the adhesive or certain sanitary pad material, even in "pure cotton" types, due to differences in manufacturing.

💡 Here's what you can do:

• 🌸 How to choose the right sanitary pad: Switch to a fragrance-free, fluorescent-agent-free pad with a pure cotton top sheet. Avoid the dry-weave mesh types for now. If you're not sure which to choose, buy a small pack to test first.
• 💧 Change your pad every 3-4 hours, regardless of your flow. Remember to wash your hands before and after, and use warm water to gently clean yourself (no need for frequent washes with feminine hygiene products).
• 🚫 If the itch is severe, do not scratch! You can gently wipe the area with a clean wet wipe. If switching products and changing your habits don't help, it's a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out other skin conditions. This kind of irritation can lead to a sanitary pad rash on buttocks or other sensitive areas.

Problem 2: Why are my pads not sticking to my underwear?

It feels like your sanitary pad is constantly shifting when you walk, and you have to sneakily adjust it, afraid of it moving and causing a leak. This isn't usually the pad's fault; it just requires a little trick to get it to stick properly!

✨ Why it won't stick:

• Slippery underwear material: Materials like ice silk, satin, or certain synthetic fabrics have a smooth surface that the pad's adhesive can't grip firmly.
• Failure to remove the protective film completely: Sometimes you only peel off the middle part and forget to remove the film from the wings, which significantly reduces the adhesive's effectiveness.
• Underwear isn't flat: If your underwear is wrinkled, the pad won't stick smoothly and is more likely to shift.

💡 Easy fixes:

• 👖 How to choose the right sanitary pad: Opt for pure cotton or slightly stretchy underwear. The textured surface provides a better grip for the pad.
• 💪 Correct application: Align the pad first. Peel off the middle protective film, place it in the correct position, then remove the film from the wings and fold them down firmly against the sides of your underwear. Press down with your palm to ensure it's securely in place.
• 🤸♀️ When wearing tight pants, you can position the pad slightly lower to prevent it from bunching up or shifting due to body movement.

Making these small adjustments will keep your pad securely in place all day, so you don't have to worry about it "slipping away" anymore!

Problem 3: Having difficulty unsticking pads from your underwear after use?

Every time you change your pad, it either stretches your underwear out of shape or leaves behind a sticky residue that's a pain to wash off. Don't worry—this isn't your fault; you just need to know the right technique!

✨ Why this happens:

• Substandard adhesive: Some brands use a lower-quality adhesive that is still very strong or has a formula that hardens and leaves residue.
• Attached for too long: The longer the pad is attached, the more the adhesive bonds with the underwear fibers. This is especially true for pure cotton underwear, where the fine fibers can absorb the adhesive.
• Pulling in the wrong direction: Pulling straight up can make the adhesive stick even more firmly to the fabric.

💡 How to easily remove pads without a trace:

• ⬇️ Start by gently pulling the wings down at an angle, avoiding pulling straight up.
• 🔄 Once the wings are loose, roll the pad from the sides toward the middle, slowly separating the adhesive from the underwear fabric as you roll.
• 🧼 If there's still residue on your underwear, don't try to pick it off with your fingers. Soak the underwear in warm water for a bit, then apply a little soap and gently rub. The residue should come right off. Avoid using a brush, which can damage the fabric.

With this method, you won't have to worry about stretching your underwear or leaving a sticky mess!

Problem 4: Why does my period leak to the back?

Waking up to find a new "map" on your sheets is embarrassing and a hassle to clean. This isn't always because of a heavy flow; it's often a matter of insufficient protection.

✨ Why back leaks happen:

• Pad length is too short: Regular daytime or standard overnight pads may not fully cover your backside, and a simple shift in position can lead to leaks.
• Pad is positioned too far forward: Not adjusting the pad based on your sleeping position leaves a vulnerable area in the back.
• Restless sleep: Whether you sleep on your back or stomach, menstrual blood will flow to the lowest point due to gravity, making your backside a high-risk zone for leaks.

💡 How to choose the right sanitary pad for a full night's sleep:

• 🌙 Switch to an extra-long overnight pad (40cm or longer) or period panties. They provide full coverage for your backside and often have leak-proof side barriers to keep you safe no matter how you move.
• ➡️ When you put the pad on, position it slightly further back to ensure the area most prone to leaks is fully covered.
• 🛡️ Add a "double layer of protection": Place a washable or disposable bed pad on your sheets. Even if a little blood leaks, you won't have to wash your bedding.

Problem 5: Why does my period leak to the side?

Worrying about side leaks and feeling uncomfortable walking around is no fun. Side leaks are often caused by the pad's fit and design.

✨ Why side leaks happen:

• Wings are too narrow or don't fit well: Some wings aren't wide enough or are made of a stiff material that can't conform to your body's movements.
• Incorrect application: The wings weren't fully spread out and secured to the sides of your underwear, creating a gap.
• Extensive movement: Activities like running or climbing stairs can shift the pad, compromising the side barriers.

💡 How to choose the right sanitary pad to avoid side leaks:

• 🎀 How to choose the right sanitary pad: Select pads with wide, flexible wings or raised leak-proof side barriers. They conform better to your body's curves and are less likely to shift during activity.
• 🖐️ Make sure you fully flatten and press the wings onto the sides of your underwear, securing the edges to prevent wrinkles.
• ➕ For high-activity days, try a "pad + liner" combo: Place a panty liner on the side of the pad's wing for extra double-layered protection.