Menstrual pads are one of the essential needs of every woman during  the menstrual cycle. Most women are active while they are menstruating. Using menstrual pads can help women feel comfortable during activities during menstruation and reduce the worry that blood will seep through. Menstrual pads or also known as sanitary napkins are the choice because they are easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and easy to obtain.

However, it turns out that not a few wrong assumptions about sanitary napkins are still circulating in the community. Especially for teenagers who are using sanitary napkins for the first time.

To find out more about menstrual pads, let's look at 6 facts about sanitary napkins from history to myths in the following review!

Read also Types of Sanitary Napkins

6 Facts About Menstrual Pads

1. History of the creation of menstrual pads.

   Based on Femme International, menstrual pads have been mentioned in history in the early 10th century in Ancient Greece. It started with a woman throwing one of her used menstrual clothes at an admirer to get rid of him.
   
   Sanitary napkins in this modern era are mostly made of synthetic materials that have gone through a bleaching process. Before modern disposable sanitary napkins were invented, at that time women wore washcloths, cotton, or sheep's wool in their underwear to absorb menstrual blood.
   
   In addition, earlier women also wore knitted pads, rabbit fur, and even grass to handle menstruation. Meanwhile, disposable sanitary napkins were first thought of by nurses. It is said that the nurse was looking for a new method to stop excessive bleeding, especially on the battlefield. Later, the first sanitary napkins were made from wood pulp by nurses in France.
   
   The sanitary napkins are claimed to be highly absorbent, fairly inexpensive, and can be discarded after use. Commercial manufacturers borrowed this idea and sold the first disposable pads in early 1888 called the “The Southball Pad.”
   
   

2. Menstrual pads entry into Indonesia

   In America, Johnson & Johnson developed their own version of sanitary napkins in 1896 called Lister's Towel: Sanitary Towels for Ladies. The problem was, women felt uncomfortable or embarrassed to buy this product, especially from male sellers.
   
   In the early 1920s, the name was changed to Nupak, a name that does not describe the product. Unfortunately, the price of sanitary pads available at that time was considered too expensive for most women. They continue to use more traditional methods. On the other hand, it took several years for disposable menstrual pads to become commonplace. Because, it is also said, if possible, women were encouraged to put money into boxes so they do not have to talk to attendants and take Kotex sanitary napkins themselves from the counter.
   
   It is not known exactly when sanitary napkins appeared in Indonesia. Reporting from the Softex Indonesia page, PT Mozambique has been operating in West Jakarta and marketing sanitary napkins under the Softex brand since 1976. The company later changed its name to PT Softex Indonesia. Now, there are various brands of sanitary napkins in the country.
   
   

3. Do menstrual pads have to be washed after use?

   Are you one of those people who wash sanitary napkins before throwing them away? There are pros and cons regarding whether used sanitary napkins should be washed first or can be thrown away immediately.
   
   In Kompas, dr. Susie Rendra, SpKK from Pondok Indah Hospital, said that washing disposable sanitary napkins before throwing them away is not necessary. She explained the function of sanitary napkins is to collect dirty blood. Its disposable nature allows sanitary napkins to be disposed of after use.
   
   

4. Is it true that menstrual pads can expire?

   It turns out that sanitary napkins can also expire. According to UNICEF, the shelf life of sanitary napkins is generally a maximum of three years from the date of manufacture.
   
   You can check the packaging of sanitary napkins to find out the expiry date (EXP). If EXP is not listed, you can see the manufacturing date (MFD) on the packaging of the sanitary napkin product.
   
   You can calculate the shelf life of sanitary napkin products, which is three years from the manufacturing date. If the sanitary napkin is more than three years from the stated production date, you should not use this product because of the risk of danger.
   
   Apart from the expiration date, you also need to pay attention to the appropriate condition of the sanitary napkins to be used. Do not buy or use sanitary napkins whose packaging is damaged because there is a risk of soiled sanitary napkins or contamination with bacteria entering.
   
   

5. How to properly dispose of menstrual pads

   Do not litter, especially using sanitary pads. UNICEF states that single-use sanitary napkins should be discarded after use.
   
   Before disposal, the sanitary napkins should be wrapped in paper or plastic bags and then put in the trash. Do not dispose of sanitary napkins in the latrine or toilet opening, as this can cause the latrine or toilet opening to become clogged.
   
   

6. It is highly recommended to change sanitary napkins every 4-5 hours

   According to UNICEF, sanitary napkins should be changed every 4-5 hours. Replacement can be more frequent if there is heavy bleeding.
   
   Then, there are times that are recommended to change sanitary napkins for school-age girls, including during their morning shower, at school, after school, during their afternoon shower, and before going to bed.
   
   Pads should be changed frequently to prevent reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin irritation. Remember to always wash your hands before and after changing pads.

Read: Safe sanitary napkins according to the Indonesian Ministry of Health

Well, those are some things you should know about sanitary napkins. Remember, you must always prioritize health and hygiene so that you and others do not get sick or get sick.

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