Everything you want to know about period undies
Leaner, greener and easier – it’s no wonder period undies are taking off. So should you consider making the switch?
Gone are the days of disposable pads and tampons being the only sanitary options, with more and more turning to reusable products such as menstrual cups and period underwear.
Period undies are relatively new, but Choice Australia says there are already plenty of brands, sizes, colours and styles to choose from.
Welcome to Your Period co-author Melissa Kang says period underwear is a good option for girls who don’t want to use intravaginal products such as tampons or cups.
The University of Technology Sydney associate professor says some people may be hesitant to try such products because of fears of leaking or discomfort.
“Period stigma is alive and well and so it might be stirred a little for some people with the introduction of new products because of perceptions,” says Dr Kang.
So what do you need to know about period underwear?
How does period underwear work?
Liana Lorenzato, of Modibodi, says though slim, period underwear has three layers that leave wearers feeling protected.
“The top layer quickly wicks away moisture, fights bacteria and stops smells, so you stay dry and fresh,” she says.
“The middle layer safely absorbs fluid and locks it away (five to 20ml depending on your flow). The bottom layer is extra waterproof protection, so you’re secure as always.”
Benefits of period underwear
Cost
Monash Health head of gynaecology Professor Beverley Vollenhoven says the cost benefits of switching to reusable sanitary products could not be discounted.
“They’re a one-off purchase, which is better than buying tampons or pads every month,” she says.
In terms of how many pairs are needed per cycle, Liana also says it is different for everyone.
“Again this does depend on your flow, however most people wear one pair for the day and then change for night-time protection,” she says.
Environmentally friendly
Disposable pads can take hundreds of years to break down, as can plastic around and in tampons – so period underwear helps reduce the amount of sanitary waste ending up in landfill.
“Of course (period undies) are better for the environment because they are reusable,” says Prof Vollenhoven.
Better for your body
Prof Vollenhoven also says period underwear causes fewer irritations than some other sanitary products.
“Some people get a reaction from pads against their skin. Some are also perfumed, which can cause irritations, so I think these (period underwear) offer a great advantage,” she says.
Convenience
Period underwear is ideal for travelling without having to change a pad, tampon, or empty a cup.
Period underwear and leaking
Prof Vollenhoven says those with heavy periods may fear leakage when using period underwear.
“But not everyone has heavy days through all of their period, so they can be options on the not- so-heavy days or used in combination with other products,” she says.
Liana says period underwear is manufactured with different levels of absorbency, to suit your flow and varying stages of your period.
“Heavy/overnight absorbency underwear can be worn overnight; this means you can sleep well knowing you are fully protected from leaks. However, it does depend on your flow and only you know this,” she says.
- Managing heavy periods: What you need to know
How to care for period underwear
Liana says period underwear should first be rinsed (in the shower is a good idea) then washed in cold water and line dried.
Written by Sally Heppleston
