Wary of the composition of classic sanitary napkins and tampons and part of an ecological approach, more and more women are turning to more natural solutions during their periods. Both lingerie and hygienic protection, machine washable, healthy and absorbent, menstrual panties have many advantages.

The period panty, or period panty, is an undergarment with an absorbent zone to absorb the menstrual flow. It thus replaces napkins, sanitary tampons and other alternative hygienic protections, such as the moon cup, or supplements them in the event of very abundant flow. All adjusted girls and women can use period panties, as there are no contraindications. 

Models generally have three layers of fabric:

• a layer of cotton for the entire panty;
• on the protection zone, an absorbent layer of tencel (fiber produced with cellulose obtained from eucalyptus wood) or bamboo fibers, materials with antibacterial and anti-odor properties;
• always on the protection zone, an impermeable zone in PUL (waterproof but breathable synthetic polyester material) to retain fluids and prevent leaks.

Advantages 

There are many:

The cost :

When buying, period panties represent a small investment, but since they can be used for 3 years on average, the cost is quickly amortized. 

Ecology:

With zero waste and less pollutants, the use of period panties helps limit the environmental impact. 

The absence of risk of toxic shock:

As a reminder, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare phenomenon (but on the increase in recent years) linked to toxins (bacterial toxin TSST-1) released by certain strains of common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus).

In the most dramatic cases, TSS can lead to limb amputation or death. A study conducted by researchers from the International Center for Infectious Disease Research and the National Reference Center for Staphylococci at the Hospices de Lyon identified several risk factors, including wearing the tampon for more than 6 hours or at night. Stagnation of blood in the vagina is indeed a risk factor, as it acts as a culture medium for bacteria, which will act.

Conversely, since they let the blood flow, external intimate protections (towels, panty liners and by extension menstrual panties) have never been involved in menstrual TSS, recalls ANSES in a 2019 report. . 

The harmlessness of materials:

While many conventional tampons and sanitary napkins contain, admittedly in tiny amounts, substances exhibiting CMR effects, endocrine disruptors or skin sensitizers, recalls the same ANSES report, the materials used for period panties are free of this type of substances. 

The absence of odor:

Absorbent fabrics are made with materials that neutralize odors. 

A limited risk of leakage:

The models are generally equipped with an absorbent zone lined with an impermeable surface which retains the liquids, and thus limits the risk of leakage. A panty would have an average absorption capacity of 3 pads.

The inconvenients

• although most period panties are thin, they are still thicker than regular underwear;
• because they must be washed each time they are used, they require a little organization;
• when purchasing period panties, there is a cost. Count 20 to 45 euros for a panty, knowing that a set of 3 minimum is necessary to ensure a daily turnover.

The selection criteria

Today there are a multitude of brands offering period panties. Here are some criteria to consider when purchasing:

• favor brands made in France, to promote the local economy of course, but also to be sure of the harmlessness of the materials used
• choose an organic labeled model (OekoTex 100 and / or GOTS label). This guarantees the absence of toxic products (pesticides, chemical solvents, silver nanoparticles, etc.) for the body and the environment, and fabrics made from plants from responsible agriculture.
• choose the right model according to its flow and use (day / night, sport, etc.). Brands generally offer different degrees of absorption: light / medium / abundant.  

Aesthetic criteria

Next comes the aesthetic criteria. Different models exist in terms of:

• color: black, white or flesh color;
• shape: classic panties, shorty or tanga or even thong for some brands;
• style: simple, with or without lace, or in satin;
• without visible seam, for more comfort and discretion under clothing.

To navigate the jungle of period panties, a booming market, it may be useful to read online reviews, feedback on social networks, testimonials. Indeed, all models are not created equal.

A set of at least three panties is recommended in order to have a little flow between washing and drying. Depending on the brand, period panties can be worn for up to 12 hours.

Which absorbent capacity to choose?

Choose your panty and its absorbent capacity according to the time of the cycle, the day (day / night) or the flow of the person. For example :

• for the start and end of the cycle or light flows: a panty for light to medium flow
• for heavy flow and at night: panties for heavy flow

Washing your period panties

The menstrual panties must be washed after each use, respecting these few precautions:

• after use, rinse the panties with cold water, until the water is clear;
• machine wash on a 30 ° C or 40 ° C cycle, preferably in a washing net to preserve the fabric;
• Preferably used a hypoallergenic and glycerin-free detergent, more respectful of the skin, but also for textile fibers. In the long run, glycerin ends up clogging the absorbent fibers and altering their effectiveness. For the same reasons, softeners and softeners are not recommended because they reduce the absorption capacity of fabrics. They can be replaced by white vinegar;
• air dry. Avoid the dryer which damages the textile fibers.