We all know the periodic protections that we use regularly such as tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups or period panties. One interlabial petal which you can also find under the name of interlabial towel, labia pad or, interlabial pad is a small washable sanitary napkin absorbent that is worn outside the vagina and held in place by the labia. Generally resembling a petal/leaf shape, hence its name interlabial petal, this washable and reusable hygienic protection is a cross between a tampon and a sanitary napkin. The labia pads offer a way to absorb the menstrual flow closer to the vagina, which can help reduce leaks related to the use of tampons while being healthier. These labia pads are not very absorbent and are usually used with another periodic protection.
What is an Interlabial Petal?
Like the reusable pads, the interlabial petals are sewn into fabric, knitted or crocheted from absorbent materials. The labia pad is simply a rectangle of absorbent fabric that we roll or fold to use it. This small sanitary napkin, in the shape of a petal, is inserted directly between your lips. They are usually made of breathable and absorbent fabrics like cotton and can contain approx. 2 to 5 ml of liquid. Labia pads can also prevent infections resulting from excess moisture. So you might have less urinary tract infections and the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is significantly less.
The interlabial petals can be used to be protected at night or in case of heavy flow in addition to a tampon. They help prevent blood from rising between the buttocks. They can be used instead of a tampon or other type of protection or come in addition to one of them. The lip pad must be removed to urinate, ensuring that they do not fall into the toilet. As they are absorbent, they can dry out the skin if the blood flow is poor and if they are worn too long. However, they can be moistened with water to make them less drying.
Why Use A Labia Pad?
There are a number of reasons you might use a labia pad or interlabial petal:
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Redirect Your Menstrual Flow
Interlabial pads can help direct menstrual flow to prevent it from coming up through the lips or buttocks. When placed between the labia, above the vaginal opening, the menstrual flow is slowed down and stopped before it has a chance to sink. It is one of main advantages interlabial petals.
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Slow Down Your Menstrual Flow
Labia pads are also useful for slow down the menstrual flow. When your flow tends to gush instead of run, the pad can slow down the flow, giving your sanitary napkin more time to absorb it. For women with a abundant flow, this will prevent your pad from leaking around the sides because your flow will not have been absorbed by the sanitary napkin fast enough.
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Additional Periodic Protection
Le interlabial petal provides an additional level of protection as it absorbs approximately 2 to 5 ml of menstrual fluid. You can use them at the same time as a tampon, a menstrual cup or a period panties. If you use a menstrual cup or tampon and are concerned about leaks, you can use the interlabial petal as emergency solution instead of a panty liner for example
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Minimize Vaginal Discharge
Like the lip pad can be used instead of a panty liner, you can use them to protect yourself against vaginal discharge.
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Useful For Mild Urinary Incontinence
If you suffer from a mild incontinence due to pregnancy, coughing, sneezing or laughing (stress incontinence), an interlabial pad can absorb small amounts of leaks.
How To Use And Care For Interlabial Petals?
The use of these protections is not so different from that of period panties. Before using your interlabial pads, you will need to wash them several times. Indeed, made of cotton, they must be washed to reach their maximum level of absorption. They should reach their optimal absorbency after about 5 washes. It helps to wash them in a mesh laundry bag so they don't get damaged in your machine.
To use the labia pad, it must be folded and then placed between the lips at the level of the vaginal opening. If you use them to protect yourself from light incontinence, you must make sure to cover your urethra. There are several ways to bend an interlabial petal and you can experiment with different folds to find the one that works best for you. The most common is to fold the labia pad in half lengthwise.
It is recommended to change your labia pad when it is in use. maximum capacity or every 4 to 6 hours. When you are finished, place your labia pad in a waterproof waterproof pouch to store it while you get home or wash your protections directly with your laundry. As for the cloth napkins, it is advisable to rinse the lip pad until the water runs clear before putting them in the washing machine. If you want avoid blood stains, you must thoroughly rinse your interlabial petals in cold water soon after use.
Are Interlabial Petals Right For Your Flow?
The interlabial hygienic petals are not the most popular form of period protection. However, these lip pad are an excellent, inexpensive alternative to fabric panty liners and provide additional protection for those who want a slightly greater absorption capacity.
Number of lip pad you will need will depend on your feed and what you will be using it for. About ten of interlabial petals will last you about three days without washing out when you use them during your period. If you use them for White discharge or for a light incontinence occasional, you can get away with using about two a day. Otherwise, you can always opt for a Period Panties from our wide choice of models with multiple absorption capacities for adapt to the flow and the morphology of any women.
