This is what you need to know about menstrual underwear
Tampons and pads are increasingly being traded for more sustainable options, such as menstrual underwear. Whoever thinks that the use of such underwear is always accompanied by a bloody mess is wrong. We put all the information together.
This is what you need to know about menstrual underwear.
Contents
What is menstrual underwear?
You’ve probably seen it before: menstrual underwear. It is, as the name suggests, underwear that you can wear during your period. The bottom looks like a normal brief, but absorbs menstrual blood, urine and secretions. That saves a lot of fiddling with tampons and sanitary towels. In addition, it is a lot more durable than disposable products, because you can simply reuse the underwear after a wash. Menstrual underwear has been on the rise in recent years and you can choose from different brands. The underwear consists of several layers, the top of which is soft and quick-drying. Odors are neutralized by the second layer, which is usually antibacterial. The third layer is absorbent and absorbs the blood. The bottom layer is moisture repellent and prevents you from leaking. So nice.
When do you use menstrual underwear?
You can wear menstrual underwear during your period, sometimes in addition to tampons, sanitary pads or – more durable – a menstrual cup. You can also wear this underwear during heavy periods without leaking, depending on the model (thong, briefs or hipster) and the material you choose. One menstrual underwear simply absorbs more blood than the other, so pay attention to that. Handy: you can also wear the underwear in case of vaginal discharge, light urine loss or after childbirth. There is even special menstrual underwear for during exercise.
Also read: Everything you need to know about the menstrual cup
How do menstrual underwear work?
Just like tampons and sanitary pads, you should also change menstrual underwear regularly. Depending on how heavy your period is, you can wear the underwear for about eight hours. That can also be shorter. You can also choose to only wear menstrual underwear at night and choose a different product during the day. Are not you home? Then it might feel a bit strange and awkward to change the panties at first. Fortunately, there are special waterproof (and odor-free) bags in which you can store the underwear until you can wash it at home. As long as you change the pants on time, it won’t feel dirty, but if it takes a little longer, you may experience some discomfort.
How (often) should you wash menstrual underwear?
We hear you thinking: underwear that catches blood, how on earth do you clean it again? That works as follows. Rinse the panties until the water runs clear or soak in water for a while. Then wash it in a gentle wash program at a maximum of 30 degrees, just with other underwear. Even better is to put the underwear in a special laundry bag. Then let the menstrual underwear dry on a drying rack and you’re done!
Source: Practicups, The Green Girls, NSMBL
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