This Is What Happens If You Wear A Panty Liner Every Day
Much like a menstrual pad, a panty liner's main job is absorption. Both are placed on the inside lining of one's underwear, but unlike a menstrual pad, panty liners are less thick and designed to absorb natural day-to-day bodily discharge, such as vaginal discharge, discharge after intercourse, or light spotting (via NatraCare). For some, the use of a daily panty liner keeps them dry and comfortable.
Two common uses for panty liners are for light menstrual flow days, as well as for stress incontinence (SUI), according to NatraCare. Stress incontinence pertains to a lack of bladder control, particularly when induced by sudden movements, such as sneezing or laughing. A weakened urethra, particularly after childbirth, can increase the likelihood of leaks. For many, a panty liner serves as a safety net for any unexpected discharge.
But just like most sanitary products, they require frequent changes. Just how often should we be changing our panty liners, and are there any risks in wearing just one every day?
After how many hours should you change your panty liner?
As much as absorption is the goal, once absorbed, the moisture that's trapped within the panty liner has nowhere to go, which increases the chance for yeast infections (via Woman's World). According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, 3 out of every 4 women can expect to experience at least 1 vaginal yeast infection during their life. The level of discomfort of a yeast infection can vary, but because it is a fungal infection, it's most commonly experienced in the form of itching, burning, and thick vaginal discharge. The vaginal skin is sensitive, so the constant rubbing of the panty liner against the body can also cause irritation.
Even if worn every day, panty liners do not pose harm to our health, as long as proper hygiene is practiced. Therefore, it's important to always wash your hands before opening and applying the liner into underwear, according to NatraCare. Additionally, panty liners should not be worn for hours on end. As soon as it becomes overly wet, discard it and apply a fresh one. Otherwise, be sure to change panty liners roughly every 3-5 hours and always wear a fresh one before bed, if needed. Sleeping in the same panty liner for hours can foster bacteria growth and hinder air circulation.
Should you have any health concerns, be sure to consult with an OB/GYN or another medical professional.