In the early years, the guidance of an older female relative is the deciding factor in choosing to use a pad or a cloth during your period. As you grow older, you need to be aware if the choice you're making is safe and healthy for you.
The major question every woman, especially in India, asks themselves is whether they should use sanitary pad or cloth? This might seem silly or even a very obvious choice but there are over 70% women in India who continue to use cloth - washing and reusing the pieces through their cycle.
Here's a table comparing the two. The benefits of sanitary pad far outweigh those of cloth.
| Sanitary Pads | Cloth |
|---|---|
| It is easy to wear and handle | It is difficult to keep the cloth in the right position |
| Pad provides freedom of movement | As cloth is not made to stick to the underwear, it tends to fall off Movements are therefore restricted. |
| Pads are made of good quality, absorbent material | Absorbency of cloth depends on the thickness of the cloth. If te cloth is very thick, it becomes more absorbent bit it feels brutky and causes |
| it is odorless | Usage of cloths for long periods of time leads to odor |
| There is no need to wash pads.They are of use and throw material | cloth has to be properly washed and dried in th sun for regular use and to maintain proper hygien levels |
| No need to be concerned about availability of washing facilities | to wash the prieces of cloth availability of water, soap and washing area is necessary |