Periods are rarely a pleasant experience. From cramps and fatigue to breakouts and bloating, the list of side effects feels endless. On top of that, dealing with sanitary products adds its own layer of frustration. Pads, in particular, often cause unnecessary hassle—especially when the adhesive wings stick together and refuse to budge.
For years, this has been a common annoyance, but it turns out the issue may come down to using pads incorrectly. A recent discussion online has revealed a surprisingly simple method that many had never considered, leaving countless women stunned.
Why Pad Wings Cause Trouble
Pads come in two main styles: with wings and without. While the winged version is designed to secure the pad in place and prevent shifting, it can sometimes create the opposite problem.
The sticky adhesive that keeps the wings wrapped around underwear tends to fuse together. Once this happens, separating them can be nearly impossible without tearing fabric—or ruining the pad itself. It’s a small but recurring frustration that has plagued many for years.
The Overlooked Hack for Using Pads
Oh😭😭🤦♀️.. so I’ve done it wrongly all my life ?? oh 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/QC5AJGll7W
— Hot girl teeh 💜🔥 (@Simpleteeh) August 15, 2024
The so-called “hack” that has gone viral is surprisingly straightforward. Instead of tossing away the small strip of paper that covers the adhesive, keep it handy. After placing the pad in position, that strip can be used to stop the wings from sticking directly onto underwear.
Here’s how it works:
Place the pad inside underwear as usual.
Keep the original paper strip after peeling it off.
Once the wings are folded over, press them onto the paper strip instead of the fabric.
This simple adjustment prevents the wings from fusing together, making removal far easier and saving underwear from accidental damage.
Reactions from Women Online
Freepik | Despite new alternatives like menstrual cups, pads remain one of the most widely used menstrual products.
When this simple method surfaced on social platforms, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Countless women admitted they had been using pads incorrectly for years without realizing it. Comments ranged from disbelief to amusement, with many expressing frustration that manufacturers never made this clear.
Phrases like “So I’ve done this wrong my whole life?” and “Over ten years, and I just found out?” filled the threads. The collective response highlighted how a lack of information around menstrual products leaves many women learning through trial and error rather than clear guidance.
Pads Remain an Essential Choice
Even with alternatives like menstrual cups and period underwear gaining popularity, pads remain one of the most widely used options worldwide. Their accessibility, ease of use, and variety of absorbency levels make them a reliable choice. Yet, small issues like adhesive mishaps show that even familiar products can have overlooked details.
Understanding simple hacks like reusing the adhesive strip can completely change the experience of wearing a pad. It prevents stuck wings, protects fabric, and eliminates unnecessary frustration.
Periods already come with enough challenges, and minor adjustments like this one can make a significant difference, proving that even long-used routines can still hold useful surprises.