Period underwear might seem expensive, but when you consider that it can replace pads, cups, and tampons in the long term, the investment is worth it. “They can be a cheaper option than disposable period products over the long term,” said Tanouye. “They can also be more environmentally friendly than single-use disposable products for the same reason.” When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red. On lighter days, it may be pink or brown. Our period underwear testing was conducted in the Verywell Lab, with over 46 products under review. We consulted with several experts, including: Tampons are small tubes of cotton wool that you insert into your vagina to soak up the blood before it comes out of your body.

Why we love them: “I have to say - I was a little sceptical about strayed away from a longer-standing period pants brand in favour of a (albeit stalwart) high street label, but I was pleasantly surprised by M&S' period panties offering. While they're probably not quite as absorbent as they were sold to be, they suited me fine for WFH days and felt super comfortable. I also loved how high the legs have been cut on these period pants – it makes me feel a lot “sexier” than I usually feel on my period, and means they can't be seen under many styles of clothes. Tampons come with instructions that explain how to use them. If the tampon is inserted correctly, you should not be able to feel it inside you. If you can feel it or it hurts, it might not be in properly. Why we love them: “Period-proof bikinis bottoms? Really? I was sceptical. Nervous, actually. I was on holiday with my friends in the South of France, begrudgingly on my period, and desperate to get involved in water sports/swimming races without fear of leaking. The perfect time to put them to the test, some might say, but that didn't stop the fear. You can calculate when your period will start and your peak ovulation times using an online period calendar. Period underwear are pants made from absorbent fabric. They soak up blood in the same way as sanitary pads, and have a layer to prevent leaks. They're designed to be washed and reused. PMS (premenstrual syndrome)The OBGYNs and researchers we spoke to agreed that we are exposed to PFAS so often on a daily basis that using period underwear for a few days every month may not pose any additional risks to our health. "People are exposed to PFAS daily in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's impossible for us to avoid PFAS exposure in our daily lives. We don't need to be alarmed about the potential for health effects due to the use of Thinx products," Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT, Medical Toxicologist, Co-Medical Director, and Interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center told Verywell Health. Just like pads and tampons, period underwear is rated for light, moderate, heavy, or super flow. Manufacturers usually note how many tampons or pads each pair will absorb. A normal tampon or pad can hold approximately 1 teaspoon of blood or 5 milliliters.

When it comes to fabric, period underwear isn’t as straightforward as regular underwear. You’ll need to consider both the body material and the gusset material when you’re choosing the best pair for you. Your period can last between 2 and 7 days, but it will usually last for about 5 days. The bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first 2 days. Your periods will continue until you reach the menopause, which usually happens when you are in your mid-40s to mid-50s. In the UK the average age of menopause is 51. There are 2 types of tampon – ones that come with an applicator and others without an applicator that you insert with your fingers. In both cases, there's a string at one end of the tampon, which you pull to remove it.The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate any period products, so there is no way to know if period underwear or other menstrual products contain PFAS or other chemicals. Finally, consider your typical daily activities. Period underwear that is designed to absorb heavy flow during a long workout or jog might be overkill if you have a light flow and aren’t moving around a lot during the day. It is not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you. Your vagina holds it firmly in place and it expands inside you as it soaks up the blood. You'll lose about 20 to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood during your period, although some women bleed more heavily than this.