Are Panty Liners Harmful or Beneficial?

Daily use of panty liners for hygiene reasons has become more common for women. They may keep underwear fresh and dry, but do they do more harm than good? Even though they make you feel cleaner and more confident, what’s the real story behind this product?

Are panty liners a friend or foe when it comes to female health? In this article, we explore the pros and cons and we’ll clear up any misconceptions you might have about whether or not to use panty liners. Even better, we’ll give you sound advice on how to keep you healthy and free from infection down there.

It seems that every day, there’s a new launch: this one has wings or that one is created to fit the trendiest knickers du jour. But what’s the truth? Let’s dig deep and find out if these liners are as beneficial as the advertisements tell us they are.

In order to keep your nether regions healthy, there are certain hygiene requirements. You don’t want to experience the discomfort of burning or irritation. These afflictions can interfere with your daily routine. They can negatively affect your self-esteem and even impose upon your intimate relationship.

If you don’t feel ready to stop frequently using panty liners, perhaps you’ll implement some of the following tips that can help you avoid their harmful side effects.

Tips for healthy genitals

You’re unique. Not all women are the same. Some of us will react differently to substances in our environment, so you might benefit from something that could harm your best friend. This can, of course, be said of sanitary liners.

Generally, it’s safe to assume that:

• It’s better if they are breathable. Ensure that you’re buying those without a plastic covering, so they’ll be more porous. A well-ventilated genital region is going to retain less moisture and protect you from infection.
• You should change them frequently – every 4 to 6 hours at the absolute maximum.
• It’s of paramount importance to properly wash your hands before and after using the toilet and before handling sanitary pads.

Other tips to prevent infection

• Don’t completely wax or shave your pubic region. Pubic hair protects the area!
• Be vigilant about hygiene – especially during menstruation.
• Avoid using hand soaps to wash your genitals. They can be harsh and alter the pH of the vagina. Mild, neutral soaps or soaps that are specifically formulated for use in this area are much safer. In fact, plain water is better.
• Forego pants that are made from synthetic materials in favour of natural fabrics. Cotton, for instance, allows for proper ventilation.
• Avoid wearing tight trousers, stockings or leggings for extended periods of time.  They raise body temperature and increase moisture around the genitals. Opportunistic germs thrive in this sort of an environment.
• Wear clothing made from natural fibres rather than synthetic material.
• Always sleep in clothing that fits loosely and allows you to move.
• Get up and move about! As far as is possible, don’t sit down for long periods.
• Forget about intimate deodorants. Fragrances only disguise odours and often cause irritation.
• Keep your genitals as dry as possible.

Factors that encourage infections

The frequency with which you experience infections can be exacerbated by prolonged use of antibiotics, pregnancy and diabetes (to name but a few). If you are someone to whom any of these categories applies, you should be cautious and try to mitigate negative effects upon your hygiene.

If you have any of these symptoms, be wary

• An increase in the consistency or amount of vaginal discharge
• Colour changes in secretions
• Unpleasant odours
• Burning sensations or pain when urinating
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

Don’t self-medicate

Whether through fear or shame, many women will not see a GP or go to their local family planning centre for a check-up. In the interim, the factors that are contributing to any infection grow stronger and become more persistent so that it’s difficult to get rid of them.

If you suspect that you have a vaginal infection, avoid second-guessing. See your GP so that you can be diagnosed early and cured more quickly. When you try to take responsibility for curing yourself, it’s likely that you’ll end up with a more painful and prolonged infection.

It’s imperative that your GP chooses the right course of action and prescribes the medication that suits your particular situation. If you are suffering from a symptom or symptoms that you suspect may be a vaginal infection, immediately stop using panty liners.

A poorly treated or misdiagnosed vaginal infection can lead to problems in the urinary tract and these can be severe. They can also pose a real danger to your health.

Experts agree that infections are common and most women have suffered or will suffer from them at some time or another. Don’t be alarmed or ashamed if you think that you might have developed one. In the meantime, isn’t it better to do what you can to prevent them rather than tempt fate?