Menstrual Aids

Menstrual aids

Menstrual aids have been used for centuries to soak up the flow of blood from menstrual periods. Since the middle of the 20th century, it has been possible to buy disposable menstrual aids rather than use rags or cloths which needed soaking and cleaning as they were re-used.

Disposable pads used to be secured to the underwear or around the body by pins and ties, but these days are secured to the crotch of the underwear by adhesive strips. Other names for these pads are sanitary towels, pads or napkins. Different brands and ranges have varying degrees of absorbency and shapes (such as ‘wings’ that wrap around the underwear). You can even buy scented or even coloured pads.

Panty liners are similar and are intended for use on days when the flow of menstrual fluid is light, or when there is light spotting or mucous produced during your menstrual cycle.

Maternity pads are particularly absorbent in order to last longer as the flow of fluid is heavier just after giving birth.

All sanitary pads should be changed every four to six hours or more frequently when the menstrual flow is heavy. The pads may develop an odour after several hours due to the exposure of menstrual fluids to the air.

Tampons were the next development in the disposable menstrual aids market. These are made of compressed cotton or a blend of cotton and rayon and are cylinders with a cord attached to allow for easy removal. They are inserted, either with a finger or with the aid of an applicator, into the vaginal canal. They remain there until they are removed by pulling on the cord.

Tampons, like sanitary pads, come in a range of sizes and absorbencies, and should also be changed frequently, at least every eight hours. It may be necessary for you to change your tampon more frequently, or to use both a tampon and a sanitary towel or panty liner, in case of overflow.

Each tampon should come individually wrapped and be unwrapped immediately before insertion. Once removed, tampons should be disposed of immediately, in either a specific device for sanitary product disposal, or wrapped in toilet paper and placed in the rubbish bin, together with any wrappings and applicators.

All community pharmacies stock menstrual products and can advise you on the most appropriate products you may need to manage the demands of your menstrual cycle. Your community pharmacist will be able to advise you if you have worries or concerns about your periods, particularly if you have noticed any changes or difficulties with your cycle.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

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