Reusable cloth sanitary pads are increasingly being promoted as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable menstrual products. While many women are turning to them to reduce waste and save money, obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Ankita Shahasane has cautioned that their safety depends largely on how they are cleaned, dried and stored. In a video shared on Instagram on July 13, the doctor said reusable pads can be a sustainable choice, but only if users follow strict hygiene practices to minimise the risk of infections.
Dr Shahasane said the growing popularity of reusable cloth pads has revived an old debate about menstrual hygiene. She noted that for years, healthcare professionals had advised women against using ordinary cloth during menstruation because improperly cleaned fabric could harbour bacteria and fungi. While modern reusable cloth pads are specifically designed for menstrual use, she stressed that they should not automatically be considered safer simply because they are marketed as "antibacterial."
Questioning the widespread use of the term, Dr Shahasane explained that the claimed antibacterial properties do not lie in the fabric alone. Instead, she said, the effectiveness of reusable pads depends on how responsibly users care for them. "The antibacterial property is not in the fabric. It depends on you, the user, how you wash it, how you store it, how long you dry it and whether you sun-dry it properly," she said, highlighting that poor maintenance could increase the likelihood of microbial growth.
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According to the gynaecologist, reusable pads should be washed thoroughly after every use with clean water and an appropriate detergent to remove blood and other bodily fluids. They should then be dried completely before being reused, preferably under direct sunlight whenever possible. Sunlight, she explained, helps reduce moisture and naturally limits the growth of bacteria and fungi. Storing damp or partially dried pads in enclosed spaces can create conditions that encourage the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Dr Shahasane also emphasised that proper storage is just as important as washing. Once clean and completely dry, reusable pads should be kept in a clean, dry place to prevent contamination before their next use. She advised women to inspect the fabric regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace reusable pads if they become damaged, stained beyond cleaning or difficult to sanitise effectively.
Despite her caution, the doctor clarified that she supports sustainable menstrual practices when they are adopted responsibly. Reusable cloth sanitary pads can significantly reduce environmental waste generated by disposable menstrual products and may also prove more economical over time. However, she said these benefits should not come at the expense of personal hygiene or health.
Medical experts generally agree that reusable menstrual products can be safe when used according to manufacturers' instructions and maintained properly. Good menstrual hygiene includes changing pads regularly, washing hands before and after handling menstrual products, thoroughly cleaning reusable items and ensuring they are completely dry before storage. Women experiencing persistent itching, foul-smelling discharge, unusual irritation or recurrent infections should seek medical advice rather than self-diagnose the cause.
As interest in environmentally friendly menstrual products continues to grow, Dr Shahasane's message serves as a reminder that sustainability and health must go hand in hand. Reusable cloth sanitary pads can be a practical option, but their safety ultimately depends on consistent hygiene practices, careful maintenance and informed use rather than marketing claims alone.
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