A039 What Is a Sanitary Towel?

A039 What Is a Sanitary Towel? (What Is a Sanitary Pad?)

Read the full article below

MCBLA06 - How to Prevent Period Leaks?

How to Prevent Period Leaks?

Always Night sanitary pads were especially designed for overnight protection and offer more coverage, no matter how much you toss and turn, while Normal (Size 1) and  Long (Size 2) sanitary pads were designed for optimal daytime protection.

What is the difference between Day & Night sanitary pads?

PRFPEA01 - Tampons vs. Pads 

Tampons vs. Pads

A016 Can You Swim on Your Period with a Pad?

Always FlexProtect - a pad made like no other 

- Absorbs like no other, Feels like nothing
- Thanks to its super-absorbent holes, FlexProtect Long absorbs up to 40% more than Always Ultra Long pads, for up to Zero Leaks
- Features a thin and flexible SmartFoam core, for up to Zero Feel
- Follows you at every movement, for up to Zero Bunching
- Always FlexProtect comes in a delightful carton box, for a nice and easy storage in your bathroom

Why You Will Love It?

A035 Your Menstrual Cycle Phases

- Up to Zero Feel Zero Leaks
- Moderate Flow
- Recommended for the day

Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2)

Always Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2) sanitary pads

Always Infinity FlexProtect period pads are uniquely made of super-absorbent holes and flexible SmartFoam technology. Click here and choose the best one for you!

Always FlexProtect period pads listing page

Always FlexProtect period pads

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MCBLA03 - Symptoms of an abnormal period

Symptoms of an abnormal period

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Smile

A067 Symptoms of an abnormal Period

Product Recommender Flexible Promo - PLP and PDP - Blue BG

Always FlexProtect

WHAT'S YOUR FLOW LIKE - HEAVY

PH02 / PH03 - ADP -  Menstrual Cycle / Symptoms Explained -  Our Best Sellers

Our Bestsellers

A034 How to Stop Period Leaking at Night

Every woman at some point in her life experiences crampy menstrual pains. And how to get reduce period pain and cramps? You can start with warm compresses!

A015 How to get rid of period pain and cramps

How to get reduce period pain and cramps

MCPSA04 - How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

Calculate your menstrual cycle

- Up to Zero Feel Zero Leaks
- Moderate / Heavy Flow
- Recommended for the night

Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra(Size 4)

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) sanitary pads

MCPSA06 - How long is a menstrual cycle? 

How long is a menstrual cycle?

MCPSA05 - What causes long periods and what does it mean?

Long period

MCPSA03 - Your Menstrual Cycle Phases

Your Menstrual Cycle Phases

A039  - T01 - What is a sanitary towel?

What is a sanitary towel?

A127 Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

PADS-Related Articles

Quick Reads

Always Maxi

A101 Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

Always Infinity Long (Size 2) Sanitary Pads With Wings

Knowing what a sanitary towel is sure is helpful, but it’s half the battle. The other half is knowing how to use one. Here are some quick, easy instructions.
 
To use a pad, peel off the back wrapper and press the pad sticky-side-down into your knickers. If the pad has wings, wrap them around the sides of your panties. You’re good to go.

A039 - T04 - SUB01 - How to use a sanitary towel?

Always Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2) sanitary pads 11 ct

11 ct

2 Are all sanitary towels the same?

Can PMS cause fatigue? If you're feeling tired before your period, click here to learn what you can do about this!

A149 Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies | Always

Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies | Always

## Having "The Talk"
Puberty, with its physical and emotional changes, can be a rollercoaster ride for girls, so it’s important to have honest and open conversations. How you explain puberty to your daughter will set the tone for the next few years (no pressure!).

If you think it’s time to explain puberty to your daughter and have the ‘period talk’, follow these tips.

A117 How To Explain Periods And Puberty To Your Daughter

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) sanitary pads 9ct

9 ct

MCBLA02 - How to Stop Heavy Periods | Always

Stop Heavy Period

PRFPEA02 - What Is a Sanitary Towel?

What Is a Sanitary Towel?

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra image 3

A010-T01-Calculate your menstrual cycle

A010- Related Articles 

Period Hub - PH02 - Menstrual Cycle

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle | Always UK

SmartFoam is the only light foam sanitary towel available in feminine hygiene products. This foam structure with open and interconnected cells acquires liquid and distributes it effectively. SmartFoam keeps its shape even when wet. Traditional sanitary pads are constructed from cellulose fibers, which store fluid more "locally" and can collapse when wet.

How does SmartFoam differ from current super-absorbent materials?

In order to calculate your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to learn how to track your [cycle](/en-gb/period-tracker/ "Cycle"). Don’t worry. It’s pretty simple. All you need to do is mark down when your period started on a calendar for a few months in order to figure out how to count your period cycle days and to calculate the average length of your menstrual cycle.


Menstrual cycle phases are an important part of your life. Find out what’s going on at each stage of your cycle so you know what to expect.

How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

Scent - NO

Why is my period late? This is a question that can keep many women awake at night. A period can appear a few days after the planned date for a completely different reason. If it happens occasionally, it does not necessarily mean there is a reason to worry. If your menstrual cycles are becoming increasingly irregular and the intervals between bleeds are getting longer, you should consult your doctor.

A045 Why is my period late? 10 Reasons for a Late Period

A039 - T04 - How to use a sanitary towel?

How to use a sanitary towel?

When you’re pregnant, every little change in your body takes on greater significance, and you can read each of them as a sign of what is happening with your baby. That is great, as long as you don’t over-interpret, or assume everything is an indication that things are going wrong! The same thing applies to your discharge.

A127 - Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

### Irregular periods

If your cycle changes from month to month by more than 20 days, if your [regular periods](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/home-remedies-for-irregular-periods-in-teenagers/ "Regular periods") go awry, or if your cycle is shorter than 24 days or longer than 38 days you should call a doctor.
 

### Heavy periods

Heavy bleeding makes periods more painful and more likely to disrupt your day-to-day activities. However, they are also a sign that your body is producing and releasing a lot of life-giving blood.
 

You should speak to your doctor if:
- Your period goes on for longer than eight days
- You bleed enough to use one or more pads or tampons every hour or two
- You feel dizzy, lightheaded, weak, or tired, or show other signs of anaemia
 

### Missed periods

If you have missed three periods in a row, or have not started menstruating by age 15, you may have a condition called amenorrhoea. You should see a doctor if your breasts have not started developing by age 13 or if your period has not begun three years after breast growth.
 

Possible causes of a missed period are:
- Pregnancy
- Your body adapting to the new routine of menstruation, in the first six months
- Eating disorders or extreme weight loss or gain
- Stress 
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), due to cysts on your ovaries
- Extreme exercise

If you are concerned, make an appointment to see your doctor.
 

### Abnormal bleeding

You should see your doctor if:
- You spot or bleed outside of your menstrual cycle
- Your period lasts longer or is heavier than usual
- You experience bleeding after the menopause

Your doctor will begin to diagnose you by looking at the most common likely cause for your age group.
 

### Migraines

These painful headaches can be caused by your period, possibly due to hormonal changes.

A035 - T02 - Common menstrual cycle problems

Common menstrual cycle problems

SmartFoam is a technology that is found only in Always Infinity feminine sanitary towels. It is a soft, very absorbent foam. Its layered structure allows fluid to be quickly drawn from the top of the sanitary towel deep into the bottom layer, where it is stored.

What is SmartFoam?

A sanitary towel, also known as a [pad](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/comfortable-pads-for-periods/ "Pad"), is a piece of absorbent material you place into the crotch of your knickers in order to absorb your menstrual fluid and protect your clothes when you have your period.

They have a sticky bottom that presses in your knickers to keep them in place while you go about your day. You’ll need to change your sanitary pad about once every 4 to 8 hours.

A039 - T01 - SUB01 - What is a sanitary towel?

Ask Always - Always Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2) sanitary pads

Ask Always

Always FlexProtect period pads lisiting page

Menstrual Cycle Infographic

Period Hub - Back to Period Hub page

ECPA02 - How Do You Work Out Your Period Cycle?

Work-out

When Will You Need It - NIGHT

A039 - T03 - How much blood does a sanitary pad hold?

How much blood does a sanitary pad hold?

A010 How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

A010-T03-Calculating your average menstrual cycle length

Calculating your average menstrual cycle length

Your menstrual cycle occurs each month when your reproductive system goes through numerous hormone-driven changes. During each cycle, an egg develops and is released from the ovaries. The lining of the uterus builds up to support a possible conception. If a pregnancy doesn’t occur, the uterine lining sheds during a menstrual period, and then the cycle starts again.
 
There are four parts, or phases, that repeat during each cycle, which unfolds over 21 to 35 days. Here’s what you need to know about each one, and the menstrual cycle problems that can accompany them.

A035 - T01 - What is the menstrual cycle?

What is the menstrual cycle?

The frequency with which you change your sanitary pad depends on your particular flow. The heavier your flow, the more often you should change your sanitary towel to reduce the risk of leaking. The lighter your flow, the less often you may need to change your sanitary towel. It is recommended to change your sanitary towel every four to eight hours.

How often should I change my Always Infinity FlexProtect sanitary towel?

PH00 - A012 Why Am I Bleeding Before My Period Is Due?

Bleeding between periods

Always Infinity FlexProtect sanitary towels come in three different sizes: Normal (Size 1), Long (Size 2), and Night (Size 3). Keep in mind that the longer the sanitary towel the better the coverage and protection. Check out our product recommender to find the best product for your need.

What sizes do Always Infinity FlexProtect sanitary towels come in?

Always Infinity was developed to provide women with another choice in feminine protection that may better fit their needs. Always Infinity is made with SmartFoam, a technology that absorbs 10x its weight,  yet you barely feel it. There are micro holes, form-fitting channels, and a unique wider-at-the-back shape to help provide women an intimate fit for effective protection. Always Infinity has the established and reliable wing design with a unique double-curve shape and stretched areas that allow the wing to follow the shape of underwear and its curvature during wearing. Additionally, there is a soft-top layer that helps the sanitary towel feel more like underwear.

How is Always Infinity FlexProtect with SmartFoam better than other Always sanitary pads?

Menstrual Cycle

## Menstrual cycle phases are an important part of your life. Find out what’s going on at each stage of your cycle so you know what to expect.

A010-T02-How to count the days in your menstrual cycle 

How to count the days in your menstrual cycle 

Always Platinum

Contour Flex to catch the fluid right at the source

A145 -  Why do you get cravings on your period?

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night (Size 3) sanitary pads

SIZE - 2

A064 Tampons vs. Pads

A012 Why Am I Bleeding Before My Period Is Due?

Always Infinity Night Secondary Image 1

MCBLA04 - Why Am I Bleeding Before My Period Is Due?

Micro holes/apertures are designed to provide more void surface area for the fluid to get into the SmartFoam core and help absorb gushes. The fluid that enters through the holes is captured and absorbed by the core on its way down. In addition, the form fitting channels flex to fit you and help follow the body’s movement, thus helping the Infinity sanitary towel achieve critical three-dimensional body fit.

How can Infinity FlexProtect work with all these holes?

Make sure you use the size best adapted to your shape and flow. For additional leakage protection, try a higher size and consider changing your sanitary towel more frequently. Sanitary towels with wings provide a closer fit to you knickers that not only helps keep the pad in place but also keeps it closer to your body’s shape further reducing the risk of leakage. Check out our product recommender to find the best product for your need.

How do I avoid leaks?

A089 Pamper Yourself During Your Periods

Period Hub - PH02 - Exercise or Chilling during periods?

Exercise or Chilling during periods?

With Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) period pads with wings, you may even forget you are wearing a pad so you can enjoy a good-night sleep.

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) period pads with wings

Exercise during menstruation – what to do and what to avoid?

Woman exercising during menstruation

 Always Ultra Secure Night Extra (Size 5) sanitary pads

Always Pads Ultra Night Heavy Flow

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra image 5

Getting ready for your first period? You may have heard talk about sanitary pads and using them during your period. But what is a sanitary pad, exactly?

What Is a Sanitary Pad?

Period Tracker

Track your period

Can You Swim on Your Period with a Pad?

Find your perfect fit - Comparison chart - PADS 

Absorption technology

Exceptionally soft

Fit to body

https://images.ctfassets.net/aqfuj2z95p5p/6N9jI9FvRcsO3noigmZZgJ/d432f209be5fe553ec4e923e3bef8124/Night_Icon.svg

Night pads available

Odour Neutralisation

Pad benefit

Thinness for discretion and comfort

Find your perfect fit

A009 How to Stop Heavy Periods?

How to Stop Heavy Periods

Dr Tariq Miskry

Sanitary pads are designed to be absorbent, holding a good amount of liquid. But how much blood does a sanitary pad actually hold? An average sanitary pad holds about 5 ml of blood, or just about a teaspoon.

That sounds like a tiny amount, doesn’t it? Consider, however, that on average you bleed just 10 to 30 ml of menstrual fluid during your period.

So absorbing 5 ml of blood is a pretty significant amount of the total menstrual fluid you bleed on average during your period.

Now that you know what a [sanitary towel](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/how-to-choose-the-right-sanitary-pad-size/ "Sanitary towel") is you can be sure to have some on hand for when your period comes.

A039 - T03 - SUB01 - How much blood does a sanitary pad hold?

Now, figuring out when your next period will come is easy as pie. Starting on the first day of your last period, just count out the average number of days between your periods (aka your average cycle length that you calculated) and that gives you the projected start date of your next period.

Voila! Now you know how to calculate your [cycle](/en-gb/period-tracker/ "Cycle"). Calculating your period isn’t an exact science but knowing how to calculate your menstrual cycle will give you a good approximation of when your period will come. 

Your period may not come regularly. In fact, when you first start menstruating, it’s totally normal for your period to be irregular. It may take up to a year or two for your body to get into a regular pattern so keep on tracking. 

Did all this make you a little cross-eyed? Don’t worry. You can use the [period calendar](/en-gb/period-tracker/) on this website. Knowing how to calculate your menstrual cycle is a big help for being prepared and confident around your period.

How to know when your next period is due

Ask Always - Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) period pads with wings

A012 Article Flash card first Image Bleeding between Periods

A012 Bleeding Between Periods

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A049-The-Hormones-During-Your-Menstrual-Cycle/00-The-hormones-during-your-menstrual-cycle.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A035-Your-Menstrual-Cycle-Phases/Your-Menstrual-Cycle-Phases.jpg

Red liquid is poured on pad that absorbs up to 30% more vs Always FlexProtect Size 1.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI03

Person pointing with a pen at June on a calendar.

How long is a menstrual cycle? 

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Always_EN_UK/Articles/A089-Pamper-Yourself-During-Your-Periods/Pamper-Yourself-During-Your-Periods.jpg

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Finger leaves an indentation in Always FlexProtect's SmartFoam that moulds to your body.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI05

A010 - How to calculate your menstrual cycle

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A039-What-Is-a-Sanitary-Towel/00-What-is-a-sanitary-towel.jpg

Always Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2) period pads with wings

04015400684480 C7N1

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Dr. Tariq Miskry image

Hands twist Always FlexProtect pad that is ultra flexible and follows your night moves.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI04

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A039-What-Is-a-Sanitary-Towel/04-How-to-use-a-sanitary-towel.jpg

Hands twist Always FlexProtect pad that is ultra flexible and follows your moves.

Always FlexProtect Fiona2 Day Size2 RBU UK SI03

Smiling woman holds Always FlexProtect pad that offers up to zero feel, zero leaks.

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What Is a Sanitary Towel?

01 What is a sanitary towel?

02 Are all sanitary towels the same?

03 How much blood does a sanitary pad hold?

04 How to use a sanitary towel?