Period underwear are a reusable alternative to pads and tampons - here's what you should know before trying them

• Period underwear is reusable, machine-washable, and can last up to 2 years when cared for properly.
• Unlike traditional underwear, period underwear uses fabric technology to increase absorbency and prevent leakage.
• Period underwear can be used in combination with other menstrual products for full period protection.

When it comes to menstrual hygiene, there are a lot of choices on the market. Tampons and sanitary pads are popular options, but reusable products such as period underwear are gaining traction for those who menstruate.

According to the Center for Women's Health, period underwear is a sustainable alternative that promotes free-bleeding. Its design allows for menstrual blood to be absorbed by the undergarment without blocking period flow.

However, according to Nicole Sparks, MD, a gynecologist at North Atlanta Women's Care, there is no health reason to choose period underwear for free bleeding instead of another menstrual product. She says it all depends on your finances, lifestyle, and comfort level.

Here are some things to know when deciding if period underwear is right for you.

How does period underwear work?

While period underwear can look like traditional underwear, the difference lies in the fabric. Period underwear uses extra layers of microfiber polyester that absorbs blood and prevents moisture from making contact with your skin and vagina or leaking onto your clothes. Much like other types of menstrual products, there's different period underwear available based on the heaviness of your flow.

Fabric technology varies across many brands but essentially focuses on absorbing fluids, preventing leaks, and moving moisture away from the skin.

For example, Jodi Caden, CEO and co-founder of Proof, says Proof uses Leak-Loc™ technology, which features a multi-layered, absorbent core with reinforced leak proof edges that draw liquid in and keep it in the underwear. The antimicrobial lining is designed to reduce odor and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Another brand, Modibodi, has patented Modifier Technology™, which includes a stain-resistant lining to prevent menstrual leakage.

Due to its fabric technology, period underwear is a reusable product. Most underwear is machine washable, but Sparks recommends rinsing the blood out with cold water first before placing it in with the rest of the laundry. Alternatively, you can also hand wash period underwear in cold water then hang it to dry.

However, Alisa Vitti, a hormone expert and founder of the hormone healthcare company FLOLiving, says that it's always important to default to the manufacturer's instructions when washing. The frequency of underwear washing can depend on the brand and how much fluid the product can absorb.

Unless directed otherwise by the brand, you should change or wash underwear at least every 12 hours to avoid odors. And with proper care, period underwear can be worn for up to two years.

Who can wear period underwear?

Vitti says that while period underwear can be worn by anyone who wants to try it, it can be especially beneficial for certain people who have:

• Heavy bleeding
• Irregular bleeding
• Incontinence
• Dysphoria with typical menstrual products

Should you wear another feminine product with period underwear?

Despite period underwear's ease of wear, Vitti cautions that you shouldn't feel tied down to only period underwear. There are several reasons to combine period underwear with other menstrual products.

"If you have a heavy flow, period underwear is a great backup to whatever else you're using and can give you the reassurance of things not leaking through the clothing," says Vitti.

Caden says wearing another hygiene product such as a tampon with period underwear can also help people feel more comfortable while gradually making the transition to underwear for total period protection.

What are the most popular brands of period underwear?

Top brands in period underwear include Thinx, Dear Kate, Proof, Ruby Love, and Modibodi. According to Thinx, its popularity stems from the product's versatility, which ranges from overnight to athletic use.

Beyond versatility, Caden says safety should be of utmost priority when selecting period underwear. Customers should avoid products with chemicals that can make their way from the vulva to the bloodstream.

There are claims that tampons, pads, and period underwear from certain manufacturers contain toxic chemicals. However, these claims are controversial and have been refuted by the companies in question, like Always and Thinx. More research is needed to replicate the results.

That said, it's important to note that tampons, specifically, are known to be connected to Toxic Shock Syndrome. It's rare for a person to experience Toxic Shock Syndrome from wearing a tampon, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk, like if you keep a tampon in for too long.

Advantages of period underwear

When comparing period underwear with other menstrual products, Caden says "pads leak and shift during wear, and menstrual cups can be tricky to use and inconvenient to clean."

Vitti adds that period underwear is useful in absorbing both light and heavy blood flow. This is especially great for folks undergoing physical activity such as hiking or bike racing, where it would be problematic to change every few hours.

In addition, while the FDA reports toxic shock syndrome is rare and the rate of cases has declined in recent years, it continues to pose a small risk when using tampons. When looking at lighter flow, Sparks says period underwear can be a good replacement for other menstrual products.

Period underwear is also an eco-friendly product compared to pads and tampons that are easily disposable. Caden says switching to a reusable product reduces the amount of single-use plastics dumped into landfills and oceans. According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, the average person who menstruates is estimated to use up to 12,000 to 16,000 disposable menstrual products in their life. It can take about 100 years or more to break down plastic from pads and tampons.

Insider's takeaway

Period underwear design allows you to free-bleed while the fabric absorbs menstrual blood and prevents leakage onto your skin and clothes. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional single-use products such as pads and tampons.

When deciding if period underwear is right for you, Caden advises stepping away from conventional items and experimenting.

On a similar note, Vitti stresses the freedom in making choices for your body. "Maybe this year you use period underwear, and next year you use the cup because you want to look at the color of your bleed and the consistency. You should have all of these options and tools."

Related articles from Health Reference:

• 9 reasons why your period may be late, including stress, changes to sleep schedule, and more
• The 4 best home remedies for period cramps
• The truth about period syncing and the real reason you may be experiencing it
• What everyone should know about birth control, from the types to effectiveness
• How birth control pills work by tricking the body into thinking it's already pregnant