Gynecologists highly recommend choosing unscented pads made with hypoallergenic, breathable materials—such as organic cotton—to prevent vulvar irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions. Scented pads and synthetic plastics often trap moisture and cause contact dermatitis.
Bleeding after birth (lochia)
It will be quite heavy at first, and you'll need super-absorbent period pads. Change them regularly, washing your hands before and afterwards. It isn't a good idea to use tampons until after your 6-week postnatal check because they could increase your chance of getting an infection.
The "healthiest" pads are those made with organic, hypoallergenic materials that avoid synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and chlorine bleaching. Top medical-approved recommendations for sensitive skin include the following brands:
Cotton pads and tampons are best (e.g. Natracare, Organyc, Seventh Generation). Reusable cotton pads (e.g. Gladrags, Lunapads) and “period underwear”/”incontinence underwear” are more readily available these days (e.g. Knix, Thinx).
Gynecologists highly recommend choosing unscented pads made with hypoallergenic, breathable materials—such as organic cotton—to prevent vulvar irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions. Scented pads and synthetic plastics often trap moisture and cause contact dermatitis.
Vulvar dermatitis is inflammation of the sensitive skin around the genitals. It is primarily caused by irritants (substances that damage the skin barrier) and allergens (substances that trigger an immune reaction).
Finding the "best" pad depends on your primary need:
Period pads
They come in many sizes and absorbencies, so you can change them depending on how heavy or light your period is. Pantyliners are a smaller and thinner type of pad that can be used on days when your period is very light. You should change pads or liners around every 4 to 6 hours, depending on your period.
To prevent pad rashes, switch to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free pads made with 100% organic cotton top sheets rather than synthetic plastics and rayon.
"Chemical-free" in disposable pads typically means 100% organic cotton, plastic-free, unbleached, and fragrance-free. The most highly recommended brands that omit synthetic polymers, toxic adhesives, and pesticides include:
Sanitary pads without chemicals prioritize organic materials and avoid chlorine bleaches, synthetic fragrances, and petrochemicals. Top recommendations include Natracare Ultra Pads, Rael Organic Cotton Pads, and The Honey Pot Non-Herbal Pads.
If you do crave intimacy with your partner, you can engage in oral sex or mutual masturbation as soon as two weeks after arriving from the hospital until you reach the six-week mark. However, be sure to be gentle and avoid contact with any areas that have stitches.
Postpartum padsicles are absolute lifesavers when it comes to relieving postpartum pain and itching, and can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and bruising after a vaginal birth [1]. They can also assist in absorbing any postpartum bleeding.
Here are some options for what to use instead of pads for your period:
When your girlfriend is on her period, prioritize emotional validation and physical comfort. Avoid dismissing her feelings, forcing her to be active, or making light of her cycle. Be patient, offer low-key support, and listen to her needs without taking temporary shifts in her mood personally.
No, you do not need to change your pad every time you pee. Whether you are using a menstrual pad or an incontinence pad, you should primarily change it based on how full it is, how long you've been wearing it, and your personal comfort.
Whether free bleeding or using tampons is "better" depends on your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and flow. There is no medical consensus that one is universally superior, but they serve very different purposes.
The "healthiest" pads are those made with organic, hypoallergenic materials that avoid synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and chlorine bleaching. Top medical-approved recommendations for sensitive skin include the following brands:
Healthline's picks for the best period pads
7 Layer sanitary pad is 100% natural cotton with no fluorescer and methanol. With its super-absorptive feature, it can hold heavy flow with zero leakage.
Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the genital and anal areas. It is most common in pre-pubertal girls and post-menopausal women, causing significant changes to the skin's texture and appearance.
The best soaps for vulvar dermatitis are unscented, hypoallergenic, and non-alkaline cleansers used only on the external, hair-bearing skin, with warm water alone being the ideal, according to experts. Top recommendations include Dove Sensitive Skin Bar, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Aveeno, and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
Contact dermatitis of the vaginal area (technically affecting the vulva) usually presents with intense itching, redness, burning, and irritation. Depending on the severity and whether it is acute or chronic, the skin may appear discolored, swollen, dry, scaly, or raw with oozing fluid.