What Are Panty Liners Used For?

What are panty liners?

Panty liners are thin pads used to absorb vaginal discharge and spotting. They are thinner and smaller than sanitary napkins and are meant to be used on non-period days. 

Panty liners are used to absorb your vaginal discharge to prevent stains on your underwear and keep you feeling dry and comfortable. 

While a regular pad would be too bulky and overly absorbent for this purpose, a panty liner is thin and discreet.

Uses of panty liners

The primary use of panty liners is to manage light vaginal discharge, spotting, or the final days of menstruation. They help keep underwear clean and provide a feeling of freshness. Additionally, they can be used for added protection during activities like exercise.

Panty liners are used for various reasons to maintain your genital hygiene. Here are some common uses for panty liners:

• Vaginal discharge - You may experience vaginal discharge based on where you are along your menstrual cycle and your sexual activity. Excessive discharge can cause discomfort and wetness. Panty liners soak up your discharge to help you feel fresh while protecting your favourite pairs of underwear.
• Light urine leaks - If you have a weaker pelvic floor you may be experiencing issues with involuntary urination. Added pressure onto your bladder from exercise, sneezing, coughing or laughing could cause you to wet yourself accidentally. Panty liners can absorb small leakages and keep you clean. 
• Added layer of  protection - If you’re new to using period products like a menstrual cup or a tampon, you can wear a panty liner to prevent any leakages until you get used to wearing the period product. This will give you a bit of extra confidence and makes for an easy clean-up in case of any accidents.
• Spotting - If you face any light bleeding before and after your period and your flow doesn’t warrant a sanitary napkin, you can use a panty liner as a more comfortable option. You can also use a panty liner if you experience light spotting after sex.
• Post-partum bleeding - For the 4-8 weeks of postpartum bleeding, you can opt for panty liners if your flow is light and can switch back to sanitary pads once your periods restart.
• Travelling - If you’re travelling somewhere with minimal access to washing clothes, you can keep a pack of panty liners in handy. Using panty liners will help keep your undergarments clean and fresh.

Also read - Menstrual cup sizes

Benefits of wearing panty liners

• Keeps you feeling dry - Panty liners absorb your daily vaginal discharge, allowing you to feel fresh and clean. 
• Protection from infections - Infections that are caused by excessive moisture in the genital region can be prevented by using panty liners, as long as you change them regularly. 
• Protection from unexpected periods - In case you get your periods and are unprepared for them, a panty liner will soak up your initial flow as you arrange to change into your period product. They can help save your time and prevent an inconvenient situation.

Also read - Organic pad benefits

How is a panty liner different from a pad?

Pads are specifically made to absorb menstrual blood during your periods. They are thicker, longer and more absorbent. Panty liners are meant to absorb smaller amounts of fluid including vaginal discharge, light bleeding, light urine leaks and sweat. They are thinner, smaller and more discreet. Panty liners are commonly worn on non-period days.

Maintaining hygiene when using panty liners

While panty liners are helpful for maintaining your personal hygiene, there are a few precautions to bear in mind when using them. 

As with pads, it’s important to change your panty liners every few hours to prevent a buildup of moisture and to lower the risk of infections. That said, it isn’t recommended to wear the same panty liner overnight as it may prevent open ventilation to your skin.

We recommend using Organic Panty Liners to reap the most benefits while minimizing risks. Regular panty liners may irritate your skin and contain chemicals which can harm you in the long run. Opt for an organic panty liner for a softer and more breathable option, which is better for your skin and for the planet.

Also read - Can you masturbate on your period?

Conclusion

While panty liners are a great product to help you feel fresh and on top of your hygiene game, it’s important to recognise that not everyone with vaginal discharge needs to use them. Panty liners are an option and a convenience, but not a necessity. Wearing panty liners too frequently can also disrupt your vaginal pH balance and lubrication.

If you’re considering using panty liners, try them out during the days you know you get the most discharge. Feel free to adjust how you use them as per your comfort and needs.

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