How To Change A Sanitary Pad: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Change a Sanitary Pad PDF download Download Article Learn how to hygienically change a sanitary pad step by step Co-authored by Kayla Tschumper

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved

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  • Removing Used Pads
    • |
  • Using Fresh Pads
    • |
  • Video
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Kayla Tschumper. Kayla Tschumper is a DONA-trained birth doula and assistant midwife based in Rochester, Minnesota. Prior to getting into birth work, Kayla was a pediatrics nurse for nearly 10 years and now is the founder of My Birth Choices, a business providing birth education and doula services. Through My Birth Choices, she partners with families to achieve a peaceful and powerful birth. Families served by Kayla’s clients have offered 5 star reviews of her services on Google and other online testimonial sources. She is Gilligan's Guide trained and has supported births at Mayo Clinic, Olmstead Medical Center, and in homes across Southeast Minnesota. As a mom of three herself, she is passionate about providing tools to mothers-to-be that promote a peaceful and powerful birthing experience. She received a BS in Nursing from Winona State University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 86% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 247,307 times.

If you're new to getting your period and don't feel certain about what you're doing, or are worried about getting blood all over your hands, don't worry - it's not a difficult process. While anything that's new can seem scary, changing a sanitary pad (often just referred to as "pads") is a quick, simple task that doesn't require stressing or worrying. You'll learn how to do it quickly enough.

Things You Should Know

  • Wash your hands so they're clean.
  • Grab a clean edge of the old pad and peel it off your underwear. Roll it up with the soiled part on the inside and toss it in the trash.
  • Remove the paper strip on the back of a new pad.
  • Press the new pad glue-side down into the middle of your underwear so it's centered.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Removing Used Pads

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  1. Step 1 Bring a fresh pad to the bathroom. 1 Bring a fresh pad to the bathroom. The bathroom will provide plenty of privacy, plus a hand-washing sink and toilet paper should you need it. You can change in another private place (like your bedroom), but the bathroom is the most convenient.[1]
    • Wash your hands before you change the pad. You want your hands to be clean when you handle the new pad.
    • You should change your pad every three to four hours unless your period is heavy. In that case, you should change your pad more frequently.
    • Your pad can begin to smell if you don't change it promptly. A heavily saturated pad that is worn too long can also cause chaffing or a rash, and the build up of bacteria can potentially cause an infection.
  2. Step 2 Pull down your pants or skirt and your underwear and sit or squat over the toilet. 2 Pull down your pants or skirt and your underwear and sit or squat over the toilet. Menstrual fluid may continue to flow out of your body while you're changing your pad, and allowing it to fall into the toilet will keep you and your clothing clean.
    • Make sure your underwear and pants aren't touching the outside of the toilet when you pull them down around your legs.
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  3. Step 3 Remove the pad by gripping a clean edge between your fingers and peeling it off your underwear. 3 Remove the pad by gripping a clean edge between your fingers and peeling it off your underwear. If your pad has wings, you'll want to pull those off first. It's easiest to grab the front or back edge of the pad and simply pull it--it should separate from your underwear easily.
  4. Step 4 Roll the pad so that the adhesive side is on the outside and the soiled part is on the inside. 4 Roll the pad so that the adhesive side is on the outside and the soiled part is on the inside. The adhesive should cause the pad to stick to itself so that it will stay rolled up. Roll it up the way you might roll up a sleeping bag, but not tightly! You don't want to squeeze out any blood.[2]
  5. Step 5 Unwrap the new pad and use the wrapper to hold your old pad. 5 Unwrap the new pad and use the wrapper to hold your old pad. This reduces waste and is a great way to wrap up your old pad. You can also wrap your old pad in toilet paper. This should keep it from unrolling and is also a courtesy to whoever empties the trash or enters the bathroom after you.[3]
  6. Step 6 Throw out your pad in the trash--never, ever flush it down the toilet. 6 Throw out your pad in the trash--never, ever flush it down the toilet. Pads don't break down like toilet paper, and they are too thick and absorbent to flush down the toilet. If you flush a pad, chances are very high you will clog your plumbing and have a big, expensive, and embarrassing mess on your hands.[4]
    • If there is not a trash receptacle in the bathroom stall (there is usually a little bin on the floor or built into the side of the wall, just bring the pad out with you and throw it out as soon as possible. There's probably a trash can in the bathroom by the sink.
    • If you have pets at home, make sure you always throw out your pad in a garbage can with a lid. Animals can be attracted to the smell and might take your pad out of an open trash can. They may rip it up and cause a mess, or they may consume parts of the pad, which can endanger their lives.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Using Fresh Pads

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  1. Step 1 Make sure you're using the right pad. 1 Make sure you're using the right pad. There are many different types of pads available for women to use. The amount of blood on your soiled pad should give you an indication of your flow--is it heavy, regular, or light? Also, consider what you are about to do. Are you about to go to bed? Are you going to be sitting in class or playing basketball? Some pads accommodate all of these things.[5]
    • Use an overnight pad if you are going to sleep. They have maximum absorbency and are often extra long to prevent leaking if you sleep on your back.
    • Pads with wings will give you more security--they will keep your pad in place and are especially great if you plan to do something active.
    • If you are near the end of your period, and you have a very light flow, consider pantyliners, which are very slim and protect your underwear from spotting.
  2. Step 2 Remove the paper strip on the back of the pad. 2 Remove the paper strip on the back of the pad. This will expose the sticky side of the pad that will stick to your underwear. If your pad has wings, wait to remove the paper until you have placed the pad in your underwear.
  3. Step 3 Press the pad into the middle of your underwear, making sure it is centered, and the glue is stuck firmly to the fabric. 3 Press the pad into the middle of your underwear, making sure it is centered, and the glue is stuck firmly to the fabric. In general, you don't want your pad to be too far forward or back in your underwear. The center of the pad should be in line with your vaginal opening. The shape of the pad should give you an idea of how it should fit onto your panties.[6]
    • If your pad has wings, remove the paper to expose the adhesive glue and wrap them around the fabric of your underwear.
    • If you are sitting or laying on your back, you may want to slide the pad backward slightly, toward your butt.
    • You may have a few leaks at first, but as you get more used to wearing pads and your period, you will have a better idea of the best placement.
  4. Step 4 Stand up, pull up your pants, and check the fit. 4 Stand up, pull up your pants, and check the fit. Make sure you feel comfortable and that the pad isn't too far forward or back. If it feels uncomfortable, you might want to refasten the pad or try again with a new one.
    • Before you pull up your pants, you probably want to wipe with toilet paper or a baby wipe so feel fresh and clean.
  5. Step 5 Wash your hands before leaving the bathroom. 5 Wash your hands before leaving the bathroom. You may have come into contact with bacteria while changing your pad or wiping, so make sure you wash your hands with soap and hot water afterwards.
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References

  1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/pads-tampons.html
  2. ↑ https://www.always.co.uk/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-women/your-first-period/how-to-dispose-sanitary-pads
  3. ↑ https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/girls/sanitary-dispose
  4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/pads-tampons.html
  5. ↑ http://www.period.media/bodymind/how-to-pick-sanitary-pads/
  6. ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups

About This Article

Kayla Tschumper Co-authored by: Kayla Tschumper Certified Birth Doula This article was co-authored by Kayla Tschumper. Kayla Tschumper is a DONA-trained birth doula and assistant midwife based in Rochester, Minnesota. Prior to getting into birth work, Kayla was a pediatrics nurse for nearly 10 years and now is the founder of My Birth Choices, a business providing birth education and doula services. Through My Birth Choices, she partners with families to achieve a peaceful and powerful birth. Families served by Kayla’s clients have offered 5 star reviews of her services on Google and other online testimonial sources. She is Gilligan's Guide trained and has supported births at Mayo Clinic, Olmstead Medical Center, and in homes across Southeast Minnesota. As a mom of three herself, she is passionate about providing tools to mothers-to-be that promote a peaceful and powerful birthing experience. She received a BS in Nursing from Winona State University. This article has been viewed 247,307 times. 378 votes - 86% Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 247,307 Categories: Feminine Hygiene Products Article SummaryX

If you’ve recently gotten your period, you may feel a little nervous about how to change your sanitary pad. Luckily, it’s a quick and easy process that you’ll get the hang of in no time. Before changing your pad, wash your hands so they’re clean when you touch the new pad. Remove the old pad by grabbing a clean edge and peeling it off your underwear. Roll the pad so the adhesive side is on the outside and wrap it in toilet paper or the wrapper from the new pad before tossing it in the bathroom garbage. Then, pull off the paper strip on the back of the pad and press the sticky side onto the middle of your underwear. If your pad has wings, remove the paper over the adhesive strips on the sides of the pad and wrap them around the fabric of your underwear. Make sure the pad is centered and comfortable in your underwear before leaving the bathroom so you can make any small adjustments if needed. Plan to change your pad every 3 to 4 hours unless your flow is quite heavy or very light. To learn how to pick the right kind of pad, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kayla Tschumper Co-authored by: Kayla Tschumper Certified Birth Doula Co-authors: 28 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 247,307 86% of readers found this article helpful. 378 votes - 86% Click a star to add your vote Brishna Ghafoor

Brishna Ghafoor

Mar 22, 2020

"I am young and I didnt know how to tell my parents. And this helped me to get the courage when my mom wasnt there...." more Aminath Yania

Aminath Yania

Dec 15, 2016

"This article has helped a lot, I'd appreciate it if you make more articles like this. It has all of the..." more J. D.

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"I used these directions with a special needs student. The pictures were great and easy to understand." Roxanne Railton

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"Thanks a lot for telling me how to do it the proper way." Rachel Hester

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