Menstrual products have come a long way, offering more options for girls and women today. Not only do these choices enhance comfort during menstruation, but they also benefit the environment.
Sustainable alternatives like menstrual cups and period underwear challenge the notion that period products are inherently wasteful by providing reusable options for managing menstruation.
While some people swear by menstrual cups, it may take a few attempts to get used to them. On the other hand, period underwear is a straightforward and excellent alternative for period care.
So, what exactly is period underwear?
Period underwear appears and feels like regular underwear, but with a special layer that prevents blood from seeping through. Unlike pads, period underwear eliminates the bulky discomfort, while still effectively absorbing menstrual blood. Its purpose is to keep you as dry and comfortable as possible.
Why should you give period underwear a try?
Period underwear can be a standalone option which can absorb up to three tampons’ worth of blood. Alternatively, many individuals use period underwear as a backup alongside tampons or cups on heavier flow days.
Whether you have a light flow and seek a sustainable alternative to tampons or pads, or you worry about leaks during nights with heavy flow, period underwear could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Additionally, period underwear is washable and reusable, enabling you to go through an entire cycle without generating any trash. Here are some reasons why period underwear is quickly gaining popularity as a preferred period product.
Reliable backup for heavy flows
Period underwear is highly absorbent, often featuring multiple layers to provide leak protection. If you typically require multiple super or super plus tampons per day, wearing period underwear alone for an extended period might not be advisable. However, it can provide the peace of mind you need for backup, ensuring you feel secure during important occasions or moments when you can’t change your tampon immediately.
A more sustainable option
Over a lifetime, the average menstruator will contribute approximately 9,000 period products to landfills. If reducing waste and supporting the environment are important to you (as they should be), transitioning to period underwear is worth considering.
Convenience for irregular cycles
For those with irregular cycles, period underwear can be worn leading up to your period as a precautionary measure, especially during busy days when you want to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom for checks. Similarly, it’s an excellent option for the last days of your period, preventing any accidents that might occur after mistakenly believing your period has ended.
Gentle on your vagina
If you experience vaginal discomfort, pain, dryness, or have a condition that makes your vagina sensitive or allergic to other forms of period care, period underwear might be the ideal solution. Since period underwear is breathable and doesn’t require any insertions, it typically does not cause vaginal irritation or dryness for most individuals.
Cost-effective
Although the upfront cost of period underwear is higher than a box of tampons, most brands are designed to last around 2-3 years with proper care. Do the math! To maximize their lifespan, rinse period underwear in the sink after use, launder them in cold water on a delicate cycle, and hang them to dry, ensuring they’re ready for use the following month.
Comfort and confidence
Period underwear provides optimal comfort while keeping you dry and clean. You can wear it during exercise, travel, and other physical activities, without the hassle associated with tampons or pads. The aim of period underwear is to offer discreet protection and ensure you feel secure throughout the day, regardless of your activities.
Peaceful nights
Period underwear is particularly beneficial for overnight use, as it eliminates concerns about pads shifting and causing leaks on your underwear or bed sheets. If you typically use tampons,
