Cloth menstrual pads are pads worn during menstruation to absorb menstrual flow. They are like disposables or maxi pads, but reusable.

The benefits of using cloth menstrual pads instead of disposable pads is that they are supposedly comfortable, reusable, earth friendly, and save you money later on.

They come in different lengths, absorbencies, and colored fabrics/prints. They can also be water-proofed with washable fabric (also used in cloth diapers).

Menstrual blood does stain cloth/clothes which is why there are a plethora of stain removal products specifically aimed at getting out blood stains. This is also why many people who use cloth menstrual pads will soak their pads before washing.

If you want to buy cloth menstrual pads instead of making them then it's easiest to buy online - although some eco-friendly stores, pharmacies, and maternity stores may carry cloth pads. There are major brands such as Lunapads or Gladrags, but I personally recommend Etsy.com for pads.

Yes, a yeast infection can cause bad vaginal odour so add the stronger scent of menstruation and the fact that menstrual flow can further impact on vaginal flora then it can cause bad odour. However most of the time bad odour during menstruation is due to poor hygiene or using unhealthy menstrual products such as tampons or commercial menstrual pads (rather than menstrual cups, softcups, cloth menstrual pads, or organic menstrual pads).

Menstrual pads simply go into the crotch of your underwear to catch menstrual flow as it leaves your vagina. You position the pad in the bottom of your underwear, and they are kept in place either by glue on the back of the pad when you remove the backing or cloth pads are held in place by snap fastens on the wings of the pad that wrap around the underwear.