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Original poster

How often is it normal for sanitary towels to leak?

121 replies

SettingsO · 01/05/2022 15:12

I have a DD who uses sanitary towels. Personally, I have not used sanitary towels in over 30 years, so I’m struggling to remember what’s normal re frequency of leaks. My ex DH wants me to speak to her, as he thinks there must be something she can do about it. I will tell him that the leaks are normal, but I also wanted to check if the rates she experiences are normal.

I have name changed in case I decide to show him this thread, it’s not a first post due to being some kind of weird period troll Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
SettingsO · 01/05/2022 15:49

My parents never made a big deal of it, simply showed me how to soak knickers and sheets before the wash

yes, this is the approach I have been going for. I don’t want to make her self conscious. I think it’s good that she’s not particularly trying to hide her leaks - I would wash my pants in secret and dry them behind the radiator - so I was trying to avoid that kind of feeling of shame.

OP posts:
helpfulperson · 01/05/2022 15:49

I use night time ones all the time. Without wings because I hate them. There is a long end and a short end an I find I need the long end forward at night and backwards during the day. I guess what I'm saying is there should be no leaks but it takes experimentation to work out how best to achieve that. Oh and black jeans hide everything.

maddiemookins16mum · 01/05/2022 15:52

Wings are her friend and also ones that fit - I would imagine it’s not a one size fits all scenario. Plus regular changing as opposed to wearing them until they leak.

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Beauty
Jinglebellsoncake · 01/05/2022 15:52

I don’t think I have ever leaked from a pad.

I have leaked from a tampon, onto knickers, but it didn’t go through and show on my clothing.

DockOTheBay · 01/05/2022 16:05

Period pants might be a good investment. They give more coverage than pads and don't move around. She can use them on their own, or as a back up in case the pads leak.

ittakes2 · 01/05/2022 16:09

recommend modibody period pants can use a towel in them and won't leak

CarrieCookie · 01/05/2022 16:12

Definitely get her some period pants, honestly they are soooooo good.

YousirNames · 01/05/2022 16:12

Personally I prefer allways, they are more plasticy and scented but they are also more flexible and less prone to folding / bunching up (which can cause a leak)

Extra long with wings and changing every two hours lead to less leaking for me. The night time ones are also really good.

Svara · 01/05/2022 16:14

I haven't had one leak since just after giving birth and DS is 15. If they are leaking then they need changing more often or buy a higher absorbency. Even very cheap pads (like the 75p ones, maybe not the 'essentials' ones) are pretty good these days.

Whatwouldscullydo · 01/05/2022 16:15

Accidents happen but she shouldn't be leaking all the time.

Experiment with different brands sizes amd absorbancy. Make sure she has night time ones . Change them more often if need be.

Perhaps download an app and track them , you can record now heavy etc might help spot a pattern and be more prepared for it.

Invest in some.period pants for back up.

Set an alarm.at night if she's not waking to change

mummywithtwokidsplusdog · 01/05/2022 16:19

I have always leaked…. Period pants and big sanitary towels which are changed regularly definitely helps. It amazes me how light many woman/girls periods are! Sadly I appear to have passed my genes for heavy periods on to my DD.

Lightningrain · 01/05/2022 16:20

If she’s leaking often it might suggest the pads/underwear aren’t right or she’s not changing often enough.

I had terrible periods as a teen but it wasn’t very often that I’d leak during the day. It was usually nighttime.

I agree with PP’s who suggest period pants. She can wear them as backup with a pad which should stop leaks.

if she is suffering with heavy periods it might be worth a visit to the GP.

dottiedodah · 01/05/2022 16:22

I think leaks are quite normal .If she is a tall girl then maybe yes a longer type with wings may help? Everyones experience of periods is different as my GP said .My friend (in her 40s) has leaked on to her bed and needed a couple of sheets .Your DH is being a bit shitty about it .Modern Washing Bio liquids get stains out ,no big deal.

hepaticanobilis · 01/05/2022 16:23

If it's night time then period pants as a backup would definitely help.

Reusable pads have transformed my periods, as they are so much more comfortable and also available in a huge range of sizes, lengths and shapes. I recommend buying from small UK businesses that make them, as they tend to be cotton jersey topped and more comfortable than the cheap Chinese made ones that are all synthetic. Look at companies like TCS Eco and Lady Days.

Notaneffingcockerspaniel · 01/05/2022 16:23

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

Foolscrown · 01/05/2022 16:24

When I was a teenager I used to get leaks all the time. It’s hard when you have a heavy flow and you’re in school so you can’t change the pad whenever you want to. I didn’t find any of the brands stopped it happening, I just started using tampons and towels together but at night sometimes even that wasn’t enough! Think some people are just lucky enough to never have to get acquainted with the heavy duty products

KangarooKenny · 01/05/2022 16:24

Yes, get long night ones. And put one back and front if leaking at night is a problem.

carefullycourageous · 01/05/2022 16:28

The whole set up has to be correct - the pad, then the pants, then whatever else (some people wear cycling shorts) - a decent pad moving around all the time is pretty prone to leaks.

Is your DD bothered about what is happening?

TimeSlipMushroom · 01/05/2022 16:31

I have to wear a second pair of pants at night to keep the first one (which has a pad in) in the right place

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 01/05/2022 16:32

What's it got to do with him? How odd.

I always leaked if I use them , maybe period pants would be nice for her to try.

Whatwouldscullydo · 01/05/2022 16:34

What's it got to do with him? How odd

To be fair if she's there half the time it does affect him

What is odd though is that he didn't also think to help out the situation. He couod buy a selection of products, underwear, a mattress protector etc

It realky didn't need running by mum 🙄

rustycarpet · 01/05/2022 16:36

Period pants. This is a problem that's been solved. Modibodi and the best but there's cheaper alternatives our there

rustycarpet · 01/05/2022 16:37

Also reusable pads are more absorbent so if it's not the position of the pad and it's the flow I'd try them.

DumpedByText · 01/05/2022 16:37

How old is she? My DD is 14 and only started 6 months ago, she tried pads and hated them. She now uses Modibodi period pants, and swears by them. She uses the shorts and has never leaked. When she first started she used the teen pads and leaked loads with those, so maybe try adult sizes or get a trial pack of pants. I've bought a few different makes but found Modibodi to be the most reliable.

rustycarpet · 01/05/2022 16:38

I spent years using a tampon with towel to stop leaks. She shouldn't have to put up with leaks even with a heavy flow.