Beginners Guide To Period Undies: Everything you need to know about switching.
In this blog, we will explore all those burning questions you may have when trying period undies for the first time. Here’s everything you need to know about period undies.
Have you considered switching your usual sanitary products for period undies? In recent years, period undies have become increasingly popular, and it’s no wonder why!
We’re no strangers to that dreaded time of the month when we all feel a little off, a little bloated, and generally not ourselves; it can now be a time when we get to feel good - good about doing something positive for our much-loved planet.
Period undies are specifically designed for you to wear like normal briefs during your period to take the place of disposable protection products like tampons or pads. Our period undies are constructed of multiple layers so that you can feel confident and protected from day to night.
Period undies basis
What are period undies?
It’s been designed with multiple absorbency layers to lock in the fluid, and the main body fabric also has moisture-
wicking and anti-bacterial properties to keep you dry and fresh. These briefs even have a waterproof leak-prevention layer to leave you feeling confident and comfortable so you can take on the day.
We know that every woman’s period is different. Period undies are made with extra layers and special fabrics in the crotch area to absorb menstrual blood. Wash them, re-wear them, and wash them again — these are a reusable option all cycle long.
Period undies consist of an absorbent material that holds one to four tampons worth of flow, a moisture barrier to keep you comfortable, and a layer designed to prevent any leaks or staining. Still hesitant to make the switch and entrust your flow completely to undies? Many first-time users start with lighter flow days or use their period undies as backup protection before graduating to full-time use.
A great way to try period undies is to wear it overnight towards the end of your period when your flow is lighter.
Why make the switch to period undies?
Beyond the comfort factor and leak-proofing, period undies are also gaining popularity as both an ecologically sustainable and economically smart choice. Try them if you’re looking for a solution less irritating than tampons, more comfortable than sanitary pads, and less messy than using a menstrual cup. And with period undies, you’re always ready: no more frantic late-night tampon runs to the corner store.
Period undies properties & features
Period undies from Respect By Soodox are free from pesticides, insecticides, chemical fertilisers, plastic, perfumes, and super absorbents. They use non-chlorine purified cotton for a gentle and comfortable experience that's safe for you and the environment.
These undies are reusable, offering a more sustainable and eco- friendly approach to menstrual care.
Stay comfortable and fresh throughout the day with their clinically tested Respect by Soodox period undies made with the right amount of absorbency to get you through your day with confidence.
• Made with organic cotton
• 3D absorption technology
• Reliable protection (4 regular tampons)
• Clinically tested & hypoallergenic
• Made from comfy & eco-friendly fabric
• Free from toxins & perfumes
• Handy wash bag included
Take control of your day with maximum protection that’s kind to you and the planet.
Top reasons to switch to period undies
5–15,000 - is the number of pads and tampons (plus their wrappers and applicators) used over one woman's lifetime that can end up in landfills and our oceans.
$18,000 - is how much a woman can spend on traditional period products over her lifetime.
2–5 years - is how long period undies can be washed and reused, as long as you wash them by hand with cold water regularly.
What are the advantages of period undies?
Period undies can offer several advantages over disposable pads and tampons, including:
• Convenience. Period undies is easy to use and can be worn like any other. It does not require any unique insertion or removal and can be worn with a tampon or pad for added protection.
• Comfort. Some women find period undies more comfortable than pads or tampons, as it does not involve any insertion or removal and can be worn under any clothing.
• Environmental benefits. Period undies is reusable and can be washed and worn multiple times, making it a more environmentally friendly option than disposable pads and tampons.
• Cost saving. Period undies are a one-time purchase that can be worn and washed multiple times, saving money over the long term compared to disposable pads and tampons.
• Leak protection. Period undies are specially designed to absorb menstrual blood and prevent leaks, making it a reliable option for managing menstruation.
With all that in mind, period undies offers a convenient and comfortable menstruating journey and it’s eco-friendly too. It is a trouble-free and snug option for managing menstruation, provided you make the right pick for you.
PFAS
Pads and tampons are known to have PFAS chemicals. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they are practically indestructible.
Since the late 1930s, these chemicals have been used in almost every kind of consumer product, including cooking pans, shampoo, cleaning products and cosmetics, to make products resistant to water, oil or heat. They can also be used to make clothing water-resistant.
PFAS may contaminate anything they touch (including food wrapped in packaging containing PFAS) and they do not degrade naturally, nor can our bodies metabolise them. Instead, they accumulate in our bodies and in the environment, polluting soil, air and water.
How does PFAS affect women’s health?
Because these chemical compounds are so inescapable, most people in the United States “have PFAS in the blood,” according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
Exposure to PFAS and their accumulation in the body poses several long-term health risks. In 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified certain PFAS as potential dangers. PFAS also disrupt hormonal functions and some research has suggested that they are linked to accelerated ovarian ageing, period irregularities and ovarian disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome.
For pregnant women, PFAS have been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, or pre- eclampsia, and some research suggests that babies who are exposed in utero face an increased risk of low birth weight. In a recent study, Dr Mahalingaiah found PFAS in period blood, which suggests the chemicals can make their way to the reproductive system, presenting a potential risk to uterine function and early pregnancy.
One of the main concerns with PFAS in period products is that the vaginal area is extremely sensitive. In fact, studies have shown that the vaginal canal can be an effective channel for delivering certain medications into the bloodstream because of its highly absorbent nature.
How to care for period undies?
Step 1: Soak
After you remove your period undies, drop them in cold water to soak or rinse them.
Step 2: Wash
If machine washing, first place them in a washable mesh bag and wash them on a delicate or gentle cycle. To make your undies last, consider hand-washing with a mild detergent.
Step 3: Dry
Do not put it in the dryer. Instead, lay undies flat or hang dry to help maintain the fabric's integrity.
Step 4: Treat
Worried about stains or lingering smells? Period undies are designed to be stain-resistant and shouldn’t retain a scent if cared for properly, but you can soak them in a vinegar/water mixture prior to laundering, too.
The verdict
Yes, period undies work, they are designed to replace traditional pads and tampons and cover the whole of your menstrual cycle, on light and heavy flow days. It’s so good for the environment. Think about all the waste that's involved with other sanitary products, and compare that to a simple hand-wash of these five pairs that you need to get through a period and, theoretically, could last you a lifetime.
Get amongst the period undies, people!