3 min read

Can I not change a sanitary pad all day if only a little blood is on it?

Ithilien, March 21, 2024

Many women have this experience: towards the end of their menstrual period, the flow of blood significantly decreases, sometimes with only a few drops throughout the entire day.

During such times, it seems unnecessary to change sanitary pads every few hours — after all, sanitary pads aren't cheap, and changing them frequently can be a hassle.

Since the bleeding is so light, perhaps it’s okay to keep a pad on for a longer period?

How often should you change a sanitary pad?

In fact, bacteria are not as visible as menstrual blood, so the amount of menstrual flow should not be used to determine whether to change a sanitary pad.

During menstruation, the cervical opening is dilated, and the pelvic region becomes congested. If hygiene is not maintained during this period, it is easy for bacteria to invade and cause gynaecological inflammation!

Even if the surface of the sanitary pad appears "very clean," it should still be changed every 3 to 4 hours. Otherwise, the following consequences may occur:

Heavy Odor

Although menstrual blood itself does not have an odour, during menstruation, the private parts are hot and humid. Even if the flow is light, not changing the sanitary pad for a long time will result in poor ventilation in the area, and the longer the time, the heavier the odour will become.

Image Source 2/WOMS|Odor during menstruation in private parts

Itching in the Genital Area

When the menstrual flow is relatively light, the amount of blood flowing out of the vagina may be reduced, but due to the poor breathability of sanitary pads, moisture accumulates after contaminants adhere, and along with the friction of the sanitary pad against the skin of the private parts, it is very likely to cause itching in the genital area.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

Using a sanitary pad for too long without timely changing can cause the external genitalia to become non-breathable, leading to an imbalance in the vaginal microbial environment, resulting in abnormal vaginal discharge. Women may feel weaker and more fatigued.

Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Although no dirt can be seen on a sanitary pad that has not been changed for a long time, the hot, humid, airless, and unclean environment of the private parts can foster the growth of grease, skin flakes, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, and chlamydia, which start their proliferation.

The longer the time, the more microbes there are on the sanitary pad, and the higher the probability of developing gynecological inflammation.

Image Source 4/Shutterstock|A seemingly clean sanitary pad teeming with bacteria

Urinary Tract Infection

According to a survey report by the World Health Organization, the probability of urinary tract infections in women is significantly higher than in men, with an incidence rate about 8 to 10 times that of men, and an average woman will have symptomatic urinary tract infections 1 to 3 times in her lifetime.

During menstruation, a woman's immunity and resistance are lowered. Moreover, the fragmented red blood cells in menstrual blood serve as a natural culture medium for bacteria.

Not changing sanitary pads on time can increase the risk of urinary tract infections in women, leading to symptoms such as urinary urgency, incomplete urination, and painful urination.

Image Source 5/LifeWell Portugal|Urinary tract infection

When the flow is light, you can switch to a thinner sanitary pad, but regardless of whether the sanitary pad is soaked with blood, it should be changed every 3 to 4 hours. Otherwise, avoiding this small hassle can lead to much bigger problems.