I've always been sensitive to menstrual pads, but fortunately, until recently my periods only lasted 4 days. Now they're heavier and lasting longer, with spotting, so I'm using the pads more days in a month. I can't use tampons at all - much too irritating. Last month I had terrible pain and itching on the labia minora, which went away a few days after my period ended. I'm considering switching to cloth pads, but I don't want to spend a lot of money if it won't help. Does anyone on this forum have experience with the cloth pads? And will they hold up under a heavier flow?

Hi,
From personal experience, I've found that washing with water after using the bathroom every time and when changing pads prevented any itchy rash. Make sure you change your pads frequently. Drives you nuts especially when you have a heavy flow but I did find it helpful
Good luck
Gabby

Hey Girl, yepper been down this path myself. Ok, I found 3 things that help. First, during your period, switch your bath soap to something very mild and avoid any toliet paper with scent in it as well. (they only add to the irritation). (I finally bought soap for babies) 2. If it's really irritated a thin coating of neosporin (is that how you spell it?) or any yeast infection product also works. (that's what my doctor recommended)

And lastly, avoid any jeans/pants that fits close to the crotch - that only increases the discomfort.... (Chances are, you may have hair loss in that area and the constant friction is what's causing it to get sore.)

Anyway, I hope it helps!

Hugs
Tay

Vagisil cream helped me immensly.I itched and burned so bad I would cry.My labia would swell also.Another thing you can do is after you bathe,just lay a towel on your bed and lie there naked and let air get to your privates.It really helped me to do this.I hope you find relief,GODbless.

It only bothers me during my period - and not until a few days after it starts. I have been keeping the area clean, but since it goes away when I stop weraing pads, I'm pretty sure it's the pads themselves that are causing the irritation. I would love to hear from someone who has used the cloth pads so I can decide whether I should invest in them. Or maybe organic pads would help - I don't know. But thanks for the suggestions - I always appreciate hearing from the voice of experience!

hi - I too have this problem. Putting aloe vera on helps - as well as airing out the privates. Another thing that is nice to do is bathe in some epsom salts. It is very annoying! For years, I used cloth pads btw. They were great!

Sincerely,
Suz

Thank you - I think I'll go ahead and try the cloth pads for a whole cycle and see if it makes a difference. It wasn't so bad before peri, since my periods were short, but now that they're longer and heavier, and I've been wearing pantiliners for the spotting, it's a real pain.

I had to switch to unscented pads years ago because of this. Also switched to Ivory soap because it is gentler.