Biodegradable Sanitary Pads Myths debunked for Gen Z in 2023

Young people want alternatives to sanitary pads and tampons as they are more open toward sustainable products and menstrual Hygiene. However, out of 200 million menstruating women in India, 80% use sanitary pads (disposable and cloth) and most metro cities are also seeing an uptrend in the use of menstrual cups. 

Besides, a recent study revealed that 71% of Indian adolescent girls are unaware about menstruation and menstrual hygiene until the first time they get their period. 

Campaigners opine that parents of tween children rarely talk about periods that are bound to happen and this unpreparedness leads to anxiety and fear. 

With a surge in social media, women have started talking about their personal experiences about menstruation and menstrual products. 

Here are some common myths debunked about disposable sanitary pads for a healthy menstruation makeover in 2023

Myth 1:

Eco-friendly disposable Sanitary pads are safe for the earth

Fact

This is a huge myth that gen Z's get carried away with. The word eco-friendly is quite deceiving when it comes to the disposal of sanitary pads. Most disposable Sanitary pads that are sold as biodegradable or eco-friendly are not safe for the earth when it enters the soil. The reason is that any cotton that comes into contact with blood is toxic waste that must be burnt. When a used disposal pad enters the soil, it is toxic to the environment and therefore must be burnt in incinerators. Now you know what Eco-friendly or biodegradable sanitary pads really mean to the earth unless you use cloth pads that are washed and sanitised properly. 

Myth 2: Pads need to be changed every 4 hours

Fact: Most young girls and working women have missed out schools, events and opportunities during their periods as they have to use the public washroom during those days for changing their pads at regular intervals. 

Not all sanitary pads have the same absorbency. When the absorbency of a pad is less, the pad gets damp faster. This requires frequent change of pads.  However, Honestpad breaks this huge myth. Honestpad, a.k.a. 8 hour pad, is designed with a unique bamboo charcoal chip that keeps you dry for eight hours and has 5X higher absorbency than regular disposable pads.  You shall change once in 8 to 10 hours and do fine! 

Myth 3: Sanitary pads are made of 100% cotton

Fact: Given the generation of plastic free products, the next generation and e-commerce is moving towards Marketing cotton based pads as a unique feature. Hence, it's easier to believe that all disposable Sanitary pads that mention cotton on it are made up of 100% cotton. 

However, no pad can be made with 100% cotton. A traditional pad is made of 3 layers: the topsheet (cotton), pad filling(wood pulp) and the backsheet(water-repulsive material). There are certain pads with the top sheet made of 100% cotton, while others use a mix of plastic and other materials.

Honestpad, is the only 8 hour pad made with 100% cotton at the top layer to keep your skin soft and rash-free! 

Myth 4: Sanitary pads cannot expire. 

Fact: Expiry date is the last thing that a woman checks for while purchasing a sanitary pack. Sanitary pads do have expiry dates. All disposable sanitary pads expire 3 years from the manufacture. Store them in a cool and dry place, outside of your bathroom or shower because sanitary pads tend to absorb steam and moisture from your shower. 

Bottom line, 

Disposable sanitary pads are your best option if you want to avoid infections or toxic syndrome that can occur with reusable sanitary products as a result of poor menstrual hygiene, if you are in menarche, if you are afraid to insert cups or tampons, or are otherwise seeking safe solutions for feminine hygiene.

Be sure to choose the right pad that suits your body, your lifestyle and menstrual flow. 

Honestpad is India's first non-toxic pad that aims to make the lives of young girls and working women better by embracing their freedom from leaks. 

Making menstrual hygiene and products accessible for all!