Find out why pantyliners are the easiest way to protect yourself (and your underwear) against discharge, light periods and withdrawal bleeding.
Let's talk about vaginal discharge, a topic that can be uncomfortable for some, but it's important to understand and know how to deal with it.
Vaginal discharge is the fluid that comes out of the vagina and is a completely normal and healthy part of a woman's reproductive system. It helps to keep the vaginal area clean and moist while also protecting it from infections.
The amount, colour, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. For example, during ovulation, the discharge may be clear and stretchy, while during other times of the cycle, it may be thicker and white.
However, sometimes vaginal discharge can indicate an underlying problem, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. In these cases, the discharge may have a strong odour or be accompanied by itching or burning.
It's important to note that not all vaginal discharge is abnormal or requires medical attention. However, if you're unsure or concerned, it's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider.
So, how do you deal with vaginal discharge? Well, wearing cotton underwear, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, and practising good hygiene can all help. Additionally, using pantyliners can help absorb any excess discharge and keep you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day.
Remember, vaginal discharge is a natural and normal part of being a woman. By understanding what's normal and what's not, you can take the necessary steps to maintain good vaginal health.
If you’ve ever been caught with a sudden heavy flow while wearing just a pantyliner, and you didn’t immediately break into a cold sweat of panic, you are a brave and fearless woman, and we’d like to shake your hand.
If you’re not sure why facing a heavy or irregular period flow with just a pantyliner is a very brave (and very bad) idea, you are probably confused by the distinction between menstrual pads and pantyliners.
We get it. It is confusing.
Pantyliners are literally smaller, thinner pads, but their absorbency and purpose are quite different to the type of menstrual pad you want to be wearing on the second day of your period. Menstrual pads (which are larger, mostly have wings, and have higher absorbency) are specially designed for heavy flow days when you’re menstruating.
Pantyliners, on the other hand, cover you (and your panties) on those light flow days at the start and end of your period, when you’re spotting or have withdrawal bleeding, and for any other kind of fluids you may experience throughout the month – that includes cervical fluid or discharge, post-sex discharge, spotting before your period, and even urine from light incontinence.
Discharge, breakthrough bleeding, spotting, and implantation bleeding
Is it just us, or was discharge a majorly overlooked topic in our pre-teen period talk and life orientation? This is probably why pantyliners have been such a mystery for so many of us.
Since it’s rarely spoken about, it’s pretty likely that at some stage of your life, you’ve been concerned about the consistency, colour and frequency of your vaginal discharge (or the fact that it’s ruined countless pairs of your favourite underwear!).
We’re here to tell you it’s a completely normal part of having a vagina, and it can actually give us important insights into our menstrual cycles.
You’ll most likely experience white discharge leading up to the days when you ovulate. Why? As if our vaginas weren’t magical enough, they also tell us (through our discharge) when we’re fertile, which is super helpful if you want to conceive.
Ovulation may cause slight pain and discomfort (sharper pains are known as Mittelschmerz), breakthrough bleeding or a clear, stretchy discharge. It’s your own built-in fertility tracker.
After ovulation, discharge changes again, sometimes turning brown just before your period arrives. This is a mixture of oxidised blood and cervical fluid, and nothing to worry about if it’s a common occurrence for you. Remember: healthy discharge is mild-smelling and can range from a clear to white, to brown, or even light yellow in colour.
Mid-cycle bleeding (or spotting) is any light bleeding that occurs outside of your normal period. This can occur for a number of reasons, many of which are not cause for concern, while others can be a sign of a problem. The most common causes are contraceptives such as hormonal birth control, implants and injections. Stress and medication can also cause this kind of breakthrough bleeding, and light spotting before your period.
If you’re trying to fall pregnant, you’ll be interested to know that light pink discharge or spotting a couple days after you ovulate may, in some cases, indicate implantation bleeding. From this moment onwards, pantyliners are a huge help, as the increase in oestrogen that’s necessary to maintain your pregnancy may cause a lot more discharge, and more frequently, too.
Pantyliners are a great bridge between your period and the other days in your menstrual cycle, acting as a catch-all for breakthrough bleeding caused by hormones or an oral contraceptive, as well as other fluids.
Change your pantyliners every 3-5 hours, or more often when moist or soiled. Always try to keep your vaginal area dry to prevent any irritation.
