Panty liner: Girls, feel comfortable in every steps, You have Panty liner to protect you.

Deepa Khanal
Swastha Naari
Published in
6 min readJan 1, 2021

Panty liner is one of the common and important feminine intimate hygiene product which is generally used to protect the underwear from vaginal discharge, light menstrual flow, prevent stains and maintain a dry, fresh, and clean feeling throughout the day. Panty liner is a thin, absorbent version of a pad worn in the gusset of underwear. It is also generally term as party-liner, panty liner or panty shield, vaginal cover. Panty liners are usually made up of absorbent materials that soak up the fluid discharge from the vagina. Panty liners are related to sanitary pads or napkin in their basic construction but they are usually different.

Types of Panty liners

Panty liners are found in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles and different portability options. Mainly panty liners are two types: disposable panty liner and reusable cloth panty liner.

  1. Disposable panty liners:

They are made up of sticky adhesive on the back of the pad so they can stay in place in the underwear. Some designs have wings that wrap around the underwear, offering additional stability.

2. Reusable cloth panty liners:

Reusable cloth panty liners are available in a range of different colors, sizes, materials, patterns, and absorbencies. These are made of cotton and can be washed regularly and reused for a few years. Reusable panty liners are secured with wrap-around wings snapped together at the ends.

Uses and its benefits of panty liners:

  1. To maintain good intimate hygiene:

Panty liners are mainly used to absorb everyday vaginal discharge. A panty liner helps to maintain a fresh and clean feeling throughout. Also, it’s advisable to change a panty liner every 3–5 hours.

2. To arrest urinary incontinence:

Urinary incontinence refers to the inability to control the urine passes through the urethra. Panty liners can come into good use against these leakages. They work as dry and light padding for light Urinary Incontinence.

3. For the Lighter Period Days:

Panty liners can also be used for lighter period days, such as the last days of the period or the ones leading up to it. They provide adequate protection without making feel uncomfortable and at the same time liners aren’t as heavy as pads.

4. With a tampon or a menstrual cup:

Tampons and menstrual cups are good for protecting against leakage of blood. However, there is an occasional risk of blood leaking. This can be prevented by combining them with a panty liner.

5. Absorb Postpartum Flow:

New mothers can use panty liners to manage the postpartum flow. Light Postpartum flow is common for a few weeks after giving birth.

6. Absorb post intercourse discharge:

Panty liners provide everyday protection from post-intercourse discharge. It helps keep moisture away and underwear clean.

7. For the puberty changes:

During puberty, spotting and unanticipated periods can be frequent so that having panty liners may be helpful. Also, panty liner can be useful to maintain and keep the underwear dry and free from stains. Panty liners can even fit into your wallet and be a huge lifesaver during unexpected periods.

Panty Liners Vs Sanitary Pads

  1. Panty liners are found smaller and thinner in size whereas sanitary pads are found and come in different shapes and thicker in size.
  2. Panty liners are designed to absorb vaginal discharge, light menstrual blood flow, and the sanitary pads are designed to absorb heavy menstrual flow during the time of period.
  3. Low levels of absorbency in panty liners and pads have a higher level of absorbency as compared with.
  4. Better not to use panty liners during sleep time but sanitary pads can be used during sleep time.
  5. Sanitary pads are specially designed to use only for the period times whereas panty liners are for any day.
  6. Sanitary pads can’t wear with a thong. Some panty liners are designed to fold around even the tiniest thong.
  7. Pantyliners are considered more flexible and comfortable than sanitary pads.

Steps in using Panty Liners

Step 1: At the very first step we should wash the hands before using a panty liner.

Step2: Then after we can peel off the adhesive strip along the center to expose the adhesive below and press them firmly into position.

Step3: Now securely place the panty liner, with the sticky side facing down, over the center of the panties and should be placed vertically and wrapped and secured around the gusset of the underwear. Just like pads, panty liners can be worn inside underwear and have an adhesive strip on the bottom to keep them in place.

Step4: Now wear panties as usual and after wearing the panty liner, wash the hands again.

Step5: A panty liner should be frequently changed if it becomes excessively moist and it is better to change in every 3–5 hours to avoid the risk of infection or bacterial growth.

Steps in removing Panty Liner

Step1: At first, Hold the front end of the panty liner and peel it off the center of the panties.

Step2: Then, Once the liner is out, wrap it in the wrapper and throw it in the bin.

Step3: At last we should wash hands with soap and rinse with water.

Potential Threats

  1. Wearing panty liners every day may increase the chances of contracting a vaginal yeast infection, especially encounter symptoms such as burning, itching, or thick discharge.
  2. Both synthetic-fiber underwear and regular use of panty liners with an impermeable layer block air circulation to the reproductive organs and don’t allow sweat to evaporate.

Contraindications

  1. Panty liners should not be worn during sleep so that it allows the skin to breathe properly and stay comfortable at night. If intended to use they should be changed before sleeping.
  2. It should be avoided during heavy periods. because Panty liners are designed for lighter flows and aren’t equipped to arrest heavy menstrual discharge so won’t be adequate protection.
  3. Avoid using scented or plastic panty liners as this can lead to intimate irritation, trigger itchiness, and discomfort whereas instead of it we can use unscented pantyliners of organic cotton to minimize chances of any infections, irritation or discomfort, and vaginal discharge and will feel much softer and breathable on the skin too.
  4. In case having sensitive skin, try to pick panty liners made only with natural extracts. They are gentle enough for daily use and won’t irritate the vagina.

Conclusion

As the name is given, panty liners are feminine care products designed that line the inside of the panties. For maintaining fresh and clean underwear all day, I guess panty liner may be the best option. Trending among the youngsters these days, panty liners are soft, absorbent, cloth-like material placed inside the panties to absorb the extra moisture or vaginal discharge and keep the area clean and dry. It is an ideal choice for total protection of leaks from vaginal discharge, light menstrual flow, urinary incontinence, light postpartum flow, and post-intercourse flow hygienically and safely. Panty liners can be considered to be more flexible and comfortable than pads. They are quite comfortable and easy to carry out. Panty liners shouldn’t be worn for longer than a day and switching them at nighttime. Wearing the panty liners daily as a habit can ruin feminine health gradually. Organic cotton panty liners are safer and less harmful versions.

References

Farage, M., Bramante, M., Otaka, Y., & Sobel, J. (2007). Do panty liners promote vulvovaginal candidiasis or urinary tract infections? A review of the scientific evidence. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 132(1), 8–19.

Giraldo, P. C., Amaral, R. L., Juliato, C., Eleutério, J., Brolazo, E., & Gonçalves, A. K. (2011).
The effect of “breathable” panty liners on the female lower genital tract. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 115(1), 61–64.

Pontes, A. C., Amaral, R. L., Giraldo, P. C., Beghini, J., Giraldo, H. P., & Cordeiro, E. S. (2014). A systematic review of the effect of daily panty liner use on the vulvovaginal environment. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 127(1), 1–5.

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