Resuable cloth pads - A medical practitioer's view

Resuable cloth pads - A medical practitioer's view

Let me share a story.

It was a regular day at my clinic. A lady came with her 14-year-old daughter. I could sense and see that the young girl was feeling shy while she sat uncomfortably on the edge of the chair with her face hung down; her eyes trying to evade mine.

Her mother narrated that every time the girl gets her period, within 1-2 days of using sanitary pads, she develops painful rashes in her inner thighs along with intense burning sensation. Sometimes it gets so difficult to manage that she has to skip school because she cannot manage to walk properly due to rashes. The rashes and pain subside few days after the period is over.

For me, it was a clear case of sensitivity of skin to the material of sanitary pad.

After examining the area of girl’s inner thighs for any pathology other than the one I was expecting, I explained to them why this was happening.

 

I told them that disposable sanitary pads can cause rashes in the inner thighs for reasons such as constant friction, moisture and heat in the groin area and sensitive skin.

Some individuals can be allergic to certain materials and chemicals used in sanitary pads, such as fragrances, dyes or synthetic top layer. Contact of skin with these allergens can trigger reactions and rashes.

I advised her to switch girls’ period product from disposable sanitary pad to reusable cloth pads made of soft cotton.

Reusable cloth pads are mostly made from natural materials like cotton or bamboo, which can be gentler on the skin compared to disposable pads that contain chemicals and synthetic materials. This can surely lower the risk of skin irritation and rashes in the intimate area.

The mother looked convinced and promised to switch to cloth pads from regular disposable sanitary pads.

Although, I completely agree that it’s every woman’s personal choice to select her period product as per her comfort and convenience, but as a medical practitioner I am enlisting here the benefits of using a reusable cloth pad over a disposable sanitary pad.

Less likelihood of irritation and allergic reaction: Reusable cloth pads are usually made from natural materials such as cotton or bamboo, providing a gentler touch to the skin in contrast to disposable pads that have chemicals and synthetic material.

Breathability: Cloth pads tend to be more breathable than some disposable options, which can help reduce moisture and heat buildup, potentially minimizing the risk of bacterial overgrowth and odour.
Environmentally friendly: One of the most significant benefits of reusable cloth pads is their positive impact on the environment. By choosing cloth pads over disposable ones, you can reduce the amount of non-biodegradable waste that ends up in landfills and waterways.
Cost-effectiveness: Although the upfront cost of reusable cloth pads may be higher than disposable pads, they can be cost-effective in the long run since they can last for several years with proper care.
Reduced risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS): TSS is a rare but severe condition associated with the use of tampons. As reusable cloth pads are not inserted into the body like tampons, they do not carry the same risk of TSS.
Support for sustainable practices: Choosing reusable cloth pads aligns with eco-friendly and sustainable practices, contributing to overall efforts to protect the environment. But, nothing in this world is foolproof and so are reusable cloth pads! Reusable cloth pads have cons too.
– They require more maintenance than disposables, which can be inconvenient.
– The initial cost is higher, though they save money in the long run.
– Poor cleaning can lead to hygiene concerns.
– Some women might not feel comfortable to dry them in open under the sun but it’s perfectly alright to dry a washed cloth pad just like your innerwear or other clothes.
Trust me, no one will get harmed looking at your cloth pad!
Drying your cloth pads hidden under other clothes will strengthen the stigma associated with periods. Do not encourage this practice.
– Some women complaint that carrying soiled pads while on the go is also not a convenient thing for them. But most of the cloth pads come with leak-proof bags which can be used to secure a soiled cloth pad; hence this problem can also be easily resolved.

As with any menstrual product, proper hygiene and maintenance are crucial to prevent infections and ensure optimal health during menstruation. If you have specific medical concerns or questions about menstrual products, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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