This article teaches you how to change and throw away a used sanitary napkin without any problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Remove a Used Sanitary Pad
Step 1. Take a clean one to the bathroom
This room offers a lot of intimacy, a sink to wash your hands in and toilet paper, in case you need it. You can also change to another private place (like your bedroom), but the bathroom is more comfortable.
- Wash your hands before changing the tampon; they need to be cleaned when you handle the new one.
- You should change every 3-4 hours, unless the flow is very heavy; in this case, you need to replace the tampon more frequently.
- If you don't change it promptly, the tampon starts to smell bad; when it is very soggy from being worn for too long, it can also cause a rash or crack, as well as a buildup of bacteria that can potentially trigger an infection.
Step 2. Lower your pants or skirt, underwear, and sit or squat on the toilet
Menstrual blood may continue to flow as you change your tampon; by dropping it in the toilet, you avoid getting your body and clothes dirty.
Check that your panties and pants are not touching the outside of the toilet when you lower them
Step 3. Remove the tampon by grasping it with two fingers by a clean edge and pulling it away from the panties
If the tampon has wings, you need to peel them off first. It is easier to take it by the front or back edge and pull - it should separate from the underwear without difficulty.
Step 4. Roll up the tampon so that the sticky side is on the outside and the soiled surface on the inside
The glue should make the pad adhere to itself, preventing it from reopening. Wrap it up like a sleeping bag, but don't over tighten, you don't want blood to leak!
Step 5. Open the clean one and use its wrapper to hold the used one
This procedure reduces the amount of waste produced and is a perfect way to contain the old tampon. Alternatively, you can use toilet paper. This precaution prevents the tampon from unrolling and is also a courtesy gesture towards the person who will use the bathroom after you or who has to empty the bin.
Step 6. Throw the sanitary napkin in the trash - never flush it down the toilet
These products do not dissolve like toilet paper, they are too thick and absorbent to be disposed of down the toilet. If you do this, you run the risk of clogging the pipes, resulting in a large, expensive and embarrassing problem to solve.
- If there is no trash can in the bathroom compartment (you can usually find a container on the floor or fixed to the wall), simply bring the used tampon with you and throw it away as soon as possible. There is most likely a dustbin near the sink.
- If you have pets at home, remember to throw the pads in a bin with a lid, as they may be attracted by the smell and take them out of the garbage; they could tear them, causing a lot of disorder or ingest part of the tampon, putting their own life at risk.
Part 2 of 2: Put on a clean sanitary napkin
Step 1. Make sure you are using the correct tampon
Women have many different models available. The amount of blood on the tampon used is a good indicator of the flow and lets you know if it is light, normal or heavy. You should also consider what activities you are going to do. Will you have to sit in class or play basketball? There are specific pads for almost any occasion.
- If you are about to go to bed, wear a model for the night; offers maximum absorbency and is longer, to prevent leakage when lying on your back.
- Pads with wings provide greater safety because they hold the pad in place and are very useful, especially if you plan to engage in some physical activity.
- If you are in the last phase of your period and have a very light flow, consider panty liners, small very thin pads that protect underwear from stains.
Step 2. Remove the strip of paper from the back of the tampon
This way, you expose the sticky part that has to stick to the panties. If the tampon has wings, wait to peel off the protective film until you have the tampon adhered to your underwear.
Step 3. Press it between the panties, making sure it is centered and that the adhesive has stuck to the fabric
You must pay attention that the tampon is not too far forward or too far behind the underwear; the central portion should be aligned with the vaginal opening. The shape of the tampon itself should give you an idea of how to fit it to the panties.
- If there are wings, remove the foil to expose the sticky side and wrap them around the linen fabric.
- If you are lying on your back or sitting, you should slide the tampon slightly back towards your butt.
- You may experience some loss at first, but as you get used to using sanitary pads and managing your period, you have a clearer idea of the correct position.
Step 4. Stand up, lift your panties and check that everything is in order
Make sure the tampon is comfortable, not too far forward or backward; if you don't feel comfortable, you have to move it or start over with a new one.
Before lifting your underwear, you should wipe yourself with toilet paper or a wet wipe to feel clean and fresh
Step 5. Wash your hands before leaving the bathroom
You may have come into contact with bacteria while changing or drying yourself, so wash them with warm soapy water.
