If you are looking for an eco-friendly, hassle-free and comfortable period, look no further than period underwear. But if you’re a little unsure about making the switch, here are 6 of the most popular reasons why you should.
1. They are eco-friendly
The most widely known and popular benefit of switching to period underwear is the fact they are better for the environment than disposable menstrual products like pads or tampons.
Single-use menstrual products are a significant contributor to single-use plastic waste globally. In Europe and in the USA, approximately 87% and 80% respectively end up in landfills where the plastic components can take up to 500 years to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment as they break down into microplastics that pollute oceans, rivers, beaches and contaminate our water supply.
Not surprisingly, single-use menstrual products are one of the most frequently collected items in beach clean-ups in the UK, with an average of 5 pieces of menstrual products waste picked up every 100 m on UK beaches. All of this makes for a desperate need to switch to alternatives, such as period underwear.
2. They are safe and hygienic
Another reason why you should consider switching to period underwear is that it is just as hygienic but more safe than other menstrual products. Period pants work in the same way that disposable pads and tampons work – they prevent leaks and absorb the blood – but are much kinder to your body (as well as the environment). This is because period underwear doesn’t contain any of the harmful chemicals that are often found in disposable menstrual products.
Ditching the tampons for period underwear also eliminates the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS) – a life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body (via a tampon) and releasing harmful toxins.
3. They are reusable
Simply pop them on and carry on with your everyday life. When you’re done, rinse them under a cold tap and chuck them in the wash as you would a usual pair of pants. If looked after, period underwear can last between two and five years.
While the idea of bleeding directly into your underwear may take a little bit of getting used to, some people find they get on better with using period underwear than fiddling around with tampons and pads etc. They are also less bulky than tampons & pads and don’t need to be constantly changed.
4. They can save you money in the long run
Period pants are a quality investment in the long run because even though they are typically more expensive than pads & tampons, they can be washed and used again. This means that you do not have to buy a fresh set of period pants for a period of time, unlike tampons and pads which are chucked out and replaced once they’ve been used.
Simply pop them on and carry on with your everyday life. When you’re done, rinse them under a cold tap and chuck them in the wash as you would a usual pair of pants. If looked after, period underwear can last between two and five years.
While the idea of bleeding directly into your underwear may take a little bit of getting used to, some people find they get on better with using period underwear than fiddling around with tampons and pads etc. They are also less bulky than tampons & pads and don’t need to be constantly changed.
5. They are more comfortable than tampons and pads
Many women find pads to be a bit too fiddly or bulky to wear and if not inserted correctly, tampons can feel really uncomfortable. In fact, a new study shows that over half of Brits (53%) find pads and tampons uncomfortable
Period underwear overcomes all of these issues as they simply fit and feel just like any normal pair of knickers. No fiddling, no chafing, no bulging, just ease.
6. They are available in a variety of styles
Last but certainly not least, they are available in a wide variety of styles – thong, hipster, boy pants, brief, higleg lacey, full – making them look and feel even more like a ‘normal’ pair of knickers. It’s easy to assume that period underwear most probably looks fuddy-duddy, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
With a wide range out there, you can pick and choose your perfect type of period underwear to suit your style and flow.
You can even find period swimwear on the market for complete peace of mind when swimming. These look like any other swimwear but are designed to absorb menstrual blood and avoid leaks, eliminating the need to worry about a pad or tampon.
Written by Kate, on behalf of Cheeky Pants.
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