Tag: Menstruation
Menstrual Cup Sizes
A menstrual cup is a kind of barrier that is shaped like a cup and is used within the vagina when having menstruation. The purpose of the cup is to collect the menstrual fluid not like the pads and tampons that absorb the fluid. There are various sizes of menstrual cups available on the market today depending on the brand name of the product. Continue Reading »
Sanitary Napkins Dimensions
A sanitary napkin is also called by other names like menstrual 
pad, Maxi pad and sanitary pad. It is primarily made from super absorbent material designed to absorb blood flow from the vagina. Although originally intended to stop menstruation, this material can also be used by women who are recovering from abortion, post-birth bleeding as well as vaginal surgery. Aside from these interesting facts, there are other important things to learn about it including the different dimensions of sanitary napkins.
The Dimensions of Sanitary Napkins
On the average, the length of a sanitary napkin is close to 245 millimeters or 9.65 inches. In terms of width, the average is approximately 160 millimeters or 6.30 inches. The thickness also varies, but is more likely close to 3 millimeters or 0.12 inch. Some pads may be bigger or smaller than this, but they are definitely not far from these measurements.
Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details
The main purpose of a sanitary napkin is to absorb the menstrual flow of a woman during her period. It is placed somewhere between the undergarment and the vulva. Because this is worn externally is the primary reason it's different from a tampon, which is actually worn internally. Some of the top brands offering high quality sanitary napkins include Stayfree, Always and Kotex.
There are two main types of sanitary napkins, namely the reusable and the disposable version. A cloth menstrual pad is reusable because it can be washed after use without breaking. The common materials used to make this kind of sanitary napkin are hemp and cotton flannel. On the other hand, disposable menstrual pads are available in different kinds.
For instance, the purpose of a panty liner is to absorb light menstrual flow and daily vaginal discharge. Likewise, it is also best for slight urinary incontinence as well as spotting. Furthermore, it can also be used as a backup for a tampon. Meanwhile, the ultra-thin version is designed to offer more comfort without compromising its efficiency. It is known for its compact and lightweight design that can work well just like a Maxi/Super or any regular menstrual pad.
A middle-range menstrual pad is often referred to as regular, while a bigger absorbency pad is called a Maxi/Super. It is appropriate to use the latter right at the beginning of the menstrual cycle because that point is marked by heavy menstruation. The night pad is perfect for overnight use because it offers better protection when lying down. To help absorb bleeding after childbirth, the use of a maternity pad is highly recommended.
Tampon Size Chart
A mass of rayon or cotton that is used by women during 
menstruation, a tampon is expandable to a certain limit. This medical device has various sizes. The sizes of the device depend on the packaging as well as the absorbency rating. The sizes of tampons also vary on the place where the devices were manufactured. For instance, the sizes of the devices manufactured in the U.S. are not the same with those that are manufactured in Great Britain. Most manufacturers of the device are found in these countries, so the common tampon size charts only feature U.S. and Britain’s standard sizes.
The Sizes of Tampons
Included in most tampon size charts are the sizes of the devices manufactured in the two countries. The medical devices that are manufactured in the U.S. have five sizes, namely the junior absorbency, the regular absorbency, the super absorbency, the super plus absorbency and the ultra absorbency. The junior absorbency size has an absorbency rating of below 6 grams while the rating of regular absorbency is 6 to 9 grams. The super absorbency has 9 to 12 grams rating and the rating of super plus is 12 to 15 grams. Ultra absorbent tampons have a rating of 15 to 18 grams.
The sizes of tampons manufactured in Great Britain are the light, regular, super, super plus and super plus extra. The absorbency rating of the tampons made in this country are the same with the absorbency rating of the devices made in the U.S.
Additional Information and Other Important Details
One of the benefits from using the medical device is that the odor is limited because it is not exposed to air. It is also useful for athletes since it offers freedom and discretion, which allow women to perform various activities like running as well as swimming.
Toxic shock syndrome is one of the risks associated with the improper use of the device. Some of the symptoms of this illness include body temperature higher than 38.9 degrees Celsius as well as rashes in the soles and palms. The symptoms in severe cases include renal failure, diarrhea, vomiting, hepatic inflammation and thrombocytopenia.
To prevent the development of this medical condition, women are advised to change their tampons every four hours. It is also necessary to follow the instructions for the proper and safe insertion of tampons. Moreover, it is advantageous to alternate the use of tampons and pads. Finally, do not use tampons at night or while sleeping.
Tampon Sizes
The tampon sizes are based on their absorbency rating. 
The following sizes are used in the United States and the UK. But these measurements are also followed in other countries.
US Tampon Types and Sizes
In the United States, there are five sizes available. The first is the junior absorbency tampon, which comes with an absorbency rating of under 6 grams. The regular absorbency rating is between 6 to 9 grams.
A tampon with a super absorbency has a rating of 9 to 12 grams. The super plus has a rating of 12 to 15 grams. The highest rating is ultra absorbent. The ultra absorbent rating is from 15 to 18 grams.
The absorbency rating determines the amount of fluid that may be absorbed.
UK Tampon Sizes and Types
In the United Kingdom, the tampons are sold as light, regular and super. The super has two variants: the super plus and the super plus extra. The absorbency rating used in Great Britain is the same as that in the United States.
The Major Tampon Types Available in the US
There are many kinds available but the most common materials used are rayon, cotton or a mixture of the two. In the US, the most common are the cardboard, plastic, extendable and digital. The cardboard is the least expensive and simplest applicator.
The plastic applicator is more costly than the cardboard. However, this tampon size is favored by many women because it is easier to use and fits better.
There is also the extendable applicator. This variant is still new. In terms of size it is smaller than the regular tampon or applicator.
One of the benefits of using this tampon is it is discrete. To use, you just pull out the small tube. The digital tampon does not come with an applicator. This tampon is used by pushing it in manually.
Potential Risks
Many women find the tampon much easier to use than towels and napkins. But there are some females who find it uncomfortable. There is also research indicating that its usage may increase the risk of Toxic Shock syndrome (TSS). Studies show that the chances of acquiring are slim, though (1 to 100,000).
Safety Precautions
Nevertheless, to avoid potential problems, the following should be kept in mind. First, use the smallest tampon; that is, the tampon with the lowest absorbency you require. Second, you should change the tampon every 4 to 8 hours.
Third, the tampon must not be used overnight when you go to sleep. To avoid infection, the device must be kept in a clean location. The hands must be washed before and after handling the tampon.
If you experience irritation, try another variant. Finally, you should always follow the instructions for using it properly. Improper installation of tampons can cause problems too.
Given all these facts, it is crucial that you pay attention to the tampon size you use. Unless the right one is applied, you can suffer from irritation. But using the simple guidelines above, this problem can be avoided.
