A health specialist has advised girls and women to rethink how they manage their menstrual hygiene, warning that waiting until a sanitary pad is completely filled before changing it may not be the best approach.
Speaking on Joy Prime, Dr. Vanessa Apea, Chief Executive Officer of Accra London Health Centre, said many women judge when to replace their pads based on appearance rather than time. According to her, this habit can lead to discomfort and other hygiene-related concerns.
“Often, a lot of girls wait until the sanitary pad is fully soaked before they change it,” she said.
Dr. Apea encouraged women to make pad-changing a routine based on time intervals instead. “One thing I always say about pads is: focus on the clock, not how it looks. Ideally, if you’re using a disposable pad, you should be changing it every four to six hours.”
She explained that replacing pads regularly can help maintain cleanliness, reduce unpleasant odours, and prevent irritation caused by prolonged exposure to menstrual blood.
The medical expert further noted that menstrual hygiene extends beyond physical health, as it can also influence confidence, productivity, and participation in daily activities. Poor menstrual care, she said, may affect how girls perform in school and how women feel in professional and social settings.
Emphasising the importance of awareness and education, Dr. Apea urged women to adopt healthier menstrual habits and pay closer attention to their overall wellbeing. Summing up her advice, she reminded women to “Watch the clock, not the look,” stressing that proper timing is key to effective menstrual hygiene.