G.menstrual panties can solve the life of many women. But they are certainly not suitable for everyone, on every occasion and in every phase of the cycle (especially if abundant!). So here is a small guide to use them, certainly reducing the impact of menstruation on the environment, and also on the wallet.
What are menstrual panties and how to wash them
Menstrual panties, or cycle panties, look like comfortable panties or coulottes. But they are equipped with an absorbency system for the cycle that allows you to use them in place (or in addition!) Of normal disposable sanitary pads. They can be washed in the washing machine at 30 ° and without softener, after rinsing them well with cold water, because the hot one fixes protein stains such as blood.. They are allowed to air dry (dryer prohibited). And they are reused. They offer up to 12 hours of absorbency, depending on the flow. But plausibly they should be changed after 2-6 hours (depends on model and flow). They are for sale online but also in stores (for example, Lovable, Uniqlo And Primark).
AIRism Uniqlo Absorbent Briefs (press office)
How much it pollutes a menstrual cycle
We consider that most women have a 3/5 day period during their fertile life, which is around 40 years, or around 2,400 days. They typically consume between 8,000 and 17,000 (expensive) tampons or sanitary pads in their lifetime. Polluting material that ends up in the garbage. This is more than 10 kg of non-compostable material at least per person, which takes something like 500 years to decompose. About 20 billion menstrual products end up in landfills every year.
Sustainable choices (such as menstrual panties)
For this reason, and due to people’s growing attention to the sustainability of their choices, various solutions are taking place to avoid the use of disposables. In addition to menstrual panties, cups. Tools that, as shown by a survey by Intiminahave entered the habits of 58% of women during the pandemic period (93% said they intend to try them).
Saving is also economic
Like cups, menstrual briefs not only allow you to reduce the impact of your cycle on the environment but they also allow you to save. C.in fact, they cost from 7 euros to around 32 euros each but being reusable, they last for several cycles. The amount of waste and the estimated cost of using non-reusable menstrual products can be calculated using Greentimin while Lovable has created a “saving calculator”To measure the savings that using menstrual panties can allow.
Menstrual briefs for girls struggling with their first periods
Menstrual panties can help too girls struggling with their first cycles, when even going to the bathroom to change can get you upset. When you would like to use a tampon but don’t feel comfortable enough with your body. They may like a lot who plays sportsbecause they leave a lot of freedom of movement.
The Lovable Period Panties cycle briefs (press office photo)
Not just pros: here are the cons
The downsides? Someone is there. Changing is not easy, especially if you are wearing pants or long socks, since to change them you have to undress. If you are away from home for a long time, a waterproof bag for used ones is also a must.
“Obviously they must be washed carefully,” warns gynecologist Manuela Farris. “And even if the various companies that produce them ensure that comfort is maximum, there are no scientific studies on this. For women who are prone to allergies, they could be annoying. Certainly no more, on the other hand, than normal disposable sanitary towels ».
There are different types of menstrual panties on the market (Altroconsumo compared 5, evaluating that yes, they absorb quite well). And they can, for example, be used in conjunction with menstrual cups for additional, yet sustainable protection. In conclusion: you have to try them, to understand if you feel at ease: based on the intensity of the flow but also based on your character and lifestyle.
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