HOW TO USE A PAD/TAMPON/MENSTRUAL CUP/ PERIOD UNDERWEAR

How to Use A Pad!

(Appropriate for ages 10+)

Pads are sticky thin strips of plastic filled with absorbent material. You attach the top of the pad to your underwear. Most pads have “wings”, which are sticky straps on the side of a pad you can fasten so your pad is more secure! They are different types of pads depending on your flow.
1. You can buy a thin pad which tends to be less thick and may not have “wings” to secure your pad to your underwear.
2. A regular pad are the pads you typically see! They are a bit longer in length then the mini pad and are thicker.
3. A maxi/ super pad is the heaviest pad. It is longer in length than any of the pads and much bulkier.
As you start your period and start getting used to it, you will find which pad works the best for you.

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How to Use a Tampon

Tampons are sticks of cotton that you insert into your vagina to soak up the blood from your period. The end of them usually have a string so you can easily pull them out!
Like a menstrual pad, tampons have different sizes like light, regular, heavy, and super heavy depending on your flow.
How to Apply a Tampon:
1. Sit on your toilet with your knees wide apart.
2. Then, hold your tampon in one hand. Make sure the middle of the tampon applicator is in between your thumb and middle finger, and your index finger is on the end of tampon applicator (where you see the smaller tube)
3. With the tip of the tampon, open the labia (the folds of skin of the vagina) up and angle the tampon to your back. Make sure to keep the string hanging out! It's important to note that you insert it to your back as it may not go up smoothly otherwise.
4. When inserting the tampon, insert it as far as the middle of the applicator is. Then, once you feel like the tampon is properly and COMFORTABLY in, push your index finger that is on the smaller tube. Push it until it meets your thumb and middle finger.
5. Using your thumb and middle finger, pull the barrel of the tampon. Make sure to leave the string in so you can take the tampon out later!
6. Throw away the applicator. Make sure to change your tampon every 4-6 hours to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome (something that happens when you leave your tampon in too long)

How to Remove a Tampon

After 4-6 hours, sit over a toilet again and put your knees wide apart.
Grab the string of the tampon with two fingers and pull it out at the same angle you used to insert it. Make sure you’re relaxed when you remove it otherwise it may hurt!
Properly dispose of the tampon

How to Use a Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are rubber, silicone, or plastic cups (usually shaped like a bell or a bowl) that you insert in your vagina. In your vagine, the bell or bowl becomes a “cup” to collect blood. These are the most environmentally friendly form of menstrual sanitary products as they are reusable!
Sit on your toilet with your knees wide apart.
Tightly fold your menstrual cup and insert it at a backwards angle. Make sure you can see a tiny stem inserting out.
Make sure you feel comfortable and adjust if necessary!

How to Remove a Menstrual Cup

Sit on your toilet with your knees wide apart.
Pull the stem sticking out your vagina and then pinch the base of the menstrual cup you see to get the cup out!
For hygiene purposes, empty your cup, wash it with soap and water, dry it, and then re-use!

How to Use Period Underwear

Period underwear is just underwear with extra layers and absorbent material. You just use it like you would normal underwear! Depending on your flow, you can wear period underwear by itself or even with a pad, tampon, or menstrual cup for extra protection.