Hi Ladis! Have you ever been confused when choosing feminine hygiene products at the supermarket? Confused between pads and pantyliners? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many young women are still not familiar with the differences between these two products. You might have wondered, “What's the difference? Aren't they both for 'that'?”

The answer is definitely different! This article will help you understand the basic differences between pads and pantyliners. That way, you can choose the right product that suits your needs.

What are pads?

Pads are a must-have product when you enter puberty and experience menstruation. Menstruation is the decay of the uterine wall that occurs naturally every month. Well, sanitary napkins function to absorb menstrual blood so as not to contaminate your underwear and feminine area.

Pads come in various shapes, sizes, and absorbency levels. They are usually made of cotton or plastic material that is soft and comfortable on the skin. The thick center of the pad has a special coating to absorb liquid. They are also equipped with adhesive wings on the back to keep the pads attached to the underwear and not easily shifted.

What is Pantyliner?

Pantyliners are similar to pads at first glance, but they are much thinner and smaller. Pantyliners are usually used to absorb small amounts of fluid. This could be vaginal discharge, which is normal for teenage girls, or perhaps a small amount of blood discharge at the beginning or end of menstruation.

Pantyliner can also be a 'lifesaver' when you are worried about experiencing blood spots on 'unsafe' days before menstruation. In addition, pantyliners can also be used as an additional safety measure when you use tampons.

Differences between Pads and Pantyliners

Although both are feminine hygiene products, pads and pantyliners have some fundamental differences. Let's take a look!

1. Differences in Absorbency

This is the most important difference. Sanitary napkins have a much higher absorbency than pantyliners. Pads are specially designed to accommodate menstrual blood which usually comes out in larger quantities.

The middle layer of the pads usually contains special polymers that can absorb the liquid quickly and lock the liquid from returning to the surface. In contrast, pantyliners only have a thin absorbent layer, making them less effective at handling menstrual blood flow.

2. Size Difference

The next difference you can see from the size. Sanitary napkins are usually bigger and thicker than pantyliners. This is in accordance with its function to accommodate menstrual blood.

While pantyliners are much smaller and thinner. This makes pantyliners more comfortable for daily use as they don't interfere with your activities.

3. Shape Difference

Sanitary napkins are available in various shapes that you can choose according to the amount of menstrual blood and your body shape. Some common shapes of pads include regular (standard), long (long), and super long (very long).

Meanwhile, pantyliner usually has a simpler shape, such as oval or rectangular. Because of its simplicity, pantyliners usually have a fairly uniform size.

4. Difference in Function

Sanitary napkins have the main function of absorbing menstrual blood. The use of pantyliner is more flexible. Apart from being used when experiencing mild vaginal discharge, pantyliners can also be used when you are worried about experiencing blood spots around the menstrual period.

Pantyliners can also be a backup 'liner' when you use tampons and are worried about leakage. But keep in mind, pantyliners are not a substitute for pads during menstruation!

5. Price Difference

Price is usually a consideration when buying feminine hygiene products. Generally, sanitary napkins are sold at a higher price compared to pantyliners. This is due to the materials used and the level of technology. Sanitary napkins have more complex absorbent layers and thicker materials to maintain dryness and comfort during menstruation.

Both sanitary pads and pantyliners are essential products to keep young women's feminine area clean. By understanding the differences between the two, you can choose the right product according to your needs. In addition, don't forget to always maintain the cleanliness and health of your feminine area by bathing regularly, keeping the genital area dry, and using cotton underwear that absorbs sweat.