Here are the basics.

How do underwear liners work?

Just like pads, liners can be worn inside underwear and have an adhesive strip on the bottom to keep them in place. Liners need to be changed more frequently than a pad as they are less absorbent. To remove the liner, simply unstick it from your underwear.

What do I do overnight?

You can wear a pad overnight, but thin pads are not recommended because they might leak. It is best to use a thicker overnight pad (commonly referred to as a maxi pad). You can wear a tampon overnight, but put it in right before bed and change it as soon as you get up. Underwear liners should not be worn overnight as they need to be changed much more frequently.

What do I do with used tampons, pads, and underwear liners?

Whenever possible, avoid flushing period products and wrappers. They can clog toilets and create a big mess. Instead, wrap used products in toilet paper or the wrapper they came in and dispose of them in the trash can.

Seek medical attention if you experience the following:

• Bleeding that soaks through more than 1 pad or tampon every hour for several hours in a row

• Need to use more than 1 pad at a time

• Have blood clots the size of a quarter or larger

• Have heavy bleeding that keeps you from carrying out normal daily activities

Abdominal cramping during your period is normal, but contact a doctor if they suddenly intensify into severe pain. Typical cramps can be lessened with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).

A tampon in your vagina for longer than 8 hours increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is really rare but dangerous. If you’re using a tampon and have vomiting, a high fever, diarrhea, muscle aches, a sore throat, dizziness, faintness or weakness, and a sunburn-type rash, take the tampon out and call your doctor immediately.