Is wearing cloth pads during menstruation healthier? & bull; hello healthy

Generally, during menstruation, women use menstrual cups, tampons, or disposable pads to collect menstrual blood. However, before all that, women used to wear cloth pads during menstruation. This bandage is similar in shape to modern single-use sanitary pads, the difference is the material and the adhesive. Old bandages were made of cloth and held together with special buttons, cloth, or cloth cords. Are cloth pads safe and healthy to use? Check out the answer here.

The advantages of using cloth pads during menstruation

The cloth bandage has the same shape as the disposable sanitary napkin, and also has wings (wings). However, these pads do not stick with adhesive, but stick with buttons at the tips of the wings tucked into the underwear. This bandage is made of several layers of fabric cut into rectangles.

The advantage of using cloth pads is that they are reusable, making them more cost effective. Most of these dressings are estimated to last up to five years if properly cared for and maintained clean.

This bandage is also more environmentally friendly. When compared to disposable pads, you don't need to buy pads many times while you're menstruating. Therefore, this type of sanitary napkin can reduce the volume of waste in the environment. They also do not contain chemicals like disposable pads.

Wearing cloth pads can also reduce the risk of an irritating rash in the groin that often occurs due to paper pads, which are generally harsh and contain chemical additives.

Disadvantages of wearing cloth pads during menstruation

As with disposable pads, cloth pads also need to be changed every 5 hours. If used daily, especially when traveling, they can take some time to wash and dry them.

When washing cloth pads, make sure they dry evenly and completely. Bandages that are semi-dry or damp can invite the growth of bacteria or fungi that can be harmful to vaginal health.

In addition, using cloth pads for too long will cause the vaginal area and the surrounding area to become easily damp. This was conveyed by a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, dr. Prima Progestian, SpOG, MPH, to Kompas. A moist vagina will certainly trigger the growth of bacteria in your female organs.

Excess bacteria in the vagina can cause irritation, inflammation, infection, bad smell after sex, abnormal vaginal discharge, and other symptoms. To prevent this, you still have to regularly wash, rinse, and dry the sanitary towels after each use.

Which is better, cloth pads or disposable pads?

The simple answer is that it depends on you. If you have a lot of time and you are diligent enough to replace and wash cloth sanitary napkins, of course, cloth sanitary napkins can be a solution.

However, if you are the kind of person who doesn't want to be bothered, disposable pads can be healthier for you. The reason is, disposable pads available in the market are guaranteed clean so you can use them safely right away.

Tips for wearing cloth pads during menstruation

Cloth bandages come in various sizes, colors, and attractive motifs. Choose a bandage that makes you comfortable. Before using it, make sure you wash it first.

Make sure you wash the used pads thoroughly and dry them completely. Better yet, if it is dried in the sun, so that the bacteria can die. You can also wash the cloth in hot water.

Change these pads regularly like wearing disposable pads. Don't forget, keep your vagina clean during menstruation. If you experience signs of irritation and infection such as vaginal itching, pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge, contact your doctor immediately.