Is it Bad to Wear a Pad When I'm Not on My Period?

Whilst it’s not necessarily bad to wear a pad when you’re not on your period, wearing pads while you aren't on your period could create unnecessary irritation or infection.

In this article, we’ll explore why people wear pads daily, the risks involved, and healthier, more sustainable alternatives that could better suit your needs.

Why You Might Wear a Pad When Not On

Lots of people do wear a pad or liner daily. Here are some reasons why people choose to wear pads when they’re not on their period:

Light Bladder Leaks

Small urinary leaks can happen due to stress incontinence, sneezing, laughing, or physical activity.

Vaginal Discharge

Daily discharge is natural and often prompts people to wear pads to feel dry and fresh.

Staying Fresh

Some people use pads for peace of mind or to manage odour, particularly during busy or long days.

Erratic periods

Many women have erratic periods which can be problematic. Not knowing when your period may arrive means that you could be left unprepared and leaking onto your clothes. Wearing a pad 'just in case' lessens this risk.

Why You Shouldn't Wear a Pad When Not On

While wearing pads daily might feel like a convenient solution, it’s important to consider the following risks:

Risk of Irritation or Infection

Skin Irritation

Wearing plastic filled disposable pads daily can trap heat and moisture, creating a warm, damp environment. This increases the likelihood of chafing, rashes, and skin irritation.

Bacterial or Yeast Infections

Prolonged use of disposable pads can increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, such as thrush.

If you are wearing pads daily due to persistent or heavy discharge or ongoing discomfort, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor or GP. They can check for any underlying conditions that might need medical attention, such as infections or hormonal imbalances.

Environmental Impact

Disposable pads mostly contain a lot of plastic and also contribute contribute to landfill waste. On average, a person using daily pads could go through hundreds each year.

Cost

The cost of buying pads, even at £2 a pack will add up over the course of a year and could cost between £60 and £100 annually.

Pad Alternatives for Non-Period Days

If you wish to have additional protection for any of the reasons above, there are healthier, more sustainable, and cost-effective options to consider. These alternatives can help you feel comfortable, dry, and confident without the drawbacks of disposable pads:

1. Reusable Panty Liners

Reusable panty liners are perfect for light bladder leaks or daily discharge. They are thinner and lighter than pads, offering comfort without bulk.

• Cheeky Cotton Cloth Panty Liners: Made from breathable cotton, these liners are gentle on the skin and reduce the risk of irritation.
• Price: Affordable, with bundles available to save you money.
• Why Choose Them? Soft, eco-friendly, and washable for long-term savings.

'Excellent product. Have been using these pant liners daily for 2years and have bought more. They are easy to wash, comfortable and no waste.' Cheeky Cotton Panty Liners Review

2. Light Reusable Pads

If you prefer pads for slightly heavier discharge or light leaks, reusable pads are a comfortable and sustainable choice.

• Cheeky Fearless Incontinence Pads: These pads are super soft, breathable, and discreet, making them ideal for everyday use.
• Why Choose Them? Highly absorbent, kind to sensitive skin, and free from harsh chemicals.

'Comfortable to wear. Thin enough that you don't notice it really. I used it more as a daily pad rather than for incontinence. ' Cheeky Fearless Pad Review

3. Absorbent Pants

If you need reliable, all-day protection, period underwear is a game-changing alternative to disposable period products. They have layers of absorbent material and are leak proof making them a superb alternative to sanitary napkins and are suitable for everything from light leaks and discharge to heavy flow while keeping you comfortable and dry.

• Cheeky Reusable Period Pants: Our period pants are breathable, soft, and designed for all-day wear without the bulk of pads.
• Why Choose Them? Reusable, eco-friendly, and versatile for all days of your period, discharge, or light leaks to heavy periods

'I have bought a few pairs of the period knickers, although I don’t just wear them for my periods (which are heavy I hasten to add, and they tolerate very well) but also daily in lieu of panty liners, they are much more comfortable and even better in the summer during hot climate when a bit sweaty, feel very secure in these.' Trustpilot Review

Additional Tips for Maintaining A Healthy Vagina & Vulva

Here are some top tips to reduce irritation and maintain comfort to prevent leaking and manage light flow and discharge:

Wear Breathable Underwear

Opt for cotton underwear to allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

Practice Good Vulva Hygiene

Change liners or pads regularly and use water and reusable intimate wipes to gently cleanse and maintain a natural pH balance.

Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor

If you experience light leaks, improving pelvic floor strength with tools like Secret Whispers Kegel Weight Kits can help reduce or eliminate incontinence symptoms.

Wrap up

Wearing a pad when you’re not on your period isn’t harmful in itself, but it’s worth thinking about why you wear one and whether healthier, more sustainable alternatives could be a better fit. Reusable liners, light pads, and period pants are all great options for daily protection and heavy days while being gentler on your skin and the environment.

If you've got any questions about types of pads for incontinence or period protection, please drop us a line – we love to talk pee, poo, and periods and are always happy to help!

• Can you use incontinence underwear for periods?
• Best Incontinence Underwear for Women
• Incontinence Pants vs Pads: All You Need to Know
• How Many Incontinence Pads Per Day is Normal?
• Bladder Incontinence and Your Period, What's the Connection
• The ultimate guide to swimming with incontinence
• What is the best thing to wear for incontinence?
• How much pee can incontinence pads and pants hold?

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as pads and tampons were no longer an option for her menstrual flow and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads for any type of period and flow day.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.