Period pads are designed to keep menstrual blood away from your body, but it’s important to know what goes into them, their potential side effects, and other options you can consider.
How Pads Are Made:
Most pads have multiple layers: a top layer that absorbs blood, a core that locks in moisture, and a back layer that prevents leaks. The absorbent core often contains superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and cellulose fibers. Some pads include fragrances or chemicals for odor control. Pads are usually made in factories under strict hygiene standards, but some synthetic materials can irritate sensitive skin.
Possible Side Effects:
Skin Irritation & Rashes: Long-term use of scented pads or pads with synthetic layers can cause redness, itching, or rashes. Allergic Reactions: Some people may react to adhesives, fragrances, or certain fibers in pads. Infections: Leaving a pad on for too long can create a moist environment for bacteria, increasing the risk of urinary tract or yeast infections. Environmental Impact: Most disposable pads are non-biodegradable, contributing to waste and pollution.
Tips to Stay Safe:
Change pads every 4–6 hours, or more often if your flow is heavy. Use unscented, skin-friendly pads if you have sensitive skin. Wash your hands before and after changing pads to maintain hygiene. Consider eco-friendly or reusable pads if you’re concerned about environmental impact.
Alternatives to Pads:
Menstrual Cups: Reusable silicone cups that collect blood and can last for years. Tampons: Absorbent plugs inserted into the vagina, available in various absorbencies. Period Panties: Absorbent underwear designed to replace or supplement pads. Reusable Cloth Pads: Washable pads made from cotton or other fabrics, eco-friendly and skin-friendly.
Knowing how pads are made, their possible effects, and the alternatives available can help you choose what’s best for your comfort, health, and lifestyle.
This is such an important discussion, because many people use pads for years without ever knowing what’s actually inside them or how they might affect health.
What stood out to me is that while pads are convenient and widely available, their synthetic layers, adhesives, and fragrances can sometimes do more harm than good—especially if not changed regularly. Rashes, UTIs, and skin irritation are often overlooked but very real problems.
Personally, I think the future lies in sustainable and body-friendly alternatives like menstrual cups, period panties, and reusable cloth pads. They reduce waste, cost less in the long run, and are safer for sensitive skin.
At the end of the day, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” — the best choice is the one that balances comfort, health, and sustainability for each individual.
Disposable period pads may look simple, but many are made from synthetic materials containing chemicals that might harm health like phthalates, VOCs, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which are linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and even cancer in both users and the environment. The real issue? There’s often little transparency about what’s actually in them.
Switching to options like organic cotton pads, cloth pads, menstrual cups, or underwear can reduce exposure and environmental impact.
Such a nice information many girls are using pads without knowing how they made and side effects.many alternative that not harm female health so it is better use
Menstrual pads are part of daily life, yet their health effects and environmental impact are rarely discussed.
While pads are convenient, issues like irritation, infection risk, and waste highlight the need for awareness.
With options like menstrual cups, period panties, and cloth pads available, do you think more people should be encouraged to try eco friendly alternatives?
so informative topic. yes, period pads do contain super absorbent polymers and cellulose fibers for more absorption capability to avoid leakage. but on the other side they are non-biodegradable and even burning them can release toxic fumes.
to the women who use these pads mostly they offer a good comfort as there will be no concept of leakage due to high absorbency which boosts confidence without worrying but on the other side, they can cause itching and rash because as they are made to trap the moisture to avoid feeling wet, they also trap the heat and moisture which creates a favorable environment to bacterial infections and bad odor so its always necessary to change pads regularly.
talking about alternatives reusable cloth pads are yes eco- friendly and skin-friendly yet they can also cause bacterial or fungal infections if they are not dried properly. regarding tampons they can cause vaginal dryness when they absorb menstrual blood also its not comfortable to few women. Period panties are high at cost compared to normal pads same problems of cloth pads arise with period panties like washing are needed for every single use and if not dried properly they may be prone to bacterial or fungal infections.
alternatives according to my opinion are
change pads or tampons for every 2- 3 hour if light flow if its medium then foe every 4 hours.
invest is menstrual cup. if u learn how to insert it it’s a legit game changer.
Most of the women still choose pads even though there are much better alternatives. Reason? Due to lack of awareness, fear, resistance to change. As a women it is our responsibility to make others aware of the potential harm that pads may cause and provide alternative solutions for it.
How Pads Are Made:
Most pads have multiple layers: a top layer that absorbs blood, a core that locks in moisture, and a back layer that prevents leaks.
Knowing how pads are made, their possible effects, and the alternatives available can help you choose what’s best for your comfort, health, and lifestyle.
What stood out to me is that while pads are convenient and widely available, their synthetic layers, adhesives, and fragrances can sometimes do more harm than good—especially if not changed regularly. Rashes, UTIs, and skin irritation are often overlooked but very real problems.
Personally, I think the future lies in sustainable and body-friendly alternatives like menstrual cups, period panties, and reusable cloth pads. They reduce waste, cost less in the long run, and are safer for sensitive skin.