Okay, y’all, I’m talking about menstruation here. You don’t have to read it if you don’t want to.
I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences with period underwear. Have you used them? Did they work?
I have some that I’ve been wearing, but never during that actual time of the month. I wanted them in case of surprise. Also, I couldn’t quite bring myself to trust that they would actually perform as advertised. They did make me feel calmer, as things have gotten less predictable lately. Then yesterday, surprise! And guess what. They didn’t work.
I am going to complain to the company, but I’m not quite sure what I want them to do. I’ve had these things probably six months already and been washing them according to instructions…do they expire? Am I just too much woman for the type I was using?
Anyway, darn. Up until yesterday I’d have told you they were great. Now I’m wondering if I’ll have to diaper up for the next few years, or however long this phase is going to take.
So did I. Although the double meaning of “period” did occur to me.
Are period underpants supposed to be a substitute for a pad or panty liner? Guy here, so my experience is secondhand; but I thought period underwear was just an easily-washable pair of briefs, that would catch any excess flow that your tampon or pad didn’t, preserving your presumably-nice trousers.
I just have a single pair of Thinx and they work just fine. What brand do you have? There are so many now!
What exactly didn’t work? Did it leak out the side or was coverage just not enough? Did you get the version of whatever brand that is for the heaviest flow?
I do know that when I bought Thinx, the pair I got didn’t fit so they let me do an exchange for a new pair, and keep the old pair. Looks like they have a 45-day, no questions asked return policy.
Study shows 65% of menstrual underwear contain PFAs. Class action suits by three different states have been filed against Thinx. I read this in the Sierra Club magazine yesterday.
Mine are Knix, I got the medium-protection version. And I went straight through it like it was ordinary cotton. The gusset is black, so I’m not sure precisely when I started but it couldn’t have been more than a couple hours. My outer pants got stained as well.
I think Thinx is the “original” period panty? Not sure tho.
My flow is so minimal now that I don’t think I could be a good judge of what a good pair would be! I would suggest getting some of Thinx’s highest absorbency and see if those work for you. If not, you can get a refund. And then probably if they don’t work, period panties aren’t for you
Well, I read that article, and it sounds like we’re all doomed if we do and doomed if we don’t. I guess I can look for a better brand, but since I also use disposable stuff, I must be chock full of PFAS by now.
During my actual period, I go back to regular underwear, plus tampons, pads, and liners. The period underwear were only meant as a safety net …now I don’t really have one.
It’s really more of a diaper to be honest. Depending on what absorbency you get, the thickness of the liner varies, just like a pad. But the absorbent gusset is bigger than a pad, and it “hugs” you better.
I didn’t start wearing mine until I no longer had heavy flow, so I can’t speak to how it feels when it’s “full.”
I hate wearing tampons, and pads give me all sorts of rashes and sores, so it’s really nice to be able to just “freeball” it as it were, not worrying about changing anything for a day. But really, my flow is so minimal. YMMV for real.
My biggest problem with my pair honestly is that the only style they had in my size is “mesh” and I hate wearing silky underwear. I see there’s a cotton version now so I’m going for it!
I contacted the company to complain*, and was told that soap buildup can cause reduced absorbency. “Although it sounds counter-intuitive, we recommend giving the leakproof underwear a short soak in cool water (no more than 30 min) then throwing them in the washing machine on cold without soap or softeners. From there, you dry as usual and repeat the process as needed.” Little PSA for everyone there!
*- Nicely. Besides, I just felt like complaining. Don’t make me play the PMS card!
I don’t know how close to menopause, you are, but when you get close – watch out! I know what @Dung_Beetle is talking about. The last few years (maybe as many as five?) of my perimenopause were a minefield of odd schedule and huge unpredictable gushing. Thank Dog that’s all over.
