%expand% %gdefine(pickone,'%arg(%rand(%num-args%))) %expires:(never) Josie Bays - May 2003

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That Most Feminine Item

Almost everyone is familiar with this very common item. Women use it for menstrual protection on a regular basis. Male-to-Female SRS (Sex Reassignment Surgery) post-ops will also use pads for at least six weeks after surgery for control of the normal bleeding and sloughing that occurs during the healing process. Most young girls probably receive instruction in pad use from their mothers, sisters, close relatives, or friends. But SRS post-ops and anyone who wants to ‘enjoy’ a total female experience will soon realize that there is a lot to learn. There is a wide variety of brands and sizes available.

Unless your feminine presentation is nearly perfect, you’ll want to avoid attracting attention by nervously standing in a store aisle reading packages. There’s always a chance that a store person will come over to offer their assistance, too. If you are in the male role, you may feel a little embarrassed being in a part of the store that guys normally do not visit. Excuses like, "I’m buying for my sister, (or wife, or girlfriend)", are somewhat lame. But since most sanitary pads have a self-adhesive side to adhere to undergarments, they do make excellent "sweatbands" to stick into your baseball cap. Using this for an excuse will avoid the questions the salesperson might ask as she assists you to "purchase the product that’s appropriate for your sister (or wife or girlfriend)".

Here’re the basics of pad selection. First, note that the term "maxi" is not a brand name but represents a pad type capable of maximum absorption. Pad names refer to absorption capacity. Therefore, super maxi-pads are used for heavy menstrual flow, regular and thin maxi-pads are used for moderate flow, ultra thin pads for a light flow, and mini maxi-pads for an even lighter flow. Shaped maxi-pads are available in all these sizes, too. Women with active lifestyles prefer shaped maxis since they fit the female body better and provide a more comfortable fit.

You’ll also see panty liners on the store shelf along with the pads. These are primarily used to control wetness and are sometimes worn as a back up for tampons.

Maxi-pads can also have ‘wings’ which is just another name for ‘flaps’. These are adhesive-backed extensions of material that ‘widen’ the pads absorption area and help secure it better by enabling it to wrap around the panty’s fabric in the between-the-legs area.

Now you know what every woman knows. But, you’ll still need to decide which pad is best for you. You’ll probably decide that maxi-pads with wings are the best choice since they provide the most protection. So, I’ll explain how to use these properly and once you master this type of pad, you’ll not have any problem with the others.

If you have had SRS recently, your risk of infection in the surgical area is extremely high. You must make every effort to eliminate the possibility of infection - especially at a time when you are the most vulnerable. You do not want to risk ANY source of infection. Keep this in mind – we use our hands to handle money all the time. Now imagine how many people have handled that dollar bill before you. You wouldn't drink from the same glass as a stranger without washing it first, would you? But we handle money and touch doorknobs all the time without a second thought! And, if you bite your fingernails, well, that goes without saying. I would suggest thoroughly washing your hands with anti-bacteriological hand soap even before you open the pads package. You can buy this soap in squeeze bottles at your local grocery store.

Once you have cleaned your hands, you are now ready to use your pad. Orient your panties as you will wear them. (If you are sitting, you can free your hands by positioning your panty over your bended knee.) Remove the paper backing on the adhesive side (not the 'wings' side) of the pad. Place it in the crotch area on the inside of your panties with the adhesive side against the fabric. Be sure to locate it such that when your panties are worn, the absorbent side will be in contact with where it needs to be. This will be forward of center on the fabric between the leg holes. Look at the other side of your panties and gently pull the panty material to smooth any wrinkles. Then press the pad firmly so the adhesive holds it in place. Now remove the paper liner covering the 'wings'. Fold each wing through the leg hole and bend it over against the fabric so the adhesive secures the pad in place. Congratulations, your panties are now ready to wear!

If you are recovering from recent SRS you will find that these will fill up fast. You may be using about a half-dozen or so a day so you’ll quickly learn the installation procedure. Remember to coat the surface of the pad that goes against your surgery with whatever healing ointment your surgeon recommends.

Finally, here are a couple of tips. Keep the wrapper from the pad you are using along with the spare pads you carry in your purse. You’ll find that most stalls in ladies rooms are likely to have a sanitary pad disposal box. When you change your pad, use your saved wrapper to wrap the used pad for disposal and place it in the box. Do not flush it. And, here’s another tip when using the ladies room - always carry extra tissues in your purse. You don't want to have a surprise when you need toilet paper and the stall is fresh out! It happens more than you think.

Now you are ready to experience one of the joys of womanhood. But you’ll soon discover what most women already know, that wearing a pad is not very comfortable at all! It will perform reasonably well for the function for which it is intended but you will be constantly reminded of its presence. However, should it be any consolation, it wasn’t that long ago that pads were bulky, non-adhesive designs held in place with fabric strings. By comparison, today’s pads embody advanced design with modern adhesives and highly absorbent/retentive materials. Unfortunately, the discomfort caused by wearing one has been greatly reduced but certainly not eliminated!

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