Unpleasantness and Physiological Responses in Using Sanitary Napkins

Abstract

This study investigated the physiological and psychological effects of sanitary napkins (SN) on women in hemorrhage treatment during the menstrual phase. Mesh and non-woven napkins were employed, and the effects were studied during the follicular and menstrual phases; mesh SN presented a higher textural surface-roughness. In both phases, the increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly dependent on the application intervals. The lowfrequency component of systolic blood pressure variability significantly increased, while the salivary secretion rate decreased with the use of mesh SN during the follicular phase compared with non-woven SN. In addition, the heart rate during the menstrual phase significantly increased in subjects after the replacement of mesh SN compared with non-woven SN. In cases of wearing the unpleasant mesh SN, electroencephalography (EEG) manifested bilateral enhancements in b and a2 waves in the frontal areas increased arousal level during both phases. From the above findings, napkin use increased physiological loading and wearing napkins with higher textural surface-roughness tended to increase activities of the autonomic nervous system and brain arousal level.

The effect of wearing sanitary napkins of different thicknesses on physiological and psychological responses in Muslim females

“…Female menstruation is associated with significant unpleasant symptoms, which can be physical, behavioral, and emotional [1,2]. Consequently, reducing mental stress during the menstruation period is an important quality of life issue for women.…”

“…Consequently, reducing mental stress during the menstruation period is an important quality of life issue for women. Wearing a sanitary napkin (SN) is believed to influence mental stress responses of women during daily living activities [1,2]. Although mental stress is a psychological response, it affects several physiological processes in the human body.…”

“…In the past, researchers have used HRV to measure mental stress [1-5]. In particular, the high frequency (HF) band (0.15 to 0.4 Hz) in frequency-domain analysis has been regarded as the marker of parasympathetic (vagal) activity, and the low frequency (LF) band (0.04 to 0.15 Hz) has been regarded as the marker of sympathovagal interaction, especially sympathetic activity.…”

“…Previous studies have used different types of SNs as the physical stimuli and measured physiological responses to their use in order to find ways to improve the quality of life of women during menses [1,4,5]. For example, Park and Watanuki [1,2] reported that, although the use of SNs increased physiological loading, their use did not result in significant effects on the LF and HF components or the LF/HF ratio of HRV at 20, 30, and 40 min after application compared to during the 10 min resting state.…”

“…For example, Park and Watanuki [1,2] reported that, although the use of SNs increased physiological loading, their use did not result in significant effects on the LF and HF components or the LF/HF ratio of HRV at 20, 30, and 40 min after application compared to during the 10 min resting state. In a laboratory-based experiment, application of different types of SN had different physiological and psychological outcomes [1,2]. Mechanical stimulation by SNs with higher roughness (frictional coefficient = 0.312) increased SNS activities and brain arousal compared to SNs with lower roughness (frictional coefficient = 0.142) [1].…”